HC Deb 16 October 1940 vol 365 c712W
Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Information what is the objection to publishing the names of civilians who are admitted to have shown exceptional courage during air raids such as, for instance, the three people who were killed in a shelter while successfully shielding with their bodies two children against enemy attack.

Mr. Cooper

There is no objection in principle to the publication of names of civilians who perform deeds of heroism during air raids. In certain exceptional cases, however, the publication of such names in conjunction with other details might provide the enemy with useful information as to the precise points where bombs have fallen and cannot therefore be permitted to appear in print immediately. As soon as it is possible to release such names, this is done. In an incident, which I assume to be the one to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers but when four people not three were killed the names of all concerned were published.