Researching a British Empire Medal

[janiceclark99]

Any info on how I can find out more about a British Empire medal and the circumstances it was given in?  It belonged to Lance Sargent Andrew Russell 2335010 and is inscribed for meritorious service.  It was inherited by Andrews niece and the only info she has was that he was in the Merchant Navy and was awarded it in 1946.  I found a reference to that name rank and number on forces war records web site (see screen shot) where all the details seem to match except the year given is 1946 and the regiment is Royal Corp of Signals. The full information is not given without signing up but I am reluctant to sign up to the website as I have read many reviews that are not complimentary of it.  What kind of record is this likely to be? and can I find the details anywhere else. I am on Ancestry.com but there is nothing there. I have been trawling through the archives of the London Gazette honours lists for any mention of him but so far no luck. The search facility of the Gazette page comes up with nothing relevant.   Thanks in advance .

[willsy]

Found the Gazette entry for you 1943

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36180/supplement/4216/data.pdf

No.2335010
Lance-Sergeant Andrew Russell,  Royal Corps of Signals (Calderbank, Lanarkshire).

[janiceclark99]

Thank you so much. How do you find it so quickly? Ive been going googly eyed looking for it.

[willsy]

Previous page

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36180/supplement/4215/data.pdf

I  googled his name and number, not working for me in the papers though!

Welcome to rootschat.

[janiceclark99]

Brilliant. Thank you once again. 

[Ruskie]

Maybe his service records will reveal something?
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records
(cost is £30)

Or the war diaries? (which are at Kew - there are some people who can copy these for you for a small cost I believe)

[Jebber]

Try the Nation Archives for a citation, they have some for the Army,  I am not sure if there are any for a BEM, but I found one for my husband’s MBE.

[macwil]

Try the Nation Archives for a citation, they have some for the Army,  I am not sure if there are any for a BEM, but I found one for my husband’s MBE.

Found this record at TNA:-
BEM ANDREW RUSSELL

Not sure if you can download a copy of citation, perhaps someone more experienced with using TNA can advise.
If you click anywhere on the record 'Recommendation for Award . . .' it takes you to order/preview screen where you can download recommendation for £3.50.

[janiceclark99]

This is great, I have went from having no info last night to within a few hours having loads. Got a download of the document from the archives as well. Thank you all so much.