§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department is making in negotiations with the Greek Government on the verification of service to allow the award of Greek commemorative medals to British servicemen and women. [112965]
§ Dr. MoonieI presume that the medals referred to are the official campaign medals instituted by the Greek Government for service in Greece and Crete during the Second World War. In recent years the Greek Government have offered them to eligible British ex-Servicemen who have been invited to apply in writing430W to the Greek Embassy in London. The Queen has granted permission for the medals to be accepted as souvenirs or keepsakes, but not to be worn.
The eligibility criteria, assessment of entitlement and distribution of these medals are entirely matters for the Greek Government. My Department do not directly assist the Greek authorities with the verification of eligibility. However, on request, we will provide any British veteran with an official Record of Service, which he can offer to the Greek authorities and may provide sufficient proof of participation in the campaigns in Greece and Crete, to enable the Greek Government to issue a medal.