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Old 27th Feb 2008, 12:02
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Back in the Barrel
 
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If anyone is in any doubt about the seriousness with which the wearing of military badges should be taken, take time to read the obituary of Pearl Witherington, an outstanding WAAF officer who served with absolute distinction as an SOE operator during the Second World War. It took her until 2006 before she was eventually awarded the parachute wings which she had earned over 60 years previously. Here's the quote:

In 2004 she was advanced to CBE, the insignia being presented to her in Paris by the Queen during a state visit to France.

One official acknowledgement still eluded her - the award of her parachute wings (which she regarded as more important than her appointments in the Order of the British Empire). This was eventually rectified after an RAF parachute instructor went to interview her at her home in France about her wartime experiences, and in 2006 she was presented with the coveted wings.


You will also note (if you read the obituary at the link below) that she also returned her MBE (Civil Division) with a note stating that she had done nothing remotely 'civil' to earn it!

Respect!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle3432757.ece
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