Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 July 2009.

Armed Forces: Campaign Medals

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to issue a campaign medal to recognise those who served in RAF Bomber Command in the Second World War.

Answer: The creation of medals is the prerogative of the Sovereign, taking advice from the inter-departmental, non-political, Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (known as the HD Committee), on which the Armed Forces are represented. World War Two medals were instituted for periods of military service in specified geographic areas and did not relate to individual battles, operations or military commands. Those who served in Bomber Command during the Second World War could qualify for one of the stars instituted for campaign service, for example the 1939-45 Star, the much prized Aircrew Europe Star, or the France and Germany Star. The issue of awarding a medal specifically to those who served in Bomber Command was considered at the time by the senior military commanders and the HD Committee but it was concluded that this was not appropriate. The HD Committee has a policy not to revisit cases for service performed many years previously or where medals already exist for specified periods of service, both of which apply for service in Bomber Command.

Secondary information