HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 cc1669-70
46. Mr. Garry Allighan

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for a special medal to be struck, similar to the Mons Medal of the 1914–18 war, to commemorate the action of men who fought through the Dunkirk campaign.

The Prime Minister

The 1939–45 Star is granted to men who took part in the operations in France and Belgium between 10th May and 19th June, 1940, and there is no time qualification. These men will also qualify for the War Medal. It is not proposed to recommend the institution of any further general award for service in these operations.

Mr. Allighan

Does not the Prime Minister realise that these men did make a distinct and distinctive contribution to the war effort, and that, just as the Mons effort was recognised, it would give great satisfaction to these particular men if their effort was recognised?

The Prime Minister

I do recognise that a great many men in various theatres gave distinctive service. The whole matter is one of great difficulty, and I do not think we should carry it any further by trying to draw parallels between other wars.