Posted on 01/20/2006 3:26:34 PM PST by Tyche
The Government has ruled out honouring Ulster Second World War hero Blair Mayne despite intense pressure from campaigners.
Admirers of the Newtownards man are pressing for him to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his service during the 1940s.
A founding member of what became the SAS, the Lt-Col was one of the most decorated soldiers in the Second World War, winning four Distinguished Service Orders (DSOs), the Legion d'Honneur and the Croix de Guerre but the highest accolade eluded him.
Known as Paddy, he was killed in a car accident 50 years ago and the anniversary has sparked renewed interest in his legacy.
Government Defence Under Secretary Don Touhig told MP Simon Burns: "In 1946 the Government reviewed all actions and campaigns that took place during World War Two and decided that after this date, no further awards would be made.
"This remains the case to this day, and it would be impossible to second guess the decisions made by military commanders at the time. For that reason it is not possible to make a posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Lt-Col Blair Mayne."
During a 1945 incident at Oldeburg, Germany, Mayne was called in to help clear German lines after a convoy of Canadian tanks was attacked. He drove up and down the road, taking out German sniper positions by firing a machine-gun from his waist.
A statue of Mayne has been erected in Newtownards town centre and efforts are under way to preserve the family home at nearby Mount Pleasant.
Mr Burns said he was disappointed at the Government's response.
"This is a very special case which should be re-examined, particularly as King George VI was so concerned that he personally intervened at the time, questioning why Lt Col Mayne's Victoria Cross was downgraded," he said.
"Given the unusual circumstances in this case I am very disappointed that the appropriate authorities at the Ministry of Defence will not re-examine the decisions that were taken that subsequently led to the downgrading of Lt Col Paddy Mayne's Victoria Cross."
The former Ireland and British Lions rugby player is buried in Movilla Cemetery.
Derek Harkness from the Blair Mayne Association said he hopeful the official verdict could be overturned.
"It is the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross this February and it would have been good to have seen Blair Mayne awarded the VC at this time," he said.
Thanks for the pick. It's always nice to see "real" heroes.
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