HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 cc836-7
31. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the issue of the British war medal has been authorised to all coastguards with 28 days' mobilised service, but is not allowed in the cases of more than a million of the land forces who served on the strength of recognised units in this country; and, in view of the sense of grievance caused by the distinction, will any steps be taken to bring about uniformity of policy between the Admiralty and the War Office in the matter of medals?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am afraid I can add nothing to the replies which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on Tuesday last.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that men of the Durham Light Infantry and of the Yorkshire Regiment, wounded in the naval bombardment of the Hartlepools, should get no recognition, whereas the coastguard who served at their side have it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If I could be quite sure that the extension of the War medal to the personnel of the coastal and antiaircraft batteries actually in action would not open the door to its extension to over a million men who did not go to the War, and were not under the fire of the enemy, I should be very glad to do what the hon. Member suggests.

Colonel BURDON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to add a bar for this to the ordinary War medal?

Mr. ROYCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to the men engaged on the East and North-East Coast?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir, but at the present time I am endeavouring to safeguard to those soldiers who went to the War the privilege and prerogative of wearing the War medal, and I am very much afraid of admitting anything which would lead to a large number of persons who never went to the War and thereby robbing those who did of their prerogative.

Colonel BURDON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men afterwards left the country and went to the War?

Mr. CHURCHILL

If they went to the War, they will have the opportunity of wearing the medal.

Colonel BURDON

Could not a clasp be granted for this particular service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

A Committee is sitting on the question of the issue of clasps. I do not think the brief contact of the German Fleet with the British Coast affords justification for a special clasp being struck.