British Empire Medal - CYRIL HOOD

[OnTheRoad]

In the London Gazette dated 14 June 1945, my father Acting Leading Seaman Cyril Hood, C/J. 109295 (Peacehaven) was awarded the BEM for exemplary conduct and devotion to duty whilst on special service - SE Zone 1944 / Mine & Bomb Division. He attended a memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in 1984 which I think is where he may have actually received the medal. How can I find out what he did to receive this honour?

I sent this request in an email to the web site http://en.ww2awards.com in November 2016 but have received no reply.

All suggestions of where to find out more information would be very welcome.

[groom]

You could apply for a copy of his Naval records?

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/overview

[OnTheRoad]

Thanks for responding, Groom. I already have his record of service which shows which ships he was on and when, but there is no actual information about what he did to earn the medal. I feel there must be a story there somewhere and sadly Dad passed away in 1993 and I can't ask him. He didn't talk about it anyway.

I am probably expecting too much:-)
Thanks anyway
Cherryl

[mazi]

Maybe you could post in the ww2 forum on here, and if his record shows which vessel he was on in 1944 include that info, it may ring some bells, more so as we know it was mines/ bombs division.

Mike

[OnTheRoad]

Thank you Mazi - I will try that.

Thanks for the suggestion
Cherryl