HC Deb 03 October 1944 vol 403 c745
57. Major C. S. Taylor

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consider recommending to His Majesty that some special honour or designation should be granted to the British Airborne Forces, in recognition of the heroic deeds at Arnhem.

58. Mr. Mack

asked the Prime Minister if the Government will recommend the grant of a special medal or some appropriate honour to the heroes of Arnhem.

The Prime Minister

I do not think that the award of a special medal would be appropriate. Indeed, were such special distinction to be considered for this very gallant episode it would have to be considered with many other noble and memorable battles and actions that have taken place and may yet take place, at sea and in the air, as well as on land.

Major Taylor

Would my right hon. Friend consider recommending the designation "Royal British Airborne Forces" or something similar; and may I point out that the wording of the Question has been slightly varied? The Question should have read "at Arnhem and elsewhere."

The Prime Minister

I think that addition would have reduced the Question to an even more questionable form.