VETERAN Charles Golder has finally been awarded a medal for his role in the Suez Canal conflict -- 50 years after the it took place.

Former Sergeant Major Mr Golder MBE has been a key figure in the campaign to recognise the forgotten heroes of the 1951-54 emergency in Egypt for the last 17 years.

The 75-year-old's study is crammed with files of correspondence with the Ministry of Defence which bear testament to the amount of time he has devoted to the cause.

And the recent announcement by Prime Minister Tony Blair that veterans will be awarded a General Service Medal with a metal clasp bearing the campaign's name represents victory at last.

The Suez Canal emergency was ignited in 1951 when Egypt tore up a 1936 treaty allowing a British military occupation of the canal zone. An estimated 200,000 British troops, many on national service, fought for three years to keep the canal open in the face of terrorist attacks, riots, disease and sandstorms.

But because the fighting was classed as an emergency, not a war, no service medals were issued.

The conflict should not be confused with the Suez Crisis of 1956 which came when Britain joined France and Israel in a military intervention to stop Egyptian President, General Nasser nationalising the canal.

Normally no such decorations can be awarded more than five years after a conflict.

The recent announcement by Mr Blair came after continued pressure from veterans and MPs.

Mr Golder, of Green Meadows, Westhoughton, said: "We have won this medal twice. Once for our anti-terrorist actions at that time and then for battling with successive governments for more than 40 years.

"It's a good moment but it's tinged with sadness. Half of those entitled to wear it must have died but those of us still around can display it on their proud chests next Remembrance Day.

"We feel there has been an attempt to bury this period of history because the government is not proud of it, but we were sent to do a job and we did it successfully."

Mr Golder, who served in Suez with the Royal Engineers between 1948 and 1952, has reason to remember the region fondly because it was there he met his wife Doris, now aged 71, who was based there with her military family.

But he points out that conditions were far from ideal and says veterans richly deserve their medals.

Of more than 300 British troops who died during the fighting, the majority were killed by dysentery and other illnesses associated with the soldiers' basis living conditions in the desert.

Mrs Golder herself recalls a mob of Egyptian stud3ents trying to set fire to the compound where she was living while the local police looked on disinterestedly.

"It was very scary," she said.

Mr Golder praised Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly for her role in supporting veterans' campaign for recognition, which included personally writing to the Prime Minister.

Ms Kelly said: "This is excellent news. Having lobbied the government on this issue I'm pleased with this decision.

"It's only right and proper that Suez veterans are given recognition for their courage."

Bolton North-east MP David Crausby also welcomed the MoD decision.

Veterans who served in the canal zone for 90 days or more from October 16, 1951 to October 19, 1954 will qualify for medals. Those who served lesser periods but were wounded or killed will also be eligible.

SUEZ IN SHORT

The Suez Canal emergency was ignited in 1951 when Egypt tore up the 1936 treaty allowing for a British military occupation of the canal zone in, five years before the agreement was due to expire.

An estimated 200,000 British troops, many on national service, fought for three years to keep the canal open in the face of terrorist attacks, riots, disease and sandstorms.

But because the fighting was classed as an emergency not a war, no service medals were issued.

Normally no such decorations can be awarded more than five years after a conflict, but the MoD's decision comes after continued pressure from veterans and MPs.