An evening paper is backing calls to ensure servicemen who made sacrifices in one of the Cold War’s stand-offs 50 years ago are recognised.

The Western Morning News says a “glaring omission” in the official medals lists for conflicts and missions over the years is that of the men stationed in the Suez Canal Zone in Egypt between 1951 and 1954.

The problem is that honours for general service in conflicts are never made retrospectively. Once a decision is taken not to reward servicemen for their role in a particular campaign, the decision “cannot and must not” be reversed.

But the glimmer of hope rests with the issue that the matter was never considered in the first place – with the death of King George VI possibly resulting in the idea being dropped or overlooked.

Editor Barrie Williams said: “It may be difficult for some people, who have never served their country or been involved in any conflict, to understand why those who have risked their lives in such a way should want proper recognition.

“It may be equally hard to understand why a medal would provide that recognition.

“But that’s how military service works. They are worn with pride at official functions and are the nation’s way of marking out and officially thanking those men and women who did their duty, often in exceptional circumstances.”

The paper is supporting local campaigners who say there is no justification for denying the veterans a medal.

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