FOLLOWING recent correspondence as to whether the Government ever required a payment of £30 for the issue of a National Service Medal, I made enquiries of the MOD Army Medal Office.

The letter I received confirms that medals for sale has never been a policy. It read, in part . . .

"The initial issue of all official medals awarded by the British Government has always been free of charge and still is.

"In recent years an increasing number of commemorative medallions, of which the National Service Medal is one, have been introduced. These commemorative medallions are offered for sale by commercial suppliers but are not officially recognised and should not be worn or alongside any orders, decorations or medals awarded by the Sovereign.

"The National Service Medal is not an official medal and has never been offered for sale by the Ministry of Defence".

I trust this is sufficient to refute what was, I believe, a slur on our government over the years.

W. MORRIS