Originally Posted by Hootch

Originally Posted by The_Duke

In previous lists TA recipients were marked as "Territorial`Army" (but then again, so was at least one regular soldier). It is highly probable that no awards were won by reservists on this list. There were also thousands of regular soldiers, sailors and airmen who did all sorts of worthy and brave things over the period who didn't make the list either.

In addition, the numbers are strictly rationed - only a certain number can be given out per tour.

I was suprised that Thorneloe only got a GCVS and not the obligatory CO's DSO/OBE.

Only 4 MBEs - that looks a bit light

You can't be made a member of an Order if you are dead. QCVS is probably the only posthumous award available for leadership.

As for the rationing, it is in the Purple Guide (don't know the JSP number). IIRC the level at the moment is 1 Level One award per 1000 personnel in theatre - the other levels have an equivalent ratio. It may sound harsh, but one of the reasons why our operational honours and awards are so coveted is their scarcity.

Fuck me, it sounds like everyone who joins up is only init to get a medal

And there was me thinking everyone joined up for HM's pleasure.

Originally Posted by The_Duke

There were also thousands of regular soldiers, sailors and airmen who did all sorts of worthy and brave things over the period who didn't make the list either.

Too true. There are a lot of men walking around today (and a few who aren't) who should be wearing an MC, at the very least, for what they did last summer.

Originally Posted by TheSpecialOne

Originally Posted by Hootch

Originally Posted by Bravo_Bravo

Numbers rationed - seriously? Is bravery also rationed?

Yes - only a certain number of "A" class gongs can awarded per tour. MOD policy. Not sure that the policy extends to gallantry awards.

Link? Evidence?

It is explained in JSP 761 at para 0202:

OPERATIONAL SCALES

0202. The scale of awards for gallantry and for meritorious service in an operational area or a campaign, or part thereof, is based on a recommendation from the force commander to the Chiefs of Staff which, if approved, is authorised by The Sovereign following a submission by the MOD to the HD Committee. This scale, known as the Operational Scale, will vary according to the circumstances of the operation and be based on the average strength of the force employed over a given period. Scales allow additional appointments to Orders and membership is ‘additional’ rather than ‘ordinary’. Practically both are the same.

Originally Posted by TheSpecialOne

No TA mentioned - maybe its a "one army" list?

No medals for reservists this time round but there were three Joint Commander's Commendations awarded in this list to reservists for being good eggs in Afghan: a REME corporal, a Rifles captain and a WO2 from one of the Yeomanry regiments.

There is a R SIGNALS corporal who got a JCC for Iraq, but hard to tell whether he was TA or Regular as his unit is mixed TA/Reg (at least for the next 7 days). On balance, probably a regular.......

Nice to frame and hang in the guest bathroom.......(the commendations, obviously, not the reservists involved). :D

Originally Posted by Bravo_Bravo

Numbers rationed - seriously? Is bravery also rationed?

Coming from a man who has never strayed more than 50 feet from a Burco Boiler and a British skyline ?

Nice to see the usual expectative outrage, heaven forbid, jings ma boab and crivens !! some TA didnt get awards !!

:D

Thats just not true.

I've been to Calais.

My point was not TA-centric, it was asking about a limit on gallantry awards.

I know that a number of British reservists have received Commander ISAF Commendations but as far as I know these don't get published anywhere.