The Bomber Command Clasp

Many veterans have received their clasp whilst others are getting increasingly frustrated by the long wait. Others have been told they do not qualify. Many stories are in the U.K. press relating to the latter group.

To apply :-if you are a RAF veteran of Bomber Command you apply to the Ministry of Defence in the U.K.The correct form is attached. Bomber Command Application RAF-12

:- if you are a RAAF veteran and served on either a RAF Squadron or a RAAF Squadron you apply to the Department of Defence in Canberra.

The correct form is attached.   AD807  This is for all RAAF veterans. Do not apply to the U.K. They will send it back to you.

If you are not a veteran and applying for the clasp of a relative the correct form is AD809

All the information required is on the forms.

The process I have have been told if you served on Australian Squadron that the process is fairly straightforward as the records are in Australia. But you will still have to wait. First of all, there is the wait involved in the processing here in Australia. Then there is the wait for clasps to be dispatched from London.  The clasps are only dispatched from the U.K. on receipt of the approved application from the U.K. and can only be issued when to the applicant when they are received here in Australia. There are no supplies of clasps in Australia and the Ministry of Defence has refused to send any unless they are for a specific applicant.

The Australian authorities are processing applications for living veterans first, then others in order of receipt. In the U.K. it is living veterans, then widows, then immediate family, then next of kin. I had hoped personally that the relatives of fallen airmen would receive some priority but that is not the case. So after you have submitted your application expect a wait…a long wait.

SUMMARY OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE BOMBER COMMAND CLASP
The Bomber Command Clasp (which is worn on the 1939-45 Star) recognises those who between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 (VE Day) who:

a. Served as aircrew on a Bomber Command operational unit for at least 60 days, or completed a tour of operations; and

b. Flew at least one operational sortie.

Note 1: The above criteria mean that eligible personnel will have already qualified for the 1939-45 Star.

Note 2: Special Cases – The clasp will usually also be issued in respect of Bomber Command aircrew who do not meet the above qualifying criteria but:

(1) had their service brought to an end by death, wounds or other disability due to service; or

(2) received a gallantry award for their Bomber Command service; or

(3) were taken as a prisoner of war.