It’s not too late for Theo’s medal

Following service in Europe, the Middle East and India, my father served in North Africa for several months during World War II, manning a Bofors anti-aircraft gun on the Suez Canal – before joining the Italy Campaign where he was badly wounded.

When (unknown to him) I applied for his medals some 50 years later – I’d failed to mention this element of his war service to the medals office.

When his medals arrived and I presented them to him, after the inevitable outflow of emotions, he asked where his Africa Star was.

I applied for the ‘missing’ medal, thinking it would just be a formality, but the request was declined – they maintained his service didn’t fit their criteria.

Curiously the medals office had awarded the Africa Star to one of his few surviving comrades from Macclesfield – who’d been his battalion’s cook!

It’s too late for dad, he died some years ago, never seeing his deserved Africa Star – but it’s not too late for Theo – a  World War II veteran who flew 35 missions in Wellington bombers.

The Macclesfield Express reports that Theo Eaves, 92, was also based in Italy during the war, working as a wireless operator, on deadly bombing missions flying over Europe.

In 2013, after years of campaigning by veterans, the Government awarded the Bomber Command Clasp to aircrew – in recognition of their bravery and service.

Despite being equally instrumental in defeating the enemy, those who took part in bombing raids over Italy, Africa, the Middle East and the Far East are not eligible for the award, which has been reserved for those who flew over Western Europe.

Now after two years of campaigning to the Ministry of Defence by letter Theo, a widower, father of two and grandfather of two, has decided to take his battle online.

His petition has racked up 300 signatures but he needs 100,000 to have the issue debated in Parliament – which could lead to the decoration being made available to all bomber crews.

Theo, who turns 93 later this month, said: “I was among hundreds of RAF crew based in Italy who were taking our orders from the UK, carrying out missions to aid the war effort. We were acting together in the same war. Just like other aircrew when we flew on missions we never knew if we would return. Half of us didn’t. It’s only fair that we get the same recognition.”

Theo volunteered in 1941 and was called up in 1942. After training in the UK and Middle East Theo was called into action in late 1943 as part of 142 Squadron, 205 group.

He flew all his operations out of Italy, dropping bombs on oil refineries, docks, harbours, bridges, aerodrome sites and enemy troops in Italy, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Yugoslavia and laid mines in the Danube river to hold up the German supplies.

In total he flew 35 operations spending many of those 175 hours under heavy attack from gunfire from land and air.

Theo, a retired headteacher, said he thinks about his experiences every day.

“The memories that come to me the most vividly are of the probing searchlights from below, anti-aircraft fire and night-fighters, but above all the flaming crosses – aircraft – hurtling towards the earth. Each was a fiery coffin, meaning five more young men were dying and there were more spaces at the breakfast table.”

You can help Theo get the medal he deserves by visiting https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/107432