WW1 Medal Mystery

[nanny jan]

Hi brushbroomstick,

Is there an archivist for the Northumberland Fusiliers?  Might get some more help from them.


Nanny Jan

[luas]

The Medal record shows he Deserted on 1/4/1917 and his medals were forfeited but this fact has then been deleted . AND  he was awarded the Military Medal which was published in The London Gazette on 4 Feb 1918.

What a strange set of circumstances.  If he had deserted in wartime, one imagines his punishment would have been much worse than the forfeiture of his medals.  The award of the MM tells a completely different story.  It's a pity that men who served in the Great War, like my grandfather, were so reticent about discussing their experiences with anyone, or even committing them to paper to be read after their death.  It's like one of the most traumatic periods of British history has been glossed over somehow.

[Romilly]

The Medal record shows he Deserted on 1/4/1917 and his medals were forfeited but this fact has then been deleted . AND  he was awarded the Military Medal which was published in The London Gazette on 4 Feb 1918.

What a strange set of circumstances.  If he had deserted in wartime, one imagines his punishment would have been much worse than the forfeiture of his medals.  The award of the MM tells a completely different story.  It's a pity that men who served in the Great War, like my grandfather, were so reticent about discussing their experiences with anyone, or even committing them to paper to be read after their death.  It's like one of the most traumatic periods of British history has been glossed over somehow.

I would agree Luas...

I remember watching the series, 'The Great War' with my step-Grandfather...& he gave me a personal insight into the realities of Trench Warfare.

Also...have just read:

'The Last Fighting Tommy: The life of Harry Patch, the only surviving veteran of the trenches' by Harry Patch with Richard Van Emden.

Romilly.

[spof]

Is it Possible to get his Service Record without going to Kew.? I don't mind having to pay for it .
Irene

A******y only has up to the letter H online at the moment so if you can hold on for a few more months, then you may get lucky.

[Romilly]

Is it Possible to get his Service Record without going to Kew.? I don't mind having to pay for it .
Irene

Hi again Irene,

Have you tried phoning one of the Advisors at the National Archives?

I was told that I could request a look-up for my father's service record, but that there would be a charge of £45.00, payable whether they found it or not.

Romilly.

[kyt]

Hi brushbroomstick

I have just sent you a PM as regards your Uncle's medals.

K