UK National Defence Medal

What is it?

The [http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/ United Kingdom National Defence Medal] (NDM) is a proposal to the UK Government to recognise and honour military service wherever undertaken from 1945 onwards.

The NDM should not be confused with the 1939-1945 Defence Medal, a campaign medal. The Medal, if adopted, would be awarded to all who served in the military for a certain amount of time and meeting certain criteria. The UK Government has been against such a medal and instead promotes the Veterans Badge.

About the NDM

The proposal evolved from an initial call from [http://www.nationalserviceveteransassociation.co.uk/ National Servicemen] for a National Service Medal (NSM). The UK Government has never been in favour of a [http://www.veterans-uk.info/medals/national_serv.html National Service Medal] as it would have been seen as unfair to Regular Service Personnel. Eventually The Royal British Legion sponsored the [http://www.awardmedals.com/index.php?cPath=25&osCsid=91af5e22a172fe74e51eee3d04e4108e National Service Medal.] However this is an unofficial Medal. Some argue that it actually undermined the campaign for official recognition. The argument has now moved on for an all inclusive award, the NDM. Indeed the largest official body representing National Servicemen has recently come out in support of the NDM changinging from their previous position calling for the NSM. Alan Tizzard (Chair & National Secretary) said “The National Service Veterans Alliance, support the Campaign for a UK National Defence Medal (NDM) for all service personnel Conscripted and Volunteer. The smaller though no less significant National Service Veterans Association also now supports the NDM.

The Australian Defence Medal is held up as the model for consideration. The Government of Australia withdrew from the Imperial Honours System in the mid 1970s’. As a result they are wholly responsible for any new medals that they wish to introduce. However Her Majesty The Queen as Queen of Australia has approved the Medal, this is widely viewed as an indicator that a similar award for the UK would be appropriate. The British Government state it is under no obligation to follow suit, but veterans feel it should not be an obligation rather a "desire" to recognise which should influence the decision.

Other countries, including NATO, EU and the British Commonwealth, the military in the broadest sense, are respected. They are accorded the grateful thanks of their respective nations including national honours and awards to commemorate and mark individual selfless service. An immediate example is France, who under Minister for Defence, Charles Hernu, and on the proposal of Gen.de Boissieu, instituted the Medaille de la Defence Nationale for Servicemen, National Servicemen, reservists and civilians killed or wounded on national duty. Interestingly men of all nationalities who serve in ‘La Legion etrangere’ are entitled to this medal.

With the exception of long service awards, it has never been the UK Government's policy to consider service in the Armed Forces as the sole justification for the institution of a medal. However the introduction of the Armed Forces Veterans Badge a few years ago was considered an appropriate way for veterans to demonstrate that they had served their country as members of the Armed Forces and the [http://www.veterans-uk.info/vets_badge/vets_badge.htm lapel badge] was considered to be more discreet and adaptable for daily wear than a medal. The lapel badge as such is not a replacement for a medal because its intended use is quite different. The NDM is to wear officially on parade, in this context the lapel badge is viewed as a rather cheap and impersonal political gesture lacking the visibility and respect of a medal.

The work various veterans agencies are undertaking to change the current government stance is ongoing. It is clear that pressure on politicians and particularly the MOD will be the key to effect a change for the [http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/index.htm National Defence Medal] proposal to become a reality.

[http://www.veterans-uk.info/medals/instituted.html HD Committee] insists policy responsibility for the possible introduction of a National Defence Medal rests solely with the Ministry of Defence, according to Denis Brennan the Ceremonial Secretariat. Though the MOD had previously stated the HD Committee were the decision makers.

Aim

To commission a National Defence Medal for all HM Forces who serve a reasonable engagement. A common, equal and fair service award.

ee also

*Australian Defence Medal

External links

* [http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/ Veterans campaign for a National Defence Service Medal]
* [http://www.soldiermagazine.co.uk/ll/mail3.htm Soldier Magazine]
* [http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/ Veterans agency official site]
* [http://www.veteransday.org.uk/ Veterans Day UK official website]