Genealogy Chat

I have downloaded my Grandad’s medal card and it looks as if although he was awarded the Victory and British medals, the 1915 Star was awarded and then forfeited due to desertion. It then appears to have been re-instated. The writing is difficult to read as some of it has been crossed out. I have a copy of the image if anyone would like to take a look and see if they can interpret what is written. Thanks for reading. Marion

Marion I have sent a private message. Susan

Thanks Susan - have emailed you. Kind regards Marion

Hello Marion, Don't know whether this will help, but I found this website very helpful when interpreting my ancestor's medal card - http://www(.)1914-1918(.)net/mics(.)htm (Remove the brackets) Regards Cherie

Hi Cherie Thanks for the information re the 1914-1918 website. I’ve actually also placed a copy of the medal card on the forum of that site but haven’t had much luck so far. I think I’ve actually worked out what the card says now but it would be nice if someone else could also come up with what they think it says just to confirm my thoughts. Best wishes Marion

Hello Marion. I've eMailed you. Regards Keith

Hi Marion, It's a fairly obvious thing to say but have you checked to see if his service record has survived (only about a third have, but if it's there it's can be a goldmine - detailing every posting, misdemeanour, leave and unpleasant disease). Also I think you can get the medal roll - I haven't tried this but I'm told it doesn't usually add much, however in your case it might be worth it. And the only bad news is that I think these would both involve either a trip to Kew or finding someone to do it for you. Happy hunting: onwards and backwards. Stephen

Hello everyone and thanks for all the replies and interpretations. I think, as suggested, my next move is to see if I can visit Kew to find out any more. Best wishes Marion

Further on from Marion's main enquiry. I do have my Great Uncle's medal card also from the archives and having looked at the site that was suggested - which was very helpful in describing what we are looking at, I do have two questions: 1. The Victory Medal - am I right to assume that this was issue at the end of the WWI - if so would this have been issued to a deceased solider My Great Uncle died in 1917 and is buried in Baghdad, Iraq. He also has been given a campaign but it does not state for what 2. Secondly it does not indicate when he first went to war or indeed his theatre of war on this card, does this mean he joined before 1915 or was already a regular solider (the later I find hard to believe). I do know that he was part of the 2nd Bat of the Norfolk Regiment, which seem to have fought in Mesopotamia, just wondered if there was any way to prove this if his army record no longer exists Any assistance much appreciated Regards Sue

Victory medal would have been issued alive or dead. Don't quite understand what you mean when you say he has been issued a campaign - can you give a bit more info? If you are sure he was with the 2nd Bn Royal Norfolks check with the Regimental Museum and they will tell you what the UNIT did - they won't have info on individual soldiers. Regards Keith