COLD WAR MEDAL UPDATE
Following the refusal of the Government Medal Review team, to fully review the British Cold War Veterans formal submission for a Cold War medal, especially considering that politicians were the recipients of honours and awards exchanged between various countries and alliances for their service and leadership during this period, and promises of a full and comprehensive review, we made a freedom of information request to the Cabinet Office for copies of minutes of meetings to determine who was responsible for making the decision not to review our submission, and the reasons why?
Despite the Cabinet Office being responsible for setting up the process of the Government Medal Review it maintains that it does not hold the required information and has no responsibility for records of the medal review.
Having followed a lengthy process of challenging the Cabinet Office on this matter, it is now in the hands of the Information Commissioner’s Office to consider and to make a decision.
In their latest letter dated 17th June 2016 The Information Commissioner’ Office advises: “The Cabinet Office is arguing that it does not hold the requested information because it is not responsible for the Military Medal Review Team’s records under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner considers that this might not be the case, and so has asked further questions to assist him in his determination.
Once the second batch of submissions has been received the Commissioner should be able to issue a decision notice for this case.”
The BCWV continues to fight for proper recognition for all those who served in HM Armed Forces during the Cold War and thanks everyone for their support.
I served 6 years during the cold war from 1966 – 1972 & I also think it is inappropriate that we never received any recognition for our service. Keep up the good work.
It’s nice to know that it is still ongoing and there are others who feel the need to sort this out , I served for 9 years majority of it in Germany , be good to get some recognition , did have its moments…….
There was a number on TV to call to receive this medal. I was not able to get the complete number however. It was something 855 cold war. Can you please send me the complete number so I can call to get the medal for friend. Thanks!
During the mid 1960s to the early 1970s I served 8 years in EBty The 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and spent time guarding a SAS (Nuclear munitions site) with Canadians and Americans in West Germany. We overlooked the East German Boarder and Manned Lookout Towers and we was issued with live ammunition. We was on Alert for several weeks. After we finished our stay of duty we returned to our home base in Detmold and resumed regular NBC exercises on regular basis. We was on Alert for a number of years. I feel this Government should recognize all service men and women that served during the Cold War Crisis and award them the appropriate medal
This was something we are not aware of or connected with and we do not have the number in question.
Served from 1972 to 81. No recognition, brilliant work lads
It would be a good start for the new Prime Minister to recognise this Medal as with the NDM, I served as a Territorial in an infantry regiment for 14 years, served in NATO exercise’s and numerous camps in Germany, if the “balloon” went up our deployment were Germany. I don’t suppose I will ever understand why the continual lack of recognition for our Troops/services, whether Regular/Territorial, Auxiliary or Reserve.
RAF1966-1972…. ’70 to’72 with 92sqn line service crew and QRA battleflight RAF Gutersloh. Some busy times with Ivan’s MIGS up and down the border.
All services played a big part, as our kids only speak Russian by choice. Best of luck to the BCWV.
I served in Germany in the Cold War and we all knew that we were there just to try ang delay the Russians for 15 minutes so we could get our big birds flying. Should things have kicked off we knew we would all die but we did it anyway. A medal is the least they could give us, I’m sure most vets would pay for it themselves.? By the way I also served in Cyprus, Africa, and British Honduras seeing action in all of them none of which I received any medals for? Yet these same MP’s award themselves MBE’s, CBE’s Knighthood’s and are willing to receive any other awards they can get their sticky hands on just for working overtime doing an office job in most cases and drinking subsidised taxpayers booze? Then they wonder why the British Public absolutes hate them. Solider on, Give us our Cold War Medal???
I served from 1958 to 1962 front lone in Cyprus any other country would have honoured their veterans by now I was called up for National Service so had no option but to serve my country.
Signed up in Jan 59′ demobbed in July 81. During this time I was posted BAOR in jul/Aug 59 for approx 6 months and then posted back to UK for approx 6 months, then back to Germany, posted to East Africa and Aden in Aug 63. On returning from Middle East posted to Tidworth for 2 years and then back to Germany,Cyprus in 74 for 6 months, then back to Germany. 75 and 76 in Catterick and then back to Germany until demob.
A mate of mine said the BAOR medal had been approved by the awards office? The government was keeping it quiet due to cost of issuing a million. Any truth in this rumour?
I serviced from 1966 until 1969 the again in 1974 until 1982 of which 2years were spent in West Berlin right against the wall,
I served in RN 78/90 shadowing Russian warships and running up and down Crimean coast to get them to flash up there radars hairy times but it had to be done. I was willing to serve my country and if the need came sacrifice my life, unlike these MPs (who decide whether we are recognised or not)who just pillage this country and have the right of choice whether they speak English or Russian no thanks to them the spineless few
I served 2 tours in Germany 1955 to 58 and 1965 to 68 surely a medal is not a lot to ask for.we kept the Russians back. this would not have happened if we had not bean there.The Americans have been recognised, somebody seems to have forgotten that we were also in the 2nd Allied tactical Air force. regards Roy
I served from 1963 to 1970. Four years in BAOR Detmold attached to 3RHA, replacing
1RHA. To think we would have been toast in seconds!! Last armistice day a naval veteran commented to me on seeing me in blazer and beret “No medals?” I find that
quite humiliating knowing how close to the edge we were. A national disgrace!!
Served RN 71-81 UK waters, Mediterranean, Baltic, Caribbean, Anti Terrorist operations Northern Ireland, Cod war x 2, plus constant threat of Soviet Union kicking off. Very rough seas, stress, tention, injuries, we didn’t join the forces to die but if the shit had hit the fan then like a 100 yrs ago we would have done so in our thousands, so come on Westminster do something which will have the public singing your praises instead of calling you..
Award those that would have paid the ultimate sacrifice… with a second thought..
Keep up with the campaign having served in West Germany in the 70’s as a medic at RAF Wegberg I can say that our servicemen and women died and we’re injured on an annual basis during military exercises to ensure we had a robust and effective response in place. They at the very least deserve recognition.
Yes ,as it has been said before ,we service men where in germany just to help delay
the russians advance should the cream egg hit the fan, the baloon go up etc ,i spent 14 years of my life in baor in 2nd Royal Tank Rgt, cyclops/ajax/hutsman,we where crashed out too many times to count,1 minute your in the naafi the next crashout all grab your kit preprepared mount tanks off you go into field for sometimes 6 weeks,of course all service men that served as part of cold war should be recognised with a medal as well as the GSM already issued,it was bloody hard work but alot of good memories.
I was given a gsm for serving in northern Ireland surely every solider who served in Germany should be.given medals which h they earned I served in Germany from 1980_1983
Each veteran should be given boar medal and cold war medal you can buy them but why should we
Royal artillery Gibraltar 1953 to 1956 always on standby
It sometimes feels like we are hitting our heads against a brick wall of upper-class arrogance as they continue to award each other baubles for very little but those of us who served in BAOR (where 600+ did die by the way) just get fobbed off. Is the UK now the only country in NATO NOT to recognise such service? (RE/REME 1961-72+3 in reserve, 3 years in BAOR)
I served in West Berlin from Jan 83 to May 86. Surely serving 109 miles BEHIND the Iron Curtain desrerves recognition. A Cold War Medal is a must.
Served 11years in the Royal Engineers, with postings to BAOR, West Berlin, Northern Ireland, South Atlantic and Home service (England), 1972 to 1984.
Got into a shoving matches with Soviet Army personnel during Allied Forces Day parades in Berlin, just to keep them along the allowed routes as spectators and stop them going where they shouldn’t.
I believe we all deserve recognition for our efforts.
Keep up the great work BCWV!
Like Mr John Brogden above I too served in Germany in the early 80’s and visited Berlin a couple of times where, as a very young and inexperienced soldier I was exposed to a very real threat. My father also spent many years in Germany in the 1960’s while my mother brought up my siblings and me. The only coldness here is the hearts of those who judge a Cold War medal not worthy because they were most likely never really affected by it. I say to the awards and medals committee, find the warmth in your hearts and do the right thing, recognise the workload of every soldier on duty during the BOAR era and present them with the Cold War or as suggested above, a BOAR medal, it’s the only right thing to do.
Well said Stephen.There’s no doubting the enormous effort by the army in the cold war. I may be wrong, but by suggesting a baor medal tho’, does that exclude the navy and air force ? As it was a joint effort, the cold war medal may be the only option worth ‘fighting’ for.
I served in the RN Fleet Air Arm between 1973-78. 18 months of that on HMS Ark Royal and we knew that we were there to get the aircraft off in the event of a war and that we were expendable. I spent another 18 months on HMS Euryalus at sea serving with 829 Squadron of wasps. I think that some recognition of our war is very appropriate.
I was going to post this under “Americans Stand by UK Vets” category but couldn’t figure out how to leave a comment there…..(I’m a Yank)…. but I think Cold War Medal for all NATO Cold War veterans is deserved and the right thing to do. They protected us all, often at great cost and sacrifice, with many paying the ultimate cost in confrontations all over the globe. Also thought interesting that Britain P.M. May invoked Cold War at least three times with regard to common effort required to defeat Soviet Union in her speech to U.S. congressional Republican party retreat in Philadelphia 1/26/2017.
do you really think these spineless politicians will listen.like me you were just a number and when you had served your purpose of protecting them your expected to go away and crawl under a stone to disappear, the stone the same politicians crawled out from under to say no to the recognition of our brave men and women who were prepared to sacrifice there life to enable the rest of the western world to live as they pleased and not under a soviet tyranny
If you have facebook I would like to invite you on the international Cold War Veterans page https://www.facebook.com/groups/CWVN4591/ I am the Chairman of the Cold War Veterans NATO 1945-1991 1BE Corps.
I spent my time with the Parachute Regiment 70s-80s
In 1946 I was called up into the army I served in Italy with the 8th.army il Trieste with 24th infantry bge in Suez with 65coy RASC and Salonika in Greece in Trieste we manned the southern end of Churchills line of defence we got no recognition at all. I would be delighted to join you I am now 89yrs old
I served from 1975 to 1984, and encountered several occasions to challenge SOXMIS and I consider strongly that we should have recognition for our time arriving during the Cold War as this was a formidable and very real time in history.
I served between 1971 & 1977, just over three of those years attached to 36 Hvy AD Reg, BAOR, in Dortmund. Most of our time was spent on field exercises around Northern Germany, working with a multitude of fellow NATO Nations in preparation for the defence of Europe against the then seen aggressor, the USSR and their Eastern block allies. We were on stand-by for most of that time, even when the respective batterys were serving in NI.
I do not want to parade with honours undiserved, I do however want some small recognition for our service. Just because there was no Kosovo or Iraq it does not mean that we were any less ready to lay down our lives for our great nation during what was a politicaly unstable time.
When looking at recognition, we in the BAOR must greatfully acknowledge and include the support of both the RAF and the Royal Navy, we were all in it together.
Let’s not be bitter, but use reasonable discussion and debate to make and prove our point.
Again its great to see that people are willing to stand up and be counted, thanks so much for that its refreshing to see. The Government dodge many bullets in an attempt at saving cash by laying down rules specific to why medals are not issued for the cold war. I am thinking they are waiting for us all to die and disappear. Trying to get them to change their minds is almost an impossible task even when you have right on your side.
it seems to me that no progression has been made since june 2016 shouldn’t people be lobbying parliament I see all kinds of people protesting outside of parliament for all kinds of things isn’t it about time we done some of it ourselves. being nice and following protocol has never got anyone anywhere with these spineless career politicians
I served 71 to 80 in the RFA. It was the general view at the time that a pre-emptive nuke strike on Moscow or London would never happen but a tit for tat take out of NATO and Soviet Naval task forces in mid Atlantic was how it would playout followed by a minor politburo member and a minor member of the Royal family dropping flowers on the ocean to show the governments gave a shit. In the UK case they obviously didn’t.
Hello I have served in Germany from march 85 to september 2003
ONU Mission in Ex-yougoslavia in March 1995 to July 1995
19 Artillery Regiment in Siegen RFA and Artillery Bataillon in Altenrath RFA.
1th Caporal Chef
Friendly
Served in the RN 1974 – 1981. Served on HMS Hermes, Londonderry and Hydra. Transfered to submarines serving on HMS/M Dreadnought. Patrolled the sea above and below the waterline. While in boats we would patrol various areas of the seas monitoring Russian ships and trawlers and was prepared to go to war at short notice. I know no weapons were fired but the psychological stress of not knowing when things would turn hot from one day to the next was always there.
My name is Tom Gundry I served from 1960 to 1975 as regular and reserve infantryman in BAOR, Swaziland, Cyprus, N. Ireland (Only for 14 days)and UK. I have nothing to show for my service unlike other NATO troops. I knew when in BAOR 62/64 that when the Russians came we would just be a bump in the road (or as our American friends say “crispy critters”)as the Russians reached the French coast in 10/14 days. How many of our politicians would have had the guts to stand with us then or now. I, and me comrades have earned more than a tin veterans badge! Get on with recognising our service NOW!
I agree with most of the comments expressed here as I served in HM submarines 1964 -69 most of the time on clandestine operations in Black and Baltic seas, ok it was a job we were paid to do but who gives some faceless civil servant the right to decide on who deserves recognition in peacekeeping
Bob Seymour
I agree with a lot of the above comments, I also served in subs and spend most of it up north under the ice, would be nice to be recognised for our service in those extraordinary times.
Hi I served in the Royal Navy from Jan 1983 to late 1991 serving within the Sumbarine service pushing Hunter Killers around. I agree that we were paid to do it, and it was our choice to serve. But a small token of recognition for the important job we were fufiling is surely not a lot to ask!
What about the RAF and the QRA crews? Ground crews living with an armed nuclear bomber knowing that the next time that damned bell rang you could have only 4 minutes to live before the missiles arrived. How many had mental breakdowns as a result of knowing that?
I served from 1961 to 1970 and a lot of that time was in Germany. We had lots of quick train exercises, and members of our armed forces were killed training to protect the west, some of them were my comrades.They were very dangerous times. I think we all had near misses through lack of sleep. I was proud to serve my country. So country please be proud of us and present us with a cold war medal. We all deserve it.
it was an honour to serve my country and should be reconised as such,its issue to veterans of this era should be hailed and comemorated as much as jubilee medals which went to every tom,dick,and harry.
I served in BAOR between 1986 and 1995 and was told if the Soviets did invade I and my family, (both my wife and 2 very young daughters) would more than likely be dead within 12hrs. That is what we were living with on a daily basis. However todays government doesn’t care in the slightest the situation we who served may have been faced at that time. All they care about is saving a few pennies, bugger the poor Tommy who puts his life on the line to protect their privileged lifestyle. It is just the same with the police. They praise how hard the armed forces and emergency services work and how grateful we should be regarding their sacrifices as long as they don’t have to give them any monetary recognition be it as a bonus or medalic recognition.
On 20th September 2017 an article appeared in The Telegraph in which Sir Michael Fallon said consideration is now being given by the UK government to award a medal to drone pilots involved in the latest fight with IS. In support of this move he stated that the criteria for the award of medals should no longer be based around the “risk and rigour” test. Given that drone pilots sit in air conditioned cubicles hundreds, if not thousands of miles from the area of conflict, surely Fallon’s comments should be used to help push forward the efforts to obtain medal recognition for all who served in the Cold War era from 1945 to 1989 and especially those who served in BAOR, RAFG and submarine surveillance. Any thoughts on this?
I served in the RN and submarines 1972-1984. We were at the hot end on many patrols.
Seems to me the government have produced the veterans badge to short circuit calls for either a National Defence Medal or Cold War Medal, yet if the previous post about a medal for drone pilots is correct, then this would be seen as an award of a medal justified by being for present times of action?
I served on boats (RN) during 80’s and can say that what we did was most definitely not ‘for excercise’. It was tough, stressful, exciting and at times just a tad risky. As such I am very proud to be able to say I served and I always will be. I would also be extremely proud to wear a medal in recognition of my service (which for the record did include ‘risk’ and ‘vigour’) and hope this will be the case some day soon, please accept my thanks for continuing to push for this to happen.
I served in the old West Germany from 1975-1993. During that time I experienced the loss of many friends in accidents on exercise, in NI or elsewhere. We also had our fair share of emergency call outs, 2 of which in the 80s nearly took us to war (though many people are not even aware of them)
Since I left the army in the early 90s I have served 6 tours in Afghanistan and 2 tour of Iraq, all with infantry units
Politicians are crap, never met a decent one. I avoid them it at all possible.
This medal should have been issued many years ago
I completed two tours in Baor (’72-’74 AND ’84-’86). Whilst I support the issue of a medal for BAOR service, I do not think this will happen as long as unscrupulous marketeers are producing ‘tin trinkets’ depicting them as ‘Cold War Medals’ and people are buying them. If a medal has not been awarded to you, then it is not an official medal and you should not buy one or wear one. Stop these cheap trinkets and then, maybe, the government will take this request for an official medal more seriously.
I served in R.N.1967-1974 only leaving due to marital separation (I would have served my full time AND more).Volunteered YES volunteered for service in Northern Ireland AND the cod wars of the 1970’s. Awarded GSM for service in Ireland I think it’s only right that everyone who served their country during the cold war in ANY capacity should be given recognition for their service to “keeping the peace”. We’re not asking for cash, just the recognition deserved.
Hi,
I served between 1974 and 1994 before being made redundant. My service in Germany between 1977 and 1988 included postings to Monchengladbach, Detmold and Soest constantly on alerts and exercises.
I just want to say thank you to all those who have posted on this site and to all those at British Cold War Veterans for continuing to support and fight for this well deserved medal.
I served between 1972 & 1980 My service in Werl West Germany. Between October 1975 & May 1980 mad some good friends .and got to see a lot of Germany meat a lot of people . served with the German Army on a CPX exercise between British. And German Army . loved very moments l had .
I served in the Royal Air Force from 1959 to 1968 and spent time on both the V Bomber Force in the UK and at Geilenkirchen, Germany, on Canberras. Every time the hooter went off, day or night, you had no idea whether it was for real, or for an exercise. And when a certain American was assiniated…….. . Good fun, excellent comrades, but extremely nerve racking.
Been there, done it, got the tee-shirt, but no medal to pin on it.
Served from 62/76,And was in Germany from 66/76 in Herford,Hohne,Berlin and Munster.
Served in Germany from 1984 to 1987 with the Royal Engineers. I feel that the Veterans badge was a typical ministerial cop-out to say they had done something .Perhaps a petition set up on the Goverment website (100,000 names required) to force them to talk about it in the House of Commons etc
Have just joined cold war veterans as I feel official recognition for cold war services needs to be applied . I served in Submarine between 1957 and 1966 . Although being “just” the cold war I saw action with russian spy ships and subs and on one occasion a Turkish Submarine was rammed (with loss of life) . So YES the cold war needs to be accepted and recognised. Keep up the pressure thank you Will .Marsh
I also served 6 yrs in BAOR,(cold war) 69_75 and quite rightly should have recognition to all who served there, as a lot of the comments point out, the politicians are quick enough to give themselves recognition for making the tea or copying the odd letters.
I served as a civilian aircraft weapon system engineer at Laarbruch with 15 & 16 Sqn and was highly spoken of by the RAF at both RAF Honington and Laarbruch.
I feel that I should be awarded the said medal for the work, experience devotion to duty to Queen and Country.
As those of us who served in Berlin were regarded as being “On Active Service”, and if “Operation Rocking Horse” was ever heard over the Tannoy (as opposed to “Exercise Rocking Horse”), we would not have lasted two minutes with the Russians just over the road on the far side of Gatow airfield.
A campaign medal would seem to be appropriate and fitting for being “expendable”.
I served 7yrs in B.A.O.R., between 1970 & 1977; on manoeuvres most of each year and hardly any time off when in barracks… Everyone I met worked long and hard and all of us knew we would barely last 24hrs if the balloon went up… it P*ss*s me off to see honours dished out, by our government, regularly to actors/actresses etc who have, in the main, led charmed lives; down to the ‘freedoms’ fought for by our british military who keep the wolves from the door time-and-time again… Successive Governments should be ashamed of themselves on the B.A.O.R. medal issue.. it’s not a Knighthood we’re after just a bit of tin!
it wont happen , they even did us out of pensions, you are nothing to them once you leave,
I served a year in Northern Ireland in 1960 and a year in Aden in 1961 and didn’t get a medal.
Hi my name is Joseph Nicholson
I served in Germany 65/69 Detmold and Menden 20 and 5 OFP
It’s about time we got some kind of Recognition.
A BAOR Medal is long overdue.
I served in the royal engineers indortmund from 1951 to 1953
It was not like today’s troops we had plenty of rough times
We could nt go out when you liked
Peter
I myself served time in BAOR and feel that all members of the Armed Forces who served during the cold war should be recognised for the service and loyalty they showed during their time in Germany with at least a medal. As has already been stated the Goverment seem to dish out awards to any tom dick or harry for the least little thing which l feel is just out of order.
As a National Serviceman I served in BAOR 60 -61went through all the same rough times as everybody there.My biggest gripe as a NS is that we were required to do the same as regular troops but we were paid a helluva lot less so was my life cheaper than another soldiers.We got shafted both ways no money no medal typical government.
Bring this topic to Piers Morgan on morning TV he has a lot of pride and support for all of us. We have seen how he can help it’s worth a try.
I served 1951-1959 2 tours in Minden Germany the Ist tour as part of the occupation.Building Bridges & Rafts for tanks in the middle of the night is not good for fingers hands & feet.Spent 1958 on Xmas Island during Grapple 3 “H” & 2 “A” bombs.I have since learned that of the 22,000 that served there estimated only 3,000 are alive.We also did not rate a medal for that service.I was at “B” site some 5-6miles from the Baloons they hung the “A” bombs under.The army did move us up to main camp 25miles north during the detonation then back to “B” site the same day.
My father Sqd Ldr p.i.hart, Dfc. was C.o of RAF Catfoss the Thor Missile site in Yorkshire between 1959 and 1963 (project Emily) it was a hugely responsible posting especially during the Cuban Missile crisis, when their use looked imminent. I am very sad he never received a medal or any sort of recognition for these years. Jane
I served in the royal navy from 1973 to 1987 and spent many months shadowing the Russian fleets on HMS Ashanti a tribal class frigate she was an anti submarine frigate armed with 2 4.5 guns depth charge launchers aft and seacat missiles not a lot of defence really but we were prepared to do our duty even though we were told our ship would be destroyed within 30mins if open warfare happened
I was in BAOR with RE twice in 70s/80s. Picked up some medals from other tours. I remember Germany as always being ‘on edge’, things really could have gone off at any time and boy did we practice for it!
I remember one time in the late 80s an exercise (Able Archer?) where it all seemed a little too real as we got involved in more detailed stuff. Senior officers seemed to know more of course. Many years later something appeared in the press saying that the USSR and NATO had come really close to it – I’m talking hours/minutes. Never was “Endex” so welcome, it was weird. Well, phew – let’s hear it for whoever came to his or her senses just in time!
A medal would be nice, but would cost too much so will not happen. At time of writing, we may need another campaign medal for dealing with Ivan by the look of it. Let’s hope not. Can’t touch me, my Reserve Service is long over.
I served in the RAF from 1963 to 1968 following initial training I served on a V Bombr Station until early 1965. Every time the siren went various states of readiness would be announced for the QRA CREWS . One would then wait with bated breath for the announcement for the QRA Crews to stand down, which was always received with relief. In1965 to 1967 I did several tours Bahrain ,Aden and Libya. All through my RAF Service in U.K.or abroad I or the unit I was serving on was on continual standby. If the US Armed forces and othe NATO countries in particular were award a COLD WAR MEDAL.
Then there is no earthly reason why those who served in the U.K. Armed forces should not be awarded both the CWM and the UK Defence Medal
My 22 years in the Royal Signals started in BAOR in 1970.After being posted to five different British units in Germany, attached to non British units elsewhere, time in UK and NI, hunted and shot at … thousands of memories.
Now been demobbed longer than I was in, and, do you know, nobody; not one person, has ever asked what I did in the Army! Why – nobody cares, if anyone did, they’d give me a medal.
I rest my case.
Served with 24 missile Regt RA 1964-1972. Due to the incompetence of Senior Officers, who arranged our “Quick Train” exercises always at approximately the same time.allowing West Germans who had been co-erced by the Communists to report our every move .As these were the Locations we would instantly disperse to in the event of the real thing,and us being a Nuclear Regiment,its pitifully painless to realise that the Commies would have zeroed in on these prime targets!! Did we get a medal knowing full well that we were the equivalent of the Kanmikaze during WW11? No chance,the Gongs went to the incompetents who organised the Fiasco ,what did I receive ,absolutely nothing,even the Pension I had Been promised as a young boy on signing up( I was never given a chance to read any small print) was denied me because i did not serve for twenty two years.British Government always allow the troops to be governed by severe Rules and Regulations yet they cannot speak out and appreciate the contributions made by individuals not forced into a National Service.Richatd Bailey
I spent just under 11 years 56 days in the Royal Engineers, serving in BAOR, West Berlin, UK, NI, South Atlantic post war, but still there on a war footing when we ditched a load of gear as we went onto peacetime footing.
Not having put my 2 bob’s worth of comments on the is site for sometime, I had a thought the other day which could be suggested to those penny pinching politicians and civil servants who don’s either believe or couldn’t be bothered to deal with the recognition of Cold War Veterans. How about biting the bullet and make an easy decision, use an existing medal!!!
I know the Accumulated Service Medal (ACSM) is being replaced by the Accumulated Service Medal 2011 (ACSM), so just maybe use the 1st ASCM and cast a bar saying ‘Cold War’, dead simple. Don’t worry about dates for Christ sake, the bloody Cold War started the day after WWII finished.
As I’m sure, the casting templates, die’s or whatever was used to cast the ACSM, will still be in existence, the cost will be greatly reduced, as no-one will have to design anything, except the cast the blank bars with 2 words (7 letters), which I’m sure could be done at a cost of the annual salary of 1 maybe 2 politicians or civil servants.
I remember Germany during the early 60s we had a. Second lot of gear ready to go at a moments notice at that time it was touch and go with the Russians and very unsettling with regular crash location drills and not fully aware of the great danger we were in and yes we wore the cloth swore the oath and were ready to lay our lives down yes I think we were never recognised by the Government
As usual for Goverment, Praise and Honours for non-participants. And to hell with the man on the front line. Nothing changes. Typical politicians, pleased that I had the sense not to be one.
I served 9 years out there, from 1987 in three year stints until 2000 & never received any recognition, it would be nice to have some sort of commemoration of that service, three tours & nothing! Still, did many tours in many different places & had no commemoration… Ah well…
Before being posted to BAOR for three years I served in a forgotten bit of Army service, British Troops Austria. A gong to recognise both service sectors at height of Cold War would be nice.
I served in Germany during the cold war from 1951 to 1955.Waiting for the Baloon to take off. Thank God it never came to pass.. However! The number of service men and women who lost their lives during maneuvers and those who were injured through accidents of all types across BAOR Are numerous..Yes we should be recognized by our government..and we should have a medal for serving.
It makes a mockery of the lads and lasses who were given the Queens Silver Jubilee Medal for doing nothing, the Cold War Medal would mean so much more to our Veterans for being on Active Service repelling the Russians by being their.
If enough people petitioned the Gov, they would bow to pressure if it meant retaining your vote
I served 1982-1995 7years in paderborne and Berlin.1QLR.We now get a BAOR medal why not a cold war medal.I served in the killing ground of paderborne and surrounding ground.We were supposed to be the main force to hold the Eastern bloc at bay.In reality we would have been wiped out so I think we definitely do deserve a medal.So the govt should stop wringing their hands and show some respect to the lads and lasses who kept them safe at night and reward us for our loyalty and devotion to keeping the nation and rest of Europe from turning red.
I served in BAOR from February 1972 till September 1982 stationed at Hohne ( Bergen Belsen ) with the Royal Artillery with several tours of OP Banner. I think it about time the Government showed some respect to the service men and women who during this time of heightened tensions (Cold War) were ready to lay down there life’s to give others a chance.
A service medal is not to much to ask for. It’s an insult every time an Honours list is published every man and his dog get a Knighthood for Management or knows someone who can get him or her one.
i can remember a rtr patrol sent to the old east west borders of Germany no ammo.
i did have a gun when i was sent out to repair a faulty vehicle but the l/r did have a spare fuel can
My comment today is this still a valid challenge or are we just waiting to be turned in! I’m now just turned 75 and this has been going on for a considerable time! I think the Government is waiting for all of us to dig up daisies !
Served in BAOR six years no medal
Operational exercises Norway Russian border no medal
Two years New Terrortories Hong Kong no medal
8 months in Brunei after a Gurkha mutiny that was hushed up retraining them no medal
Attachments in Sarawak no medal.
Joined Aussie Army got five medals for basically nothing….1 day in a hostile area….get a medal.
Two extremes….i am ashamed of the Brit government and embarrased by the Aussie
Never give up…keep those bastard polititions honest…they are there to serve the people not themselves …Lest They Forget
In the late 80’s, before I joined the regulars, I served in the RNR on MSFs. Our job was to sweep the Clyde so the Bombers could get out when the balloon went up.
We were always told that we would be torpedoed by Russian subs that would allow us to sweep and then would re-mine.
Now after the Cold War the Gov got rid of the MSFs so we must have been doing something in the Cold War. These ships were sold off when they were still relatively new.
People like us were defending the Realm. It should be recognised. Those that did more should get more.
Served sennelarger 72-79, Berlin 79-81, Fallingbostal 81-85.
I think back to those regular occasions of heightened uncertainty the effects of which still linger and impact the lives of so many who served
I agree! My regiment was RAMC 29th Field Ambulance,11TH Armoured Div based at Clive Barracks Hildesheim from 1953-55. As the C.O said it was a dangerous time with Russia. I remember the scary moments when the call came’The Russians are coming’,and we had to evacuate and pack into vehicle the complete units kit including the coal bunkers,it took throughout the night. This happened a few times and we were not sure if it was for real.
What possible chance have we of finally getting a Cold War Medal when veterans of Northern Ireland and now Cyprus are being investigated for events that occurred during a time of war? After the Good Friday Agreement convicted terrorists were freed and given an assurance that they would never face prosecution again. It shows the warped standards this cesspit of a country now adheres to. I was once proud of my service, but now I am disgusted and appalled by the lack of patriotism by our so called leaders. Roll on death.
Do not let anyone tell you that you were not at war. It wasn’t called the cold peace… Think about that.. Sad thing is that many of my missile launching friends have gone now and will never see any appreciation. Are we flogging a dead horse with Government?
British public did not realise how close to a war one night
Early Hrs one morning the alert went off at RAF Gutersloh
scramble Battle Flight 4 Lighting on the runway burning and turning
refuelling to keep the tanks full fully armed with fire streak missiles and other aircraft being prepared
tension were high , Whilst on stand by on the runway the Wing Commander Engineer put his hand on my shoulder and said if they go
this is it thank goodness thing must have decreased after a few Hrs
and we stood down
ex 2 RTR government say they always look after our forces and ex forces what lies they tell they don’t care about us out of sight out of mind
I, along with many more served with the RAF from Oct,1950-Oct,1955, plus 4 years in the reserve. I spent 3 yrs in Germany where we were classed as ‘British forces of Occupation’ while serving in Germany, also part of BAOR (British Army On Rhine). Our service has never been recognised with any form of medal yet, I see others who only spent a coupe of years have multiple medal ribbons. How come?
Served in Royal Navy between 1965 to 1975 and then 5 years RNR. No acknowledgement what so ever. IT does feel unusual to have a three badge person having served during Aden withdrawal, cold war throughout the World, Cod War, Ireland Conflict with nothing to recognise the service and commitment. When I saw an older friend with a purchased National Service medal I was amazed at the resentment and hatred he received when he wore that medal. Surely it is all down to cost. How many would purchase such a recognition of service from an authorised source?
I was in BOAR 1969-73 and got no recognition
But still did border patrols, plus defending our camp
From IRA threats but of course this did not matter
As British forces are expendable. Ex RTR.
I served just under 4 years 1991-1995 and my unit went to a war zone, i was rear party. They all got medals and I didn’t. It makes me feel under valued and under dressed on parades. I was on high alert 3 times in my career and had the IRA threats to deal with in Germany. I deserve some recognition, even as rear party we were a necessary section to deliver resources for the front line.
I was in BAOR 1968-1970 we did our duty as ordered and never expect to be awarded a medal but it would be nice to be given the recognition I think for those who served there deserve for helping to keep the peace in an uncertain world at that time in Europe keep up the pressure and who knows ?
Served from 1980 to 1987 many exercises. Periods of high tension….is this an exercise or the real thing. Plans to get our wives and children home.
I did my National Service from 53 to 55 in the Royal Artillery. Then, after the panic over Exercise Able Archer in the autumn of 1983 the MoD realised that there would be no one in this country to guard key points,regional seat of governments etc. so asked for ex-service volunteers to join the Home Service Force on a category C reserve. We did very well in the Exercise Brave Defender and in 1988 there were ten thousand of us. We think we played an important part in keeping the Cold War cold but got no recognition for our service.
Served in RN from 77 to 91 on hms,s Berwick, Hermes, Beaver and Broadsword although I got a Falklands medal majority of that time was spent shadowing Russian ships and submarines knowing we had no chance if they suddenly kicked off so a recognition would be grateful at the least.
I served with the Artillery in Germany from 1976 till 1984. Politicians should remember that we formed BAOR which was in effect an army of occupation (no matter what others may think), and so ‘technically’ on active service. That of course ended with a name change to BFG in 1994 and our ‘slow’ withdrawal. The reluctance to identify ‘our Cold War’ time with the issuing of a medal is more than insulting, but what else would you expect from the politicians and bean counters whose main concern is are their spreadsheets and personal bonuses whilst at the same time decrying those who dare ask for a little recognition and respect?
I was serving my country and had no say ware they sent me. If I had said stuff you I am not going to Germany.
The shit would have hit me. All the goverment got rewarded for there imput. So I have paid for my own medal. I know I was serving my country. And I don’t give a xxxx what some one thinks.
We all know we should get the recognition.
12 years Regular RAF Service 1976-1989, including a two and a half year tour at RAF Gutersloh, and four months at RAF Stanley BFFI. I can kind of understand limiting the South Atlantic Medal to when the bullets were flying, but we were (and still are) on a fairly Active Service footing there.
Basically, Governments are penny pinching – imagine the cost of designing, commissioning, striking and distributing medals to all the Servicemen and women who willingly served during one of the most dangerous periods in the World’s history. They’d probably have to cut back on a couple of junkets for minor MPs or create a couple less Lords for services to themselves.
The only medals I possess and am entitled to wear are my Grandfather’s WWII Medals. I don’t believe in purchasing and wearing privately produced Commemorative Medals, they have no real meaning or significance. The wearing of a Medal by a Serviceman or ex-Serviceman signifies that at some point they served somewhere dangerous or in dangerous times, and having had a comparatively safe time during my Service I was happy enough with that (I’ve never really been a Gong Chaser). Looking back, though, if it had come to the crunch, I was there and would have done my duty if called upon without question or reservation. Perhaps we deserve a little recognition, albeit belated.
I served in Royal Navy on Submarines from 1964 until 1969 and was proud to go out on many covert ‘surveying’ missions. I did it without a thought of a medal or any other reward, I did it as my duty
My father served in Berlin in the 80’s I remember Rudolf Hess imprisoned in Spandau Prison and the British RRF taking over the guard. I joined the RA whilst in Berlin when I left school at RAF Gatow. I returned to Berlin as a Bombardier in 1989 and was present when the wall came down. Deployed to the Gulf from Berlin in 1991. Assisted in the closure of British forces around 1992. Many military forces served before me in Berlin and BFG and all should be recognised.
Rather Like Brian Tyler, I have medals from a past generation, in this case my fathers WWII medals. I have worn them just once, at last year’s Armed Forces Day Parade. I have given in and bought a Cold War Medal but only so that I can pass on something to my grand children, something to say that dad had served his country at a time when, as usual, politicians were, yet again, playing with the lives of others.
Maybe it would be a good idea if, to qualify as a Defence Minister, you had to have previous experience as member of the Armed Forces. Ha!
What’s the odds that there will shortly be a ‘Brexit Medal’ for, guess who, and who, and who…………..
If you have served in Germany you should have been issued a cold war medal and a British forces Germany medal and a nato medal, they are issuing medals to drone pilots and they aren’t even in the country there patrolinow.
is there any update on the cold war medal issue
I read the Appeal with interest and note how the GSM 1918-1962 clasp ‘Berlin Airlift’ was awarded following the 2012 Review. Because the Berlin Airlift is said to be regarded by historians as the first operation of the Cold War and if, for example, a British Cold War medal is eventually awarded as a GSM, it seems to me a ‘Cold War’ clasp,(should criteria of Cold War service be met), be then attached to all later issues of the GSM?
I have my doubts that my own service during the Malayan Emergency (on National Service) will be regarded as part of the Cold War (as much as I support a Cold War medal), but if a Cold War medal did eventually become instituted as a GSM and, should my 1950s posting in my Malaya be regarded as part of the Cold War, I would not be entitled to the medal, only to receive the clasp “Cold War’ to then add and attach to my GSM along with clasp ‘Malaya’?
Jim says…
I read on these pages the recent Appeal with interest and note at paragraph 18 ‘d’ a General Service Medal 1918-1962 (GSM) clasp Berlin Airlift has been awarded following the 2012 Review, and that the Berlin Airlift is seen by most historians as ‘….the First Battle of the Cold War…’
l would like to think my own mid 1950s National Service posting during the Malayan Emergency will be Cold War zone eligible? However, if such a British Cold War medal became available as a 1918-1962 GSM with clasp ‘Cold War’, then I guess I would not get another such GSM, only the the clasp ‘Cold War’ to attach to the medal ribbon above the clasp ‘Malaya’ I already have?
My point is this, because the long time span of the Cold War covers the issue of two different GSM medals, then in my opinion the British Cold War medal should be a new medal and the period of service posting should be perhaps 30 days or less, so that those of us serving two years National Service might not be excluded from applying for and receiving a British Cold War Medal.
It would be most unfair to the thousands of us required to do 2 years National Service, many sent on active service all round the world in the 1940s,50s & 60s, if the qualifying service time for the award of a British Cold War medal ever becomes 5 years continuous service in a Cold War zone.
I served in the army between 1962-1976 during which time I was in Aden 1964-65, Germany(Osnabruck) 1966-70, Cyprus 1974-75 plus 5 tours in NI. Although I did receive the GSM for Aden & NI, there was no award for Cyprus despite being on a war footing because of the Turkish invasion (we had fatal casualties as well).I think that there should be medallic awards for service in BAOR & national defence as we were all easy targets for terrorists & associated nut jobs. Whereas our glorious leaders in the Whitehall corridors of power, the vast majority of whom have never seen an angry man, give themselves all sorts of honours for nothing more hazardous than refilling the photo copier. We are not asking for knighthoods or peerages. Only a small medallic recognition for a job well done.
I did 13yrs, oh the minivals maxivals and tacivals. We should all know there’s nothing new in the MOD/gov penny pinching. I was proud to serve and prepared for the worst (who isnt as a gunho youngest) afterall thats what governments bank on. Sad really