Return of the Wound Stripe?

[PhilB]

There are calls for a medal to be struck for those killed or wounded in current actions. It`s a parallel to the wound stripes, memorial plaques and crosses of WW1. Would members be in favour of such a move?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/20...89520-20104518/

[Muerrisch]

no.

[squirrel]

A badge or or other indication, perhaps - a medal no.

[PhilB]

I think much depends on what angle you`re coming from. I imagine a serviceman/woman would like to sport a modern equivalent of the wound stripe - they seemed to be popular in WW1 to judge by how they were made prominent in studio photos. Whether the authorities would be keen is another matter - it might be seen as having a negative influence on morale or recruiting (though I`m not sure it would). I can`t comment on whether an award of some kind to the killed would be appropriate. It`s primarily a concern of their loved ones.

[Ron Clifton]

Something like the Americans' Purple Heart might be appropriate - perhaps just as a ribbon, but you shouldn't be able to get it for cutting your thumb whilst peeling spuds in a war zone, as I believe has happened with the Purple Heart.

Being a lifelong civilian I hesitate to say that medals should be restricted to acts of bravery as it takes more courage than I have even to risk being wounded in action, but I would suggest that it be just a ribbon, or possibly something like the Silver War Badge.

Ron