I have the greatest respect for the SH force, having dabbled in it when the cabs were called 'SRT' short range transport. I am delighted that the perseverance and courage shown, has brought forth due reward.
I must return to the unfairness of the system which fails to reward the rear crew. Furthermore, I don't have the figures but think that the supporting ground crew were similarly inadequately honoured. As an aside but pertinent to this, I would like to see a breakdown of the meritorious, rather than bravery awards, given the Army v RAF v RN and numbers deployed. I know multiple deployments will probably skew the figures but it would be an interesting exercise.
Apart from the major who wrote his own citation, I offer my congratulations to all those rewarded but we still need a fairer system.
Old Duffer
PS Perhaps we need to have something like the Air Medal which shows operational commitment