Member of Parliament Gordon Brown Honours a Bomber Command Veteran in Brockville

MP Gordon Brown presents Bomber Command Bar to local Veteran at special ceremony

BROCKVILLE, ON, March 14, 2014 /CNW/ - A Canadian Veteran of Bomber Command was presented a Bomber Command Bar today during a special ceremony in Brockville. On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, presented the bar to Mr. Donald Bunce. Created by the Government of Canada, this bar of honour formally recognizes the service and sacrifices of the brave Canadian Veterans of Bomber Command.

In addition to the creation of the Bomber Command Bar, the Government of Canada also helped in creating the new Bomber Command Memorial in London, United Kingdom. This memorial honours all members of Bomber Command from Allied countries and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Applications for the bar continue to be received and processed by Veterans Affairs Canada. Canadian Veterans who served as part of Bomber Command or their families are encouraged to apply online for the honour or download a hardcopy of the application form at veterans.gc.ca. Veterans may also request an application form by calling 1-866-522-2122 (English) or 1-866-522-2022 (French).

Quick Facts

• Canada played a vital role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
• The BCATP graduates formed the backbone of Bomber Command.
• Many Canadians served with RCAF squadrons in No. 6 Bomber Group.
• By the end of the Second World War, No. 6 Bomber Group had carried out more than 40,000 sorties.
• Approximately 8,000 decorations for bravery were awarded to No. 6 Bomber Group members.
• Approximately 10,000 Canadians paid the ultimate price as part of Bomber Command operations.
• The Bomber Command Bar is worn on the ribbon of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.
• To date 2,306 Bomber Command bars have been issued to recipients.

Quotes
"Seventy years after the last planes of Bomber Command touched down during the Second World War, I am pleased to formally honour and recognize the contributions of Mr. Bunce in winning the battle in the skies over Europe. I could not be happier for you and your family."
Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville

"Our Government is proud to have created this bar to honour Canadian Veterans who served in Bomber Command. These Canadians fought for peace, freedom and democracy, with many losing their lives in these missions in the skies over Europe. We are proud to recognize them for their service."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

• Campaign Stars and Medals (1939-1954) - Bomber Command Bar
• Canadians in Bomber Command
• Application Form for the Bomber Command Bar
• Frequently Asked Questions - Medals and Decorations
• Harper Government Unveils New Bomber Command Honour
• Harper Government Provides Support for Bomber Command Memorial in London, United Kingdom

Photo and/or Video

• Heavy Losses in Bomber Command
• Bomber Command Memorial: Official photography of London's new monument

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Media contacts 
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations Office
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Mark King
Office of MP Gordon Brown
613-992-8756