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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: chris pentire on Monday 17 September 07 16:23 BST (UK)

Title: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: chris pentire on Monday 17 September 07 16:23 BST (UK)

Sorry if this has been covered before, but I am interested in finding the citations for my grandfather who was mentioned in dispatches in the First World War and my uncle who received the B.E.M in the Second World War, both while serving in the Merchant Navy. I understand that they appear in the London Gazette, but as I have no idea of the dates that they were awarded, I wondered if there was an easier way of finding them. Thanks

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: old rowley on Monday 17 September 07 16:27 BST (UK)

Hi Chris,

what are their names and units/regiment

old rowley

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: chris pentire on Monday 17 September 07 16:40 BST (UK)

Hi Old Rowley. The information that I have (not complete) is as follows:

My grandfather was Bertram Samuel Day, and was serving on the Anglo Saxon which I believe was a Merchantman owned by Lawther Latta (taken over by Reardon Smith). Family history tells that he was responsible for saving crew members when the Anglo Saxon was torpedoed in the First World War - no dates I'm afraid.

My uncle was Bertram George Day who, we understand,  was awarded the B.E.M in the second world war for shooting down an aircraft. By sheer coincidence he was  also torpedoed aboard the second Anglo Saxon in the second world war, although I don't think that his B.E.M was anything to do with that incident.
Again no dates I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: themonsstar on Monday 17 September 07 19:08 BST (UK)

You could try:
http://beta.gazettes-online.co.uk/AdvancedSearch.aspx

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: chris pentire on Monday 17 September 07 19:33 BST (UK)

Thanks for that - I'll give it a whirl now.

Chris.

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: OldBraggs on Tuesday 18 September 07 07:38 BST (UK)

MID 7 June 1918
The KING has further been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the undermentioned Officers and Men in the London Gazette, as having received an expression of commendation for their services:—
Chief Offr. Bertram Samuel Day.

BEM 20 Jan. 1942
Bertram George Day, Cadet.
The ship was many times attacked by enemy aircraft. During the attack by bomb and machine-gun Cadet Day stood to his gun, held his fire until fairly sure of results and at least twice badly damaged the enemy, who was forced to retire losing height rapidly.

Title: Re: Citations - B.E.M and Mention in Dispatches
Post by: r973g on Tuesday 18 September 07 08:05 BST (UK)

Hi Chris,
WW1 Anglo Saxon is well documented, having had at least two books written on it. Was attacked by a raider in south Atlantic and only seven got away from it and of those only two survived.
Have read the books from the library fairly recently, one of which was called "Raider", a good read.
Ray