WW2 MEDALS

[louisa maud]

My father in law was a prisoner in WW2, upon return he chose not to collect  his medals , is it possible for a son to request the medals, both parents are deceased now

LM

[ptdrifter]

According to gov.uk
"If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child
if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply
if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply"

[rosie17]

We had a relation who was able to claim his father's medals
If I remember right I think he had to pay a small fee

Rosie

[louisa maud]

Eldest  son interested,  sister born 2 years before isn't, could the son apply?
LM

[ptdrifter]

They are quite strict on the rules. Maybe he could get the sister to sign the form.
I applied for my dad's service records for WW2, but got my mum to sign the paperwork.

[louisa maud]

Thank you.
LM

[ptdrifter]

Not sure if this is still ongoing but might be worth a look.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/unclaimed-medals-can-you-help-us-shape-our-services

By the way, Standard WW2 medals were not engraved with recipients details, so if there are problems obtaining the medals, originals are readily available online. Prices aren't too high for them as they can't usually be attributed to an individual.

[louisa maud]

Thank you, if my sister in law isn't interested my husband might not bother, we have a young lad in  the family with problems but all off a sudden he is interested in anything " war", we thought we might try for his grandfather's medals,  will see what my husband  decides but many thanks.

LM