MOD can reissue returned WW1 medals

[MJW]

I’ve just received my grandfather’s War & Victory WW1 medals reissued by the MOD. These are newly struck medals with my grandfather’s details impressed on the side.

I originally had thought this was not possible as everything I'd read told me so - MOD’s medal office website states “The MOD Medal Office is not able to provide replacement World War 1 medals”.  Even their medal application form states “Please note: Medals awarded prior to the Second World War can no longer be issued”.

However, I was just about to purchase replica medals when I came across a post on the Great War Forum about having returned WW1 medals reissued. Although this possibility is not specifically mentioned on MOD documents/website, it seems there is an important distinction between the words “replace”, “issue” and “reissue”.  The MOD does not “replace” or “issue” WW1 medals but it can “reissue” medals if it can be shown that WW1 medals were returned.

I had to complete an application form, show that I was next of kin and provide evidence that these medals were returned (his medal card did this).  Then, it was a just a long wait (6 months) but well worth it in the end.

Malcolm

[jim1]

Well done Malcolm.
I'm sure this will be useful to a lot of people & hopefully the moderator will add this to the top of the page as a sticky.

[km1971]

Hi Malcolm

I am sure the members of the British Medal Forum would like to see images of them. Collectors will be interested not only in the story, but also if the original dies still exist or these were made from a stock of blank medals.

Ken

[RRTB]

That's a wonderful result, Malcolm. Having recently applied for and received a campaign medal to which my father was entitled but never applied for himself, I can fully understand your saying that it was well worth it in the end.

Fortunately for me, I have my grandfather's WW1 medals but it is good to know that those families whose relative's medals were returned can apply for them to be reissued to their descendants.

RRTB

[jess5athome]

Result!!!

Well done you  very happy for you.

Frank.

[a-l]

That's great news I'm very happy for you. I did consider applying for my Grandad's returned medals purely because I would like to have them. However his beliefs were so strong in returning his medals that I decided to keep his wish and leave them alone. Whether I was right or wrong I don't know.  Wishing  success to all who apply.

[MJW]

Hi Malcolm

I am sure the members of the British Medal Forum would like to see images of them. Collectors will be interested not only in the story, but also if the original dies still exist or these were made from a stock of blank medals.

Ken

I posted some images on the Great War Forum thread on this topic (you can see these if you're registered - easy to do).  I'm not a member of the British Medal Forum but I've agreed that a member, who contacted me, can repost them so some should appear soon.

Malcolm

[MJW]

Thanks for all the positive comments.

If anyone wants information about the process, let me know and I'll post some details.

I'll post a few images of the medals here if anyone is interested.

Malcolm

[millymcb]

This is really interesting. I will set it as a sticky topic so it will stay at the top of the page.

Milly