§ 59. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment among men who served in the Forces during the 1914–18 war, in capacities not carrying the right to wear ribbons, at his decision not to grant a special medal-ribbon; and whether he will consider the issue of a ribbon, marked 1914–18, to satisfy their desire of recognition?
§ Captain MargessonThe question of the grant of medals for service during the last war was very fully considered after the conclusion of hostilities, and it was decided that with one small exception such awards should be confined to those who served overseas. The difficulties which led to the refusal of a medal for home service generally have certainly not diminished with the passage of time, and it is clearly impracticable for me to re-open the matter now.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this small concession of allowing these men to have a label "1914–18" on their chests, if they so desired, would give them pleasure and satisfaction, and does he still persist in believing this is undesirable?
§ Captain MargessonAfter the long lapse of time, I do not think we can re-open the question, which has been gone into very fully during the last 20 years.