I was a little surprised to see the letter from Pete McWilliams, of Co Wicklow, regarding the National Defence Medal (February 15).

I didn’t know there was a “battle” going on for this and surprised someone from Ireland was involving himself in said battle. Co Wicklow is, after all, one of the 26 counties which formed the Republic of Ireland, which was (and maybe still is) neutral.

After the end of the Second World War, there were two medals in general circulation for participants: the Defence Medal for those civilians caught up – police, firefighters, wardens, civil defence volunteers etc – and the War Medal for all those in the uniforms of the Armed Forces.

I’m not sure whether they were handed out free of charge, or whether those who thought they were entitled were invited to apply and pay, but they were available.

Since the Second World War, all British governments have been notably stingy with regards to awarding medals to uniformed services, especially so to those who did National Service, who were required to take arms and fight in “little local troubles” in places such as Malaya and Cyprus.

A few years back (finally) a trifling little lapel badge was awarded to those National Service men and women who claimed entitlement. It was quite a pretty little badge, but little and, of course, late.

My National Service stint was 53 years ago, so it was 50 years in the waiting.

Contrast this with US forces, who wear more fruit cocktail than Libby’s, or Soviet forces, or members of the Royal Family who get special medals for just being royal.

If you don the uniform, willingly or otherwise and are involved in armed conflict at your government’s behest, you deserve the gong. So, good luck to Pete McWilliams and his chums involved in this new battle for recognition.

Bob Dove
Launceston Close
Colchester