WESTMINSTER: Mr. Churchill opened the debate in the Commons on war medals and decorations yesterday [March 23] with a dig at Hitler. Warning against cheapening of medals by issuing too many of them Mr. Churchill said that in the last war the Germans made 80 new decorations. The Iron Cross which has been a highly prized decoration was not considered of much value at the end of the war — except by Hitler “who, it is alleged, gave one to himself”. Mr. Churchill added: “In the present war they have some 50 new medals. They have not yet reached the stage of manufacturing them for the Allies” (laughter).

Mr. Churchill disclosed that the Africa Star had been awarded to 1,500,000 officers and men and the 1939-43 Star to 1,600,000 officers and men. Mr. Churchill said at the end of the war, when medals are struck, everyone who has worn the King’s uniform and served in uniformed disciplined service would, he presumed, receive a Victory Medal commemorating the great struggle.

[Meanwhile, as reported from New York,] American soldiers in Iran, who move about the streets at night disguised in the veil and long gowns of Mohammedan women, are exasperating the military police.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2019