A SERVICE medal may soon be awarded to a Suez veteran from Bolton -- 48 years after the crisis ended.
Charles Golder is among "the forgotten" veterans of the 1951-54 Suez Canal campaign who looks likely to be rewarded for the role he played.
MPs have fought to get medals for the veterans and now believe they will be officially recognised for their actions. Mr Golder, aged 74, of Green Meadows, Westhoughton, who served in anti-terrorist operations in the Canal Zone, said: "The medal should have been awarded on the grounds of equity and justice. It was a disgrace we did not get it at the time."
Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly joined the campaign. She said: "I have met with Charles and other veterans to discuss recognition for those who served in the Suez Canal between 1951 and 1954. Having lobbied the Prime Minister and also the Ministry of Defence, I am pleased that Sir Richard Wilson, Chairman of the Honours Committee, is hoping to be in a position to make a decision shortly."
The crisis began in October, 1951 when Egypt abrogated a treaty on British troop numbers in the Canal Zone. Thousands of British soldiers were sent to keep the canal open and scores died.
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