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Post by Administrator on Dec 11, 2016 20:31:45 GMT
Prison sentence for those falsely wear war medals?
22 November 2016
People who dupe the public into believing they are war heroes by wearing medals they have not earned may be called Walter Mittys, but there is no specific law against it. A Private Member's Bill championed by Conservative MP Gareth Johnson has its second reading in the Commons on Friday, and could bring in a three-month prison sentence. LINK
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Post by Administrator on Dec 11, 2016 20:57:49 GMT
The official position is that they should not be worn. However, it was generally accepted soon after the Great War that widows of the fallen wore their late husband's medals on the right breast on suitable occasions. More recently it has become the custom for any family member to wear medals of deceased relations in this way, sometimes trying to give a complete family military history by wearing several groups. Although understandable, it is officially incorrect. When several groups are worn, it does little for the dignity of the original owners. The Legion takes a pragmatic view, and our Ceremonial Rules state: 'The official rules for wearing medals allow only official awards to be worn. Unofficial purchased medals and foreign medals which do not have the Sovereign's permission to be worn are not allowed. Standard Bearers, Parade Marshals and other officials on Legion duty are bound by this ruling and unofficial medals must not be worn when on Legion duty. The medals awarded to a deceased Service/ex-Service person may be worn on the right breast by a near relative (mother, father, sister, brother, wife, husband, daughter and son). Not more than one group should be worn by any individual'. No action will be taken officially if anyone wears a relation's medals. In the Legion, this is banned for: Standard Bearers parade officials, and as stated above for other members. LINK |
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