HC Deb 06 August 1919 vol 119 c344
26. Major Sir B. FALLE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Mercantile Marino Medal is to be awarded to men who served on British merchant ships in certain areas; and if this medal will also be given to Royal Navy ratings who served in such ships as gun crew or signalmen?

Dr. MACNAMARA

It is not intended that naval ratings should be eligible for the Mercantile Marine War Medal, the object of which is to recognise the services of the Mercantile Marine during the War, unless they have qualified for the medal by service in the Mercantile Marine apart from their service as a naval rating. Naval ratings who have served in merchant service vessels as gun's crews or signalmen will be eligible for other awards under the same conditions as naval ratings who have served in the Fleet, so that they will be at no disadvantage as compared with the latter.