Non-Commissioned Officers (Decorations).

Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Air Force. – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Hydref 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Wing Commander Sir Robert Grant-Ferris Wing Commander Sir Robert Grant-Ferris , St Pancras North

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether airmen and non-commissioned officer pilots are eligible for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross?

Photo of Sir Kingsley Wood Sir Kingsley Wood , Woolwich West

Non-commissioned officer pilots and airmen are, under the terms of the Royal Warrant, eligible to be considered for the Distinguished Flying Medal.

Photo of Wing Commander Sir Robert Grant-Ferris Wing Commander Sir Robert Grant-Ferris , St Pancras North

Would it not be an excellent thing if all pilots were eligible for the highest award?

Photo of Sir Kingsley Wood Sir Kingsley Wood , Woolwich West

There are certain distinctions, and in this matter I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that there is a certain difference in the responsibility.

Photo of Mr George Garro-Jones Mr George Garro-Jones , Aberdeen North

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what justification he can offer, in the case of a commissioned pilot and a non-commissioned pilot participating in precisely the same enterprise with precisely the same results, for one obtaining the Distinguished Flying Cross and the other obtaining only the Distinguished Flying Medal?

Photo of Sir Kingsley Wood Sir Kingsley Wood , Woolwich West

As I have said, there is a difference of responsibility. So far as I know, this matter has never been raised, but if the hon. Member likes I will look into it.