Army's about turn

A number of soldiers have had their Long and Efficient Service Medal withdrawn after they were found not to have been eligible for it.

The Prime Minister explained in reply to a parliamentary question yesterday that among the criteria for the decoration is a requirement for the soldiers not to have been found guilty of more than two minor offences in the first 18 years of their service.

Yet among the soldiers who were awarded medals recently were a number who had been convicted of more than two offences. That had happened because of an oversight with regard to some of the soldiers' conduct records. The medals had been withdrawn in order not to perpetuate the mistake, Dr Gonzi told Labour MP Joseph Cuschieri.