HL Deb 13 November 1997 vol 583 cc44-5WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) by which senior officers Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi of the Maori Battalion was recommended for a Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Takrouna in Tunisia in 1943; (b) for what reason the recommendation of a Victoria Cross for Lance Sergeant Manahi was changed to a Distinguished Conduct Medal; and (c) by whom the recommendation was changed.

Lord Gilbert

Lance Sergeant Manahi was recommended for the Victoria Cross in 1943. The recommendation was staffed through his chain of command up to and including the rank of General. Official Army records confirm that the initial recommendation for the Victoria Cross was downgraded to a Distinguished Conduct Medal, but do not reveal the basis for the decision or by whom it was taken.

Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In how many cases a recommendation to award a Victoria Cross to a New Zealand soldier in the Second World War had been downgraded.

Lord Gilbert:

I regret that this answer cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.