World War II: Military Decorations
Defence
Mark Menzies (Fylde, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on awarding a Service Medal to former members of Bomber Command; and if he will make a statement.
Andrew Robathan (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans), Defence; South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Defence Ministers and their officials have received a number of representations in respect of awarding a Service Medal to Bomber Command veterans.
There is widespread admiration for the major contribution that the crews of Bomber Command made to the Allied victory in World War II and their commitment in the face of significant losses.
The coalition Government have agreed that there should be a fresh review of the rules governing the award of military medals. This is currently being undertaken by an independent lead, Sir John Holmes, in full consultation with interested parties. The independent review will make use of all the work undertaken as part of an earlier Ministry of Defence review, but will have a broader scope. It is anticipated that it will be completed by the end of the summer.