§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the criteria for the award of Air Force Crosses were changed; what were the previous criteria; and what are the new criteria. [6246]
§ Mr. SoamesPrior to 14 February 1994, the Air Force Cross was awarded to commissioned officers and warrant officers of the armed forces in recognition of acts of exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying, though not in active operations against the enemy. From that date, its award is reserved for acts of exceptional gallantry in the air not in the face of the enemy and, having subsumed the Air Force Medal, is available to all ranks. Devotion to duty while flying is now recognised by a meritorious award, either OBE or MBE, in the half-yearly honours lists.