Sorry - Non Flying (Help with Grandfathers Medals Please)

[MaroonMan4]

Hey guys,

Really sorry about a non aviation thread, but I have tried to Google and informally ask around. I have a civvie friend that has recently found a whole load of miniature medals from his Grandfather from WW1.

How does he go around trying to trace the originals (and please dont say look in the loft - he has turned his whole house upside down) and what is the best place to get information on what the medals were and why they were awarded/presented.

Thanks (with some apologies for using Prune as a medium for help) - now back to some flying stuff and banter :)

[general all rounder]

If your friend knows his grandfathers service/regiment, his rank and his service number it should be relatively easy to look it up on his Service Medal Record at the National Archives in Kew - you can do a limited search online. If he only has the name it is still possible but will probably take longer.

[parabellum]

http://www.spink.com/home_page/index.asp

I have always found them very helpful, selling or not.

[Union Jack]

Maroon

Is it possible for you/your friend to put a photograph on here? I'm sure that there are plenty of people here who would provide very speedy and accurate answers.

Jack

PS The answers also depend whose side Grandfather was on .....:)

[MaroonMan4]

Thanks for all of your prompt replies, really appreciated.

I will try and get a phot posted, and as to the Regiment - not too sure but possibly Devon and Dorsets.

[angels]

parabellum has got it.

I asked a similar question here a time back about my dad's medals and was told to go to Spink.

They're friendly and provided excellent service.

[Roland Pulfrew]

MM4

You or your friend could try these links at the National Archives:

Gallantry (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=35)

Campaign (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=37)

Other Info (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=34)

Lots more info available there, even more if you can visit Kew.

[Tocsin]

Another (less formal?) place to try is:

http://www.britishmedalforum.com/index.php

- its populated by collectors, but they are experts in the field, and like to answer questions on medals and research of same.

[November4]

Alternatively try on the Great War Forum (http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?act=idx)- lots of very knowlegable people over there and sure they will supply details on his service as well if you ask.

[Brian Dixon]

Is this any help?

http://www.worldmedals.co.uk/Rib/Britrib/britribb.htm

[GalleyTeapot]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/ModMedalOffice.htm