Asked by: Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the Bomber Command clasp is not awarded to veterans who served with 205 Group and flew sorties over occupied Europe from Southern Italy, and what recent consideration they have given to this issue.
Answered by Earl Howe - Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
We have enormous admiration and respect for the unique contribution and sacrifice made by bomber aircrew who served outside of the UK. Sir John Holmes, in his Military Medals Review, specifically included a reconsideration of recognition for Bomber Command, although he recommended not to award medallic recognition to those who flew from outside the UK. This decision was made independently of the Ministry of Defence and subsequently agreed by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals and Her Majesty The Queen.
Asked by: Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what targets have been set for the release of his Department's material to the National Archives; what progress has been made in meeting those targets; and how many staff in his Department are engaged in reviewing records for that purpose.
Answered by Anna Soubry
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has set a target of preparing 10,000 records for transfer to The National Archives in the period 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2015. As at 1 October 2014 the MOD has prepared over 5,000 records, and is on course to achieve 10,000 by 31 March 2015. There are 14 Departmental staff engaged in the review, selection and release of MOD records to The National Archives.