MP raises Theo’s medal issue with the Government

The petition to extend the awarding of a military honour to RAF Aircrews who flew from Italy during the Second World War, publicised in our item earlier this month – http://www.ilovemacc.com/2015/10/10/its-not-too-late-for-theos-medal/ – has been raised with the Government by Macclesfield MP David Rutley.

David met with the Minister of State, Earl Howe, who’s responsible for medallic recognition, to discuss the awarding of the Bomber Command Clasp, following the petition by RAF veteran and Poynton resident, Mr Theo Eaves.

Mr Eaves served as a Warrant Officer, Wireless Operator and an Emergency Air Gunner, during the war, and participated in many high risk sorties from Italy, including one to Hamburg. He received the Italy Star for his courageous service. However, Mr Eaves was not considered for the Bomber Command Clasp, which was introduced by the Government in 2013. A review by Sir John Holmes into whether aircrew who flew on bomber aircraft which were not formally part of Bomber Command concluded in 2014 that they were not eligible for the clasp.

David spoke to Earl Howe to set out details concerning Mr Eaves’ case to see if he could be awarded with the Bomber Command Clasp, given the similar task that those based in Italy undertook compared with the crews in the UK. The Minister explained that the review conducted by Sir John provided a clear position for the Government, unless new evidence could be provided, to potentially change eligibility for an individual. He did, however, offer to review Mr Eaves’ particular case, with the assistance of his RAF log book, which recorded all Mr Eaves’ wartime operations.

Speaking following the meeting, David said, “Mr Eaves demonstrated the greatest courage in the line of duty during the second World War. His log book shows the very challenging missions that he was involved in, and I am pleased that Earl Howe has offered to look more closely into Mr Eaves’ case. It is important that his bravery should be properly recognised.”