HC Deb 05 May 1952 vol 500 c10W
Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War how many pensioners of the South African war, who gained the Military Medal, are alive today.

Mr. Head

The Military Medal was not instituted until 1916.

Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make the pecuniary benefits attached to the Military Medal gained during the 1939–45 war, available to all those who gained this medal previously, including those who gained it in the South African war.

Mr. Head

No. The introduction of pecuniary awards in respect of the Military Medal was one of the changes in the provision for the grant of pensions and gratuities to the holders of gallantry decorations and medals which were made in 1945, for application only to decorations and medals earned since September, 1939.