Permit me to point out that the MoD has no responsibility for the PJM, its recommendation, or its administration. And let me state that I agree completely with the previous correspondent, John Feltham of Australia's most cogent remarks. On umpteen occasions I have read, in weary disbelief, the oft-repeated mantra of some nameless MoD 'spokesperson', that the wearing of the PJM 'does not break any law and will not be policed'.
This specious statement does nothing to resolve the PJM controversy and indeed, projects a completely erroneous impression of wearability.
Defence Instruction and Notice - DIN 10-002 of January 2006 states, with great clarity, as follows:
"Wearing of medals after leaving the Service"
"Clause: 21. On leaving the Service personnel cease to be bound by these instructions but they are expected to conform to the general instructions published in the London Gazette and in particular not to add any order, decoration, medal or emblem to which they are not verifiably entitled or which has not been approved for acceptance and wear. The wearing of unauthorized awards is a grave discourtesy to Her Majesty The Queen."
Therefore, we must assume, that to the MoD mentality, it is infinitely preferable for thousands of veterans to engage in public displays of discourtesy to Her Majesty, than it is to suggest that the anomalous decision of an unelected, 8 man 'quango' should be reversed.
By persistent propagation of this misinformation, in flagrant denial of the facts, it would appear that the MoD is not merely condoning lack of courtesy to Her Majesty...it is, effectively, advocating it!
john fenton
Posted on 15 Mar 2008 11:10 am
Permit me to point out that the MoD has no responsibility for the PJM, its recommendation, or its administration. And let me state that I agree completely with the previous correspondent, John Feltham of Australia's most cogent remarks. On umpteen occasions I have read, in weary disbelief, the oft-repeated mantra of some nameless MoD 'spokesperson', that the wearing of the PJM 'does not break any law and will not be policed'.
This specious statement does nothing to resolve the PJM controversy and indeed, projects a completely erroneous impression of wearability.
Defence Instruction and Notice - DIN 10-002 of January 2006 states, with great clarity, as follows:
"Wearing of medals after leaving the Service"
"Clause: 21. On leaving the Service personnel cease to be bound by these instructions but they are expected to conform to the general instructions published in the London Gazette and in particular not to add any order, decoration, medal or emblem to which they are not verifiably entitled or which has not been approved for acceptance and wear. The wearing of unauthorized awards is a grave discourtesy to Her Majesty The Queen."
Therefore, we must assume, that to the MoD mentality, it is infinitely preferable for thousands of veterans to engage in public displays of discourtesy to Her Majesty, than it is to suggest that the anomalous decision of an unelected, 8 man 'quango' should be reversed.
By persistent propagation of this misinformation, in flagrant denial of the facts, it would appear that the MoD is not merely condoning lack of courtesy to Her Majesty...it is, effectively, advocating it!