golden jubilee medal

HAVING re-enlisted in the Grenadier Guards after being in civvy street for six years, I recently returned to reading Soldier.

Some of the Talkback letters over the past few months regarding the award of the Golden Jubilee Medal have really struck a chord with me.

I was serving around the time the decoration was introduced, but did not receive it due to the qualifying criteria [five years’ service in either the Regular or Territorial Army].

How can it be fair to gift Princes William and Harry with the medal and yet overlook those Service personnel who were actually in uniform at the time of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee?

Either the gifted medals should be withdrawn or the eligibility criteria should be extended to include all those who were serving in 2002. As things stand I feel cheated. – Name and address supplied.

"no valid reason for balkans veto"

IN Brig Mike Griffiths’s reply to my letter, “No valid reason for Balkans veto”, and that of a soldier serving in Lashkar Gah, “Campaign confusion” (December), he stated that medal policy is decided at the very highest level within the MoD.

No doubt this is the case, but there is one higher authority – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Should the Queen not have the final say on matters such as extending the eligibility criteria for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal [right] to include time served in Bosnia; whether or not UK personnel should be issued with a National Defence Medal, or whether eligible veterans should be allowed to officially wear the Pingat Jasa Malaysia? I am not asking for a referendum on these medal legacy issues, but it would be nice to know whether Her Majesty was actually consulted on these matters and furnished with the full facts.

Finally, the brigadier quite rightly suggests that we should all look forward [to ensure repeat service in Afghanistan is suitably recognised]. However, avoiding future anomalies and unfair medal policies should not be used as an excuse to forget the past. – A former Regular soldier.

veteran's badges sold on market stalls

I AM writing in response to the letter in December’s issue of Soldier regarding Veteran’s Badges being sold on market stalls.

The badge is issued by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency in recognition of a person’s service in the Armed Forces and has been extremely well received with more than 700,000 issued to date.

As the badge is gifted to the individual, it then becomes their property. Regrettably, this means that a small number of recipients choose to sell their badges, in the same way that some veterans sell their medals.

While we would never condone this action, there is no practical or legal way of preventing it. However, we do log the details of all genuine recipients so that multiple badge requests cannot be made. – Clare Ellis, Editor Veterans World, SPVA.

Medal motion seconded

Royal reward: Soldiers from 4th Battalion, The Rifles were presented with their Op Herrick medals by The Duchess of Cornwall at a ceremony in Bulford late last year. Serving as part of the Election Support Force, the riflemen endured a successful but gruelling five-month tour in southern Afghanistan. Three soldiers from the battalion were killed in action.
Picture: Sgt Dan Harmer, RLC

THE response given by Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer to the letter appealing for a second award for troops in Afghanistan, “Herrick heroes deserve double acclaim” (January), was accurate only in so far as it was confined to Malaya.

An example of two medals being awarded for the same campaign relates to the Brunei Revolt at the end of 1962.

The General Service Medal (for members of the Army and Royal Air Force) and the Naval General Service Medal (for Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel) were awarded with a Brunei clasp for the Revolt from December 8 to December 23, 1962.

Thereafter, the campaign service medal was awarded to all three Services and, to reflect the development of the conflict, a Borneo clasp was attached.

Those involved in the initial thrust who stayed in theatre beyond Christmas 1962 received two medals for the same active service, as did those who returned for subsequent tours.

When the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM) was instituted I doubt that it was envisaged just what the Armed Forces would face in the future.

Given the exceptionally difficult circumstances encountered in Afghanistan, and Iraq previously, it might be appropriate to review the eligibility criteria for the ACSM.

Alternatively, an emblem – reflecting repeat six-month tours – could be issued to adorn both the ribbon and medal of the Operational Service Medal. – Wg Cdr Colin Cummings, Yelvertoft, Northants.

Herrick heroes deserve double acclaim

IT STRIKES me as odd that personnel who serve in Afghanistan and are awarded the Operational Service Medal (OSM) and the Nato Isaf medal are only allowed to wear the former. The latter is considered as a keepsake, on the grounds that a British campaign medal has been issued for the theatre.

During the Korean War eligible troops were awarded a campaign medal and the UN Korea Medal, and personnel were given permission to wear both. With that in mind, can anyone explain the logic being applied to the Afghan theatre?

I often see Op Herrick being referred to as the toughest campaign the Army has fought since Korea.

If that is the case then surely our boys and girls deserve to wear two gongs. No one could dispute that they have earned the right to do so.

There are a few other examples of double decorations being awarded for the same operation and of their recipients being granted permission to wear both.

I believe a number of personnel serving in Malaysia during the transition from the 1918 General Service Medal (GSM) to the 1962 GSM received, and were allowed to wear, both campaign medals.

More recently, personnel who served in Bosnia during the switch from a UN to a Nato-led mission were given two medals and were again allowed to display both on their uniforms.

Surely the intensity of the campaign in Afghanistan provides reasonable justification for a double award. After all, is this not the “war of our generation”, just as Korea was to those fighting in the 1950s? – Name and address supplied.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, Medal Office, responds: Admittedly these are examples of double decorations.
Korea was as a result of the UN being a fledgling organisation with no history or precedence of issuing medals. Consequently, the UK chose to recognise the conflict and authorised a medal. The UN medal was unexpected.
Malaya is different. It is most unlikely that a person would receive two medals for the same campaign, even with a change of monarchs. However, it is possible that a GSM 1918 with clasp Malaya was awarded for service prior to July 1960, and then later the same recipient earned the GSM Malay Peninsular for service between August 1964 and June 1965.
The rationale was somewhat stretched in the Balkans when the UN mandate was handed over to Nato. At the time it was considered to be two separate campaigns.
For Afghanistan the OSM was instituted to recognise the service of our soldiers. Thereby, as opposed to an unnamed Nato medal, the decoration issued is silver and engraved with the service details.
This award has the added bonus of automatically allowing time to be accrued towards the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.

queen issuing medals to family

HOW mean of Terence Wise (Talkback, November) to suggest that there was something wrong in the Queen issuing members of her own family – including Princes Harry and William – with the Golden Jubilee Medal.

Princess Anne has a long history of service to the Armed Forces, including the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Royal Navy and The Blues and Royals.

And so what if, like many in the Services and the majority of the population, Prince Edward is not up to the standards of a Royal Marines Commando. Most people would say “good on him” for trying. He continues to hold many Royal appointments, including with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Wessex Yeomanry.

In fact, every member of the Royal family does their bit in support of our Servicemen and women, their families, veterans and Service charities, not just in the UK but across the Commonwealth. If they are awarded medals as they do this, they should wear them with pride. – John Warner, Alsager.

disgusted that badge is sold by traders

I AM extremely disgusted that the Veteran’s Badge is being sold by traders in various markets in the north west.

I was awarded the badge for 37 years of service and was, up until recently, proud to wear it in public, at reunions and on parades. Not so now that is has been made a mockery of by those selling the badge for £8-£15 to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Those responsible for issuing the Veteran’s Badge [pictured above] should stand up and be counted and prevent this from happening. – Benny Ball, Shotton and Deeside Branch, Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association.

‘No valid reason for Balkans veto’

Forgotten fight?: A soldier from 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment’s support company deploys on Nato duty in Bosnia in 1996

I APPRECIATE that the issue of whether time served with Nato in the Balkans should qualify towards the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM) was recently featured in Soldier, but feel the answer given as to why it does not lacked credibility and sound reasoning.

Lack of risk and vigour and poor Nato bookkeeping were quoted. Many would argue against the first statement, especially when compared to periods of the operation in Northern Ireland, during which bars were awarded to the ACSM for those on long static postings.

I, like others, have kept records of my tours in the Balkans and am sure that units have done so as well. With this in mind, why can’t applications be considered on a case-by-case basis with personnel submitting their own records?

Who actually makes the decisions when it comes to broadening the qualifying criteria for existing medals such as the ACSM? It strikes me that those in the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency’s medal office are rather work-shy in this area and appear to put more effort into resisting changes. New decorations, such as the proposed National Defence Medal, seem to be frowned on by the organisation, even though the Queen has sanctioned a similar award for Australia’s Armed Forces.

Her Majesty approved the wearing of Nato medals a long time ago so I just cannot understand the reluctance of some within the MoD to allow the same service to count towards the ACSM. – A former Regular soldier.

Brig Mike Griffiths, DPS(A), responds: Medal policy is approved at the very highest level.
The MoD’s medal office merely enacts the policy of the three Services and has nothing to do with the final decision.
Balkan tours were considered by the Chiefs of Staff in 2000 and again in 2004 and on both occasions the decision was that this service would not count towards the ACSM.
As has been stated on many occasions in Soldier, there were six medals issued for service in the Balkans with several also accumulating numerals to reflect repeat service.
Service in the region has been recognised, just not with the ACSM.
Finally, rather than looking backwards, spare a thought for those who have joined the British Army more recently.
Many of today’s soldiers can look forward to repeat tours in southern Afghanistan with the prospect of earning a single Operational Service Medal until they have accumulated 1,080 days towards their ACSM.
I would suggest that it is here where we should look (and the chain of command is doing so) to ensure repeat service is appropriately recognised.

Campaign confusion

I RECENTLY phoned the Joint Personnel Administration Centre to enquire whether or not service on Operation Granby (Gulf War) counts towards the ACSM [pictured above].

Having already been issued with the medal, I believed that I would soon be entitled to the decoration’s clasp, but was informed that my time in the Gulf would not be taken into account. I was told that only Operational and General Service Medals contribute to the award of the ACSM. I then sought confirmation on the status of the Gulf War gong and was told that is was defined as a campaign medal.

Confused? If the Gulf War medal is a campaign medal, then why does it not qualify for the ACSM?
No doubt there will be a wonderful brigadier who can offer some words of explanation without actually confirming my point. – A soldier serving in Lashkar Gah.

Brig Mike Griffiths, DPS(A), replies: You are right, the names do not stack up. However, the decision on what counts towards the ACSM was made at the highest levels within the MoD and Operation Granby was not included.
This was because the “war” medal was for a specified period of a short duration. The current Defence Council Instruction clearly states what is in and what is out regarding service that counts towards the ACSM. Joint Services Personnel 761, Honours and Awards in the Armed Forces, is currently under review in order to make matters clearer.

disgusted that badge is sold by traders

I AM extremely disgusted that the Veteran’s Badge is being sold by traders in various markets in the north west.

I was awarded the badge for 37 years of service and was, up until recently, proud to wear it in public, at reunions and on parades. Not so now that is has been made a mockery of by those selling the badge for £8-£15 to any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Those responsible for issuing the Veteran’s Badge [pictured above] should stand up and be counted and prevent this from happening. – Benny Ball, Shotton and Deeside Branch, Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association.

"stamp out bling and buy"

IN a letter about commemorative medals, “Stamp out bling and buy” (August), Kevin Walker stated his anger at those who wear medals they are not entitled to and made specific reference to the Golden Jubilee Medal [right].

Does Mr Walker realise that Princes William and Harry did not qualify for the award but were gifted the decoration by the Queen?

I’d also like to point out that Princess Anne has a chest full of medals but has never served in the Armed Forces. And Prince Edward, who failed to complete his Royal Marines officer training, seems to have begun collecting a number of medals.

I am proud to say my son did complete his training to become a Royal Marines Commando and that he has since completed two operational tours in Afghanistan.

For all the moaning about “bling”, I find it odd that no one has yet made reference to members of our Royal Family who, I hasten to add, I have a lot of respect for. – Terence Wise

volunteer reserve service medal

I READ with interest a letter stating that the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM) can be gained with broken service, Talkback (September).

In my opinion, a commanding officer – who is only in post for two years – should not have a say in whether an individual receives the award [pictured right] and personnel should have to wait, as I did, a full ten years to qualify. – Name and address supplied.

stamp out bling

I FULLY agree with Kevin Walker’s opinion that no one should wear medals that they are not entitled to, “Stamp out ‘bling’ and buy” (August). The Golden Jubilee Medal was and always will be a controversial award in the eyes of ex-Service personnel.

I, and many like me, thought the medal should have been issued to all those who have served during Her Majesty’s reign.

Let’s not forget the Silver Jubilee Medal was issued on the whim of commanding officers and needless to say thousands missed out!

Still we can always send for the Government’s cheaper alternative – the Veteran’s Badge. – Mr R K Toon.

are we allowed to wear the medal

FOLLOWING the decision in August to grant Nato personnel permission to stay in Iraq, can you advise whether those British soldiers who do so will be allowed to wear the Nato Training Mission (Iraq) medal. If not, will a new decoration be struck for personnel who remain in theatre? – Name and address supplied.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, Medal Office, writes: I have confirmed with PJHQ that Op Telic has not ceased. Therefore, those very few personnel still in Iraq will qualify for the Iraq medal [pictured above].
If they have already received it, the time served will accrue towards the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal. There is no permission to wear Nato medals earned in Iraq or Afghanistan.

is this permissable to wear

DURING service in Afghanistan individuals receive both the Operational Service Medal (OSM) and a Non-Article 5 Isaf medal. While the OSM can be worn on Service dress, the second award cannot. All troops understand and accept this.

Confusion arises when some individuals wear the Non-Article 5 medal on their mess dress. Is this permissible?

Irrelevant of the answer it would be beneficial for all readers to know in order that they can ensure they display only those medals they are entitled to wear. – Name and address supplied.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, Medal Office, writes: The Non-Article 5 Isaf medal is a commemorative keepsake. It is not to be worn either on Service dress or mess kit.

subject of medals will always be an emotive one

THE subject of medals is and will always be an emotive one to those who have not received what they believe they are entitled to.

The Reserve Forces now awards a tri-Service long service medal – the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM). The VRSM does away with the outdated use of post-nominals by officers – a subject of much contention in the past. The qualifying service for the VRSM does not have to be continuous and breaks of up to three years are allowed. However, a unit CO still has to recommend the individual for the award.

The Regular Forces should follow the Reserves and introduce a tri-Service award for long service, with qualifying criteria to suit full-time service.

The Canadian Armed Forces introduced such a medal in 1949 – the Canadian Forces Decoration – and in 1998 the Australian Armed Forces instituted the Defence Service Long Service Medal. – Maj J Hurst, R Welsh (V).

Short fuse over gong

I SERVED in the Army for 12 years during the 1960s and 70s and left the Service with no medals.

Five of my years in uniform were spent with a bomb disposal unit which had never officially been “stood down” post-1945 due to the continued need to dispose of German ordnance.

If anything the unit’s taskings became more dangerous as the years passed, with unexploded bombs becoming increasingly unstable.

I, along with many others, faced daily dangers just as life-threatening as those encountered in operational theatres, but apparently deserve nothing for my efforts.

The General Service Medal with bomb and mine clearance clasp was awarded to bomb disposal units from 1945-49. Why was the award discontinued when the dangerous work it recognised continues to this very day?

I volunteered to serve my country and it would be nice to have a tangible symbol of my service to pass on to my sons, as my grandfather did to me. – Ex-sapper R Robinson, Uckfield, East Sussex.

a symbol of the nation's gratitude

CREDIT where credit is due, the MoD has announced it will give a symbol of the nation’s gratitude to the families of fallen soldiers in the form of the Elizabeth Cross.

Would it be too much to ask them to spare a thought for the living? Now is the time to ensure no veteran of any era is cast to the sidelines without any official medal to proudly wear on parade. Now is the time to follow the lead of our Commonwealth cousins and issue a Defence Medal to all. – Tony Morland, Salisbury.

Stamp out ‘bling’ and buy

I HAVE read with interest the many letters which have appeared on these pages regarding the wearing of “bling”.

During 15 years of service I was presented with medals – awards I am entitled to and have earned.

Therefore I get very angry when I see others wearing medals on Remembrance Sunday that they have purchased.

Many ex-Servicemen now seem to be buying the Golden Jubilee Medal [pictured above] and wearing it alongside any official medals.

They have no right to do so. As they were not officially awarded the medal it should be worn on their right chest next to other paid-for commemoratives.

With the number of medals now on display, some individuals will soon resemble Russian generals of old.

Buying medals demeans all of those who have been officially decorated. – Kevin Walker, County Antrim.

Short fuse over gong

I SERVED in the Army for 12 years during the 1960s and 70s and left the Service with no medals.

Five of my years in uniform were spent with a bomb disposal unit which had never officially been “stood down” post-1945 due to the continued need to dispose of German ordnance.

If anything the unit’s taskings became more dangerous as the years passed, with unexploded bombs becoming increasingly unstable.

I, along with many others, faced daily dangers just as life-threatening as those encountered in operational theatres, but apparently deserve nothing for my efforts.

The General Service Medal with bomb and mine clearance clasp was awarded to bomb disposal units from 1945-49. Why was the award discontinued when the dangerous work it recognised continues to this very day?

I volunteered to serve my country and it would be nice to have a tangible symbol of my service to pass on to my sons, as my grandfather did to me. – Ex-sapper R Robinson, Uckfield, East Sussex.

Pingat Jasa Malaysia

I APPRECIATE that a great deal has already been said about the Pingat Jasa Malaysia, pictured above, and that the official line from the Medal Office is that it represents a double award because its recipients were also given a General Service Medal.

However, this has not stopped the Queen granting permission to wear the medal to personnel from other Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand. – George Munro, ex-Para, Shropshire.

“Our wounded personnel have earned their stripes”

Man down: Troops from 11 Light Brigade’s Brigade Reconnaissance Force evacuate a simulated casualty during pre-deployment training in South Africa
Picture: Steve Dock

I FULLY support the views of Maj Botsford, “Our wounded personnel have earned their stripes” (May), and believe that those killed or injured while serving their country are not properly recognised.

A medal of some description should be sanctioned as soon as possible.

MPs from all parties claim to support our troops and are always saying how proud they are of them, so it’s about time they all got together and did a little bit extra for our wounded personnel. – Jimmy Downey, ex-RAOC (1965-87).

Concept of ‘close shave’ redefined

I’M sure that the paying customers of your magazine are sick to the back teeth of reading about medals, commemorative or otherwise.

For those who did not get to read March’s issue, a letter from Mr Walter Rimmer states “…many Armed Forces personnel who spent time in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan served behind the front line but were still decorated”.

Bizarrely, Mr Rimmer then goes on to justify Cold War veterans being worthy of receiving a medal, writing “we were on constant alert and did many exercises on the border” and “Royal Air Force pilots flew with their aircraft armed and had many a close shave near the border”.

I do not wish to debate this particular issue, but I do wish to vent my anger at such statements. In light of the tragic loss of two Royal Engineers in Northern Ireland, Soldier readers will undoubtedly be aware that because Op Banner is no more, the General Service Medal is no longer issued for this theatre.

And yet as a result of recent events, the threat very much remains. Moreover, having watched all the memorial service coverage on the news channels and seeing all of the extra security checks that were taking place, I feel that this puts the very idea of “many a close shave” firmly into perspective.

The fact is that be it behind or on the front line with bayonets fixed, we are all part of an organisation that is always on alert and unequivocally as integral as each other.

For those of you who feel you deserve recognition, campaign by all means, but please do not keep bringing it here.

More importantly, never attempt to play down the seriousness of being behind the front line in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq or Afghanistan.

There are many rear echelon personnel who have lost their lives as a result of hostile action in every one of these conflicts. – SSgt Paul Martin, 73 Avn Sqn.

Time to reward return tours

I’M writing to ask why, on completion of a tour, we are given Nato medals which we are not allowed to wear. What a waste of money!

This money could be better spent on a bar for existing awards or a second official medal to reward those who complete return visits to theatres such as Afghanistan.

I’ve deployed to Afghanistan several times, on Op Fingal and Op Herrick, but only have one medal. Why not give the guys recognition for the number of tours completed in a theatre where contacts are frequent? – Name and address supplied.

Brig Mike Griffiths, DPS(A), responds: Great care is given to the formulation of medal policy.
When there is no British medal for a campaign and a suitable allied award is issued, permission is given to accept and wear that medal.
In Afghanistan there is a British medal for the theatre. So the Nato Isaf medal, if received, may be retained only as a keepsake.
Currently repeat tours are recognised by the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (pictured). This is a valued award indicating at least three years of operational service. The matter of recognition for repeat tours, and the nature of clasps, is under consideration by the three Services.
Whatever is decided we must preserve the clarity, coherence and accurate administration of our medal policy. The expense involved is not great; the key is not to cheapen our medals as that would be costly to our reputation.

Recommendation long overdue

I SPENT 11 years in the British Army and five in the Royal Navy and believe this accumulated service should qualify for the Long Service and Good Conduct medal (LS&GC).

While I know that both Services have a different medal and ribbon, why can’t the LS&GC be awarded in the respective style of the individual’s current post? I qualified for a 16-year pension, so why can’t the same rules apply to this medal?

It is not uncommon for a person to transfer or enlist into another service and the issues of pay, entitlements and qualification for awards should be addressed for those who do serve across the Forces. A combination of a lack of support and knowledge at APC Glasgow contributed to my recommendation for the award not arriving on my colonel’s desk before I left the Army. If I was originally entitled to the medal, can it still be awarded even though I am now a civilian? – Ex-Cpl J Savory, AGC.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, Medal Office, writes: The LS&GC (pictured) is awarded to serving personnel, on the recommendation of their commanding officer. As you’re no longer serving, I regret to inform you that you are ineligible for the award.

WEAR your blazers and ties

I VISIT the Soldier website now and again and read through all the entries concerning “bling”, National Service and a lack of medals. I know it’s frustrating, but we have to look at the bigger picture and realise that the MoD will never sanction the approval of a National Defence Medal. It’s time we got used to the idea. Wear your blazers and ties and be happy with that. – Daniel Riccio, Liverpool.

i would like something that recognises my efforts

I SERVED for nine years in the Royal Air Force and have read with interest the Talkback letters regarding so-called “bling” medals.

I was awarded a General Service Medal (GSM) for my time in South Arabia in 1966/67. Of my time in uniform as an RAF policeman and dog handler, I spent five years overseas – having twice been posted to Germany and once to Aden.

I wear my GSM with pride, but it does not recognise the part I played in Aden. Is it any wonder that ex-Servicemen purchase commemoratives? I don’t have any “bling” medals, but would like something on the end of a ribbon to recognise my efforts rather than a cheap machine-pressed badge that tells people nothing more than that its wearer was a member of the Armed Forces.

I’ve been approached by members of the public who have no idea what the Veteran’s Badge is, which just about reflects its importance to those who have not served. – Mel Price, ex-RAF.

distinguished conduct medal

AM I the last serving recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)? I was awarded the medal in December 1981.
– Capt E D Williams.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, Medal Office, replies: It looks as though Capt Williams is the last serving DCM recipient in the Regular Army. A Capt Meredith was awarded a DCM during Op Corporate and is recorded as currently serving in the Volunteer Reserves.

Veteran's badge is manifestly inadequate

THE sudden and savage murders of two soldiers in Northern Ireland highlights that the Veteran’s Badge issued by the MoD to denote military service is manifestly inadequate.

This is an instance in which a National Defence Medal would allow a proper and meaningful token of official sympathy to be presented to the families of the slain men.
It is right and proper that Service personnel should be seen as undergoing risk and rigour as part of their normal routine. I doubt if any other occupation carries anything like the casualty rates of those in uniform. It is time for the National Defence Medal to be made available to those Britons that serve and have served. – Gerry Peck, Queensland, Australia.

Copy Kiwi quick fix

I HAVE read with interest the ongoing debate over British veterans’ medal grievances. New Zealand was in the same situation several years ago but a clear-headed, sensible approach has turned the situation around.

Our award decision makers have listened to our veteran associations and documents with names like “memorandum of understanding” have taken the place of an air of bitterness and resentment.

New Zealand nuclear test veterans, Korea Service personnel and Vietnam vets are now happy. As are our Malaysian and Borneo veterans. Wide ranging reviews including the appropriateness of striking a New Zealand Defence Medal are under way and this is supported by the current government.

I feel a bit sorry for the Queen, whom we all served. She must be confused why no one in the UK is asking her to sign off on resolving medal issues – a request long ago lodged in other parts of her dominion.

There is not an unofficial commemorative medal to be seen on Anzac Day.

Perhaps the MoD needs to consider a fresh approach to dealing with its proud veterans’ grievances. – Glen Hughes, Amberley, New Zealand.

Do as they do Down Under

TO say that medals are only awarded for campaigns and bravery – as suggested by WO2 Dobner (Talkback, January) – is simply not true. A quick check on the criteria for the General Service Medal, which was issued to all ranks and arms at the end of the Second World War, proves otherwise.

The warrant officer’s assumption that medals are of no consequence is also fallacious, as has been shown here in Australia.

The Australian National Defence Medal has been acclaimed to such a degree that it has been applied for posthumously by relatives of deceased veterans. Once verified, these awards have been made with due ceremony if required.
Surely if it’s deemed appropriate to award an 85p bauble to all UK veterans, it would be far more indicative of real appreciation if a National Defence Medal were issued.

How would such a medal, given in recognition of loyal service, demean any other award? On the contrary it would ensure all ranks participated in the wearing of medals instead of just a select few.

Britain’s Nato allies have a Defence Medal, while Commonwealth nations such as Australia and Canada were so determined to have one that they opted out of the Imperial awards scheme to ensure that one was granted. The Queen was gracious enough to honour the wish of the governments concerned without demur or delay.

WO2 Dobner is of course entitled to his opinion, but it is one that I believe belittles those that have had to stand to for Queen and Country. As does the rather sneering comment about the “Ski Lodge Cross” for service in the British Army of the Rhine.

Think for a moment of those unfortunates that are suffering because of exposure to radiation from the nuclear tests at Maralinga and Christmas Island. Don’t they warrant a medal?

I myself served in situations where I was fully aware that my poor backside was sat right at the very top of the Warsaw Pact’s hit list. It is not for me to say that I deserve a medal, but I can certainly say that I want one. – Mr G Peck, Queensland, Australia.

Time for a Korea change

LATE last year Dr Mike Kelly, Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, announced a review dealing with the recommendations for the striking of a new Australian General Service Medal (AGSM) Korea and the Returned from Active Service Badge.

In both cases, the eligibility criteria for former Australian Defence Force personnel who served during operations in Korea in the post-armistice period from July 28, 1953 to April 19, 1956 is 30 days. The cut-off date of April 19, 1956 was chosen because it was on that day the last Australian combat troops were withdrawn from Korea. The last British combat troops, from 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, were not withdrawn until July 26, 1957.

Of the AGSM Korea, Dr Kelly said: “The conditions under which these people served were at least as arduous and dangerous as the many subsequent operations which have attracted similar recognition, and 18 members lost their lives while engaged in this service.

These proud Servicemen deserve the gratitude of our nation for their contribution to world peace in one of the more dangerous international situations since the Second World War, which had the potential to escalate into a nuclear confrontation. I salute them and am delighted that the Rudd Labour Government has been able to help them achieve resolution to their cause, which should have happened long before now.”

Canada, New Zealand and the United States have also awarded medals to their Armed Forces personnel who served post-armistice.

Only Great Britain has failed to accord the same or similar honour to its Armed Forces – even though they served alongside their Commonwealth and American allies in Korea during this period – and, more remarkably, has no intention of doing so. – Richard Farrar (ex-1 Royal Sussex Regiment), Ontario, Canada.

wearing a uniform does not automatically get you a medal

I’D like to point out to ex-Service personnel that wearing a uniform does not automatically get you a medal.
In the autumn of 1975, 14 Royal Green Jacket Army Cadets were hit by a motor vehicle on the outskirts of Banbury, Oxford. Of the 14, only four made it into the Services. The rest suffered serious mental or physical injuries. These lads have got on with life and do not moan. We can’t march on Remembrance Sunday, we can’t attend RGJ reunions and we did not get medals. But we did see pure carnage and plenty of blood, only to be told “you were only children.” – G Kibblewhite, Banbury, Oxford.

not everyone received medals

WHILE medals are awarded for taking part in campaigns and for acts of gallantry, they’re also issued for reasons such as long service and royal occasions. Not everybody received these latter medals, which has helped to create a feeling of dissatisfaction among some veterans. If a National Defence Medal was awarded then I do not see how it would demean those risking their lives on operations, past or present, as every ribbon tells its own story. – Mark Iles, ex-Regular.

wearing of the pingat jasa malaysia medal

I BEG to differ with Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer’s reply to a letter regarding the wearing of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medal. I fear the colonel’s dates are incorrect.

He stated that the medal represents a double award because “barring the gap between July 1960 and December 1962, all recipients of the PJM were also awarded a General Service Medal (GSM)”.

However, Singapore service dates for the PJM were August 31, 1957 until August 9, 1965. I served from March 1960 until July 1962 in Singapore and am not entitled to a GSM. – Mr L R Danby, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

remarkable story of harry patch

I RECENTLY read the remarkable story of Harry Patch. As the last fighting Tommy from the First World War he immediately evokes respect and admiration. I also noticed that he wears his commemorative medals with pride, both his National Service Medal and the Hors de Combat to recognise the wounds he sustained in the line of duty.

Having closely followed the “bling” debate, it struck me how those who argue there is no place for commemoratives would make this point to Harry.

I’ve never been a fan of commemoratives and believe we should have a more inclusive official awards system for our Forces.

But while we wait for our country to do the right thing by its veterans, I don’t think we can criticise those who chose to wear symbols that demonstrate their willingness to step up to the mark for the nation’s security. – Tony Morland, Salisbury.

Cold War medal freeze is unjust

I MUST take issue with WO2 M J Dobner over his comments regarding ex-Servicemen complaining about lack of recognition for their service (Talkback, January). I, like many others, served in the British Army of the Rhine during the Cold War – a very tense time.

While I agree that medals should be awarded for bravery during military campaigns, many Armed Forces personnel who spent time in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan served behind the front line but were still decorated. During the Cold War we were on constant alert and did many exercises on the border between the east and west – where trouble could have broken out at any time.

Royal Air Force pilots flew with their aircraft armed and had many a close shave near the border.

Yes, medals don’t make the person and wearing headdress and blazer is an honour in its own right, but we still deserve visual recognition for the fact that we served during a war. – Walter Rimmer, York.

ongoing row over medals

I WOULD like to comment on the ongoing row over medals (Talkback, recent issues). Like thousands of other British Army veterans I was never awarded a medal, even though I saw active service in North Africa and Egypt from 1947 to 1949.
I didn’t know about the Veteran’s Badge until recently and am encouraged that at least now I have something to show for my service. – Mr G Coster, Shrewsbury.
See Commemorative clarification

award of the osm Afghanistan and nato non article 5 medals

I’D like to expand on my response to a letter enquiring about the criteria for the award of the OSM Afghanistan and Nato Non Article 5 medals, “Afghan award ambiguity” (January).
While the advice given on the latter was correct, I failed to explain there is no permission to accept, and therefore wear the medal (see Annex A to Chapter 8, JSP 761). It is perhaps timely to also point out that miniatures reflect honours, decorations and medals earned and authorised to wear. On this basis the Nato ISAF miniature has no place in a miniature collection. – Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, SO1 Medal Office.

National defence medal

I JOINED up as a 15-year-old in 1953 and, while I harboured no thoughts of glory per se, I was quietly confident that I would cope with whatever I was called on to do.
I wore my uniform with pride and went where sent, mourned my lost career when I was medically downgraded and reluctantly left the Army after 12 years of service.
Having never been sent anywhere which qualified for a medal, all I now have is a small badge to wear, with “instructions” as to where and when.
A National Defence Medal would recognise those who were there if needed. The UK is fast becoming the only country in the world that refuses to adorn its veterans with a dignified and worthy sign of appreciation. It is time to bring all of us in from the cold. – Ex-soldier, Gerry Peck.

More than just beer and bratwursts

I’VE been reading with interest and agreeing with the letters from those calling for the issue of a medal for service in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) during the Cold War years.

There seems to be some confusion on behalf of younger soldiers that the Germany of the past was like the Germany of today.

I served in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment (sadly no longer with us) for a total of six years prior to transferring to the Royal Air Force.

Four-and-a-half of those years were spent in Germany and, as the Cold War was in full swing, a minimum of eight months a year were spent preparing for
war with the Warsaw Pact.

The regiment also had to help guard supplies of munitions – stockpiled in case of conflict – and conduct security duties along the Berlin Wall.

The threat of invasion also meant that there were restrictions placed on block
leave with a minimum of 50 per cent manning required at all time.

I know soldiers who spent 12 years in Germany and have nothing to show for their service, even though they worked hard for their country and were separated from friends and family.

While soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan endure extreme and exhausting conditions and face danger on a daily basis, life in Germany during the 1980s was certainly no Oktoberfest, so why shouldn’t service there be recognised with a medal?

Does the MoD consider the years spent protecting the interests of the UK in Germany a waste of time and not worthy of mention? – Sgt John Anstee, MPGS, Poole.

Commemorative clarification

I ATTENDED a Remembrance Day service at the British Embassy in Bangkok where the guest of honour, Princess Alexandra, showed a keen and knowledgeable interest in people’s medals.

This sparked a number of comments from both members of the Royal British Legion and from Poppy Travel [a battlefield tour group from England] about the UK’s medals policy. Among the medals and ideas discussed were:
• What is the latest ruling as to the wearing of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia [PJM – the Malaysian War medal]?

• National Defence medal. The Queen has approved an official medal for the Australians, so why not us? Did somebody forget to ask her?

• British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) medal. Again, the Queen has approved this medal for another nation (Canada), so why doesn’t the same reasoning and policy apply to us Brits?

• Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM). Why does Nato service in the Balkans not count towards this medal? The Queen approved the wearing of Nato Balkan medals so why is the time not recognised? The “risk and rigour” elements of that era in the Balkans were greater than that experienced in Northern Ireland during the same period.

• Nato Non Article 5 medal. Why is this not allowed to be worn by those who have another Balkans Nato medal (awarded on a different tour)? This medal was struck in recognition of a different phase in the Balkans (as confirmed by the change in operation title from Palatine to Oculus).

• Iraq medal. Why, post 2003, does this medal not have a bar/clasp? The dangers faced since have been just as hazardous as during the invasion of Iraq.

• Finally, how about issuing a Long Service medal without the Good Conduct part? Wishful thinking perhaps, but while many have been far from saints they have still served the country faithfully over a long period of time.

– Markes Iles, Royal British Legion member.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, SO2 Medal Office, responds: I’ll tackle your questions in the order in which you asked them.
• The Queen has not authorised the wearing of the PJM. The main issue surrounds the fact that it represents a double award for the same period of service. Barring the gap between July 1960 and December 1962, all recipients of the PJM were also awarded a General Service Medal.

• There are no plans to institute a National Defence or BAOR medal.

• ACSM. The issue of including Balkan service has been considered on at least two occasions by the Chiefs of Staff, and on both occasions it was turned down. All three Services felt that the quality of records held by Nato was poor, and therefore it would be almost impossible to administer accurately and fairly.

• Nato Non Article 5. The rules governing the award criteria for this medal were set by Nato, as indeed they are for all Nato medals.

• The award criteria of the Iraq Medal was agreed by the three Services. Although minor amendments were made in 2005 (DIN01-009), no changes to the clasp were considered necessary.

• Long Service and Good Conduct medal. This was instituted in the reign of King William IV by Royal Warrant (dated July 30, 1830). The award represents its title – a medal to recognise long service and good conduct.

Afghan award ambiguity

I’D be grateful if someone could clarify the criteria for the award of the Operational Service Medal (OSM) Afghanistan.

My understanding is that on completion of a minimum of 30-days’ service you are awarded both the OSM and a Non Article 5 Nato medal.

Does this 30-day period have to be continuous or can it be accumulated?
My current unit deploys to Afghanistan three to four times a year on various taskings and serves at many different locations across the country. In a 12-month period it is likely that we have accumulated somewhere around 60 days in theatre although our deployments are only two to three weeks in length.

I understand that there are soon to be changes made to the qualifying criteria. What are they and are my colleagues and I entitled to either of the Afghanistan medals? – Name and address supplied.

Lt Col (Retd) Peter Lockyer, SO1 Medal Office, responds: There is no confusion over the eligibility criteria for either the OSM Afghanistan or the Non Article 5 Nato medal Isaf operation in Afghanistan.
For the former, all relevant details can be obtained from JSP 761, Chapter 8, Annex A.
In principle, to qualify for the OSM requires 30 continuous days’ service under the command of the UK Joint Task Force commander in the Joint Operational Area, and being within a specific location on a designated operation.
During the early days of deployment there were slight differences to this, which are detailed in JSP 761.
For the latter, Nato rules are somewhat relaxed and the qualifying period is 30-days’ continuous or accumulated service from June 1, 2003. There are no plans to change the award criteria.

medals are awarded for taking part in military campaigns

WITH reference to those complaining about not having any medals and no visible recognition of their service, I wish to clarify a few things.

Firstly, medals are awarded for taking part in military campaigns, often in adverse and dangerous conditions, or for acts of gallantry. To suggest that someone deserves a medal for serving in the British Army of the Rhine (may I suggest the “Ski Lodge Cross”) demeans those who have or continue to risk their lives on ops.

Secondly, medals don’t make the person – no ex-soldier should feel embarrassed about having nothing on their chest. Having worn the uniform and served your country well means much more.

Finally, wearing your regimental headdress or blazer every Remembrance Day and being able to remember those who were not fortunate enough to survive is an honour in its own right. – WO2 M J Dobner, 2 RTR, Bovington.