Post by carlton43 on May 15, 2020 22:08:20 GMT
In my researches for the 2019 GE I came across this rather nice anecdote from late in WW2.
Ernest Millington was a short-lived Labour MP for Chelmsford from 1945-50; being elected for the short-lived Commonwealth Party at a by-election in 1945 following the death of the Conservative MP Col. John Macnamara, killed in action in Italy. The Commonwealth Party did not follow the general pact between the major parties over wartime by-elections and caused a contest that he won. He won again at the 1945 GE and morphed into being Labour the following year.
As was the custom of the time serving officer MPs wore uniform and medals. Millington, a former teacher, was a Wing Commander in Bomber Command with the DFC. A Conservative MP in civvies chided him on incorrect presentation as the ribbon medal was too wide. Millington is reported to have retorted ....
"If you are talking to me as an RAF officer take your hands out of your pockets and address a senior officer as Sir. If you are talking to me as a fellow MP, mind your own busines and bugger off."
The sole incursion by Labour in the history of the seat, but a very worthy one I think.
Ernest Millington was a short-lived Labour MP for Chelmsford from 1945-50; being elected for the short-lived Commonwealth Party at a by-election in 1945 following the death of the Conservative MP Col. John Macnamara, killed in action in Italy. The Commonwealth Party did not follow the general pact between the major parties over wartime by-elections and caused a contest that he won. He won again at the 1945 GE and morphed into being Labour the following year.
As was the custom of the time serving officer MPs wore uniform and medals. Millington, a former teacher, was a Wing Commander in Bomber Command with the DFC. A Conservative MP in civvies chided him on incorrect presentation as the ribbon medal was too wide. Millington is reported to have retorted ....
"If you are talking to me as an RAF officer take your hands out of your pockets and address a senior officer as Sir. If you are talking to me as a fellow MP, mind your own busines and bugger off."
The sole incursion by Labour in the history of the seat, but a very worthy one I think.
