Merchant Navy Medal Recognised as a National Honour

March 26th, 2014 by JCB
Posted in Articles, Technical and Training | No Comments »

The Merchant Navy Medal has been a maritime industry-sponsored Medal since 2005. It is awarded by a committee, made up of industry-wide experts and others from across the UK and its Dependent Territories. It recognises acts of courage afloat, or meritorious service within the Merchant Navy. As an unofficial medal it is not at present recognised within the Order of Wear.

However, a decision was made, some two years ago, to seek Royal Approval for the medal to become a National Honour. The Department for Transport (DfT) agreed to support the request, after questions were raised in both Houses of Parliament. A proposal was then put forward to the Honours, Grants and Decorations Committee of the Cabinet Office, and ultimately to Her Majesty The Queen, who graciously agreed to include it among the Honours Awards. Many details have yet to be decided, including its formal name. In the meantime, the DfT welcomes the proposal that the current committee acts in an advisory capacity to recommend awards.

It is anticipated that the existing medal will continue in its present form until the first National Honours are awarded, hopefully in 2016.

Matt Easton: Liverpool pilot & Chairman of the Merchant Navy Medal Committee

 

 

Matt Easton is a Liverpool Pilot, and
is Chairman of the Merchant Navy
Medal Committee

 

 

http://merchantnavymedal.org/index.html