Arctic Convoy and Bomber Command veterans to be honoured
Veterans of the Arctic Convoy campaign and Bomber Command will be awarded medals in recognition of their heroic efforts during the Second World War.
In Parliament today, the Prime Minister welcomed the conclusion of the second part of Sir John Holmes’ review into the rules and principles governing the award of military campaign medals.
As part of his review, which was requested by David Cameron, Sir John Holmes has recommended a new medal for veterans of the Arctic Convoys and a “clasp” for veterans of Bomber Command.
The Prime Minister has agreed that there is a case for the awards.
Veterans of the Arctic Convoy campaigns will get recognition with an Arctic Convoy Star medal. Meanwhile, the aircrew of Bomber Command who played such a vital role in the war will be awarded a Bomber Command clasp.
The Prime Minister said:
I’m very pleased that some of the brave men of the Arctic Convoys will get the recognition they so richly deserve for the very dangerous work they did.
On Bomber Command, Sir John concluded they have been treated inconsistently with those who served Fighter Command. He’s therefore recommended - and I also agree - that the heroic aircrews of Bomber Command should be awarded a Bomber Command clasp.
The Coalition Agreement included a commitment to review the rules surrounding the award of military campaign medals, as part of work to strengthen the military covenant.
The remainder of the second part of Sir John Holmes’ review will report back in the New Year, when the Ministry of Defence will also set out eligibility criteria for the medals and clasps.
External site: Review of military medals - April 2012
External site: Military Medals Review - Report by Sir John Holmes