PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
World War II: Military Decorations (3 September 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in advance of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Air Crew Europe Star, in line with the Atlantic Star, to ensure that Bomber Command aircrew who have not received either a 1939-45 Star, nor a Bomber Command clasp, get recognition for their sacrifice and service during World War II.

Asked by:
Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative)

We have enormous admiration and respect for the unique contribution and sacrifice made by Bomber Command aircrew which has been recognised in various ways. Bomber Command aircrew serving after 5 June 1944 (the end date for award of the Air Crew Europe Star) were given recognition for their service in the form of the France and Germany Star.

Subsequently, in his independent Medals Review in 2012, Sir John Holmes concluded that Bomber Command had been treated inconsistently with those who served in Fighter Command, and his recommendation of the award of the clasp to Bomber Command air crew was to bring this Command into line with Fighter Command veterans who were awarded a Battle of Britain clasp to the 1939-45 Star, thus reflecting the significant contribution both made to defeating the Nazi threat.

In light of the above, we have no plans to revisit the issue of Medallic recognition for Bomber Command veterans, further to the findings of Sir John Holmes' review. It is a matter for the Advisory Military Sub Committee (AMSC) of the Committee on the Grants of Honours, Decorations and Medals, to whom a case regarding Bomber Command has been submitted, to determine whether they will give the issue further consideration.

Answered by:
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative)
9 September 2019