....another medal question
 

Whilst not wishing to detract from the "Vets should be awarded the jubilee medal" thread, a genuine question.

I have been awarded an OSM Afghanistan as a civilian, which differs from the very same medal I received whilst serving, only slightly (Mr. replaces my service number on the edge) Understanding that this is not a common occurrence and may cause some head scratching, does anyone know what is the "done thing" when one exercises the right to wear said baubles? (...Priority, same rack, the rules don't apply as I'm now a civvie?)

TACLAN waiting out

As a civilian now, I earned the Iraq medal (sans clasp), the OSM Afghanistan (with clasp) and the ACSM11. I still wear No5s for Mess functions so wear the above alongside the LS&GCM in the correct order. I don't believe there is a problem with this.

Are you asking if you can wear both medals (identical other than the name on the edge) in the same set because you have been awarded two?

THS asked "Are you asking if you can wear both medals (identical other than the name on the edge) in the same set because you have been awarded two?"

Amongst other things, yes..

Sorry, misread the question and don't know the answer

Why would you want to wear medals after you have left the Service? What on, and when?

Perhaps on your suit if you attend Remembrance occasions? Wearing them on a DJ looks a little pretentious and sad. Wearing uniform (No5 or No1) when you have left is, I think, inappropriate - you've left move on.

Mine are gathering dust. I might get around to framing them one day, but wearing them was part of my time in the Service.

The short answer is no, you can't wear two of the same campaign medals, just the one.

Further to Laarbruch, if the first OSM was sans clasp/rosette and the second one was avec clasp/rosette, wear the one with the clasp/rosette.

But then as a civvie - you won't be wearing ribbons (therefore won't be wearing a rosette) so just stick with the medal with the clasp. Or wear both. Add a DSO for colour. Nothing will happen...

Added to say,

I attended a Black Tie dinner in london two weeks ago and quite a few people wore miniature medals. However, there was a woman there - wife of a serving Wg Cdr - wearing the QDJM along side the QGJM and a Balkans medal . I know she left the Service a couple of years ago and is a housewife with a couple of young kids now (an honorable profession, by the way). She's not VR or RAuxAF or TA and I was going to say something at the time but the moment was lost. What would Ppruners say in similar circumstances?

"Good evening".

Beagle - you made my Elevenses with that comment!

It would be fair to say that the woman in question hasn't 'let go' of being in the Service. Always organising, volunteering, etc etc. I did want to say something like 'I didn't realise you were entitled to that?' but it would have been embarrasing all round.

Beagle's comment is certainly more civilised than standing next to the lady in question, pointing at her, and screaming "Walt" at the top your voice....

.....after all, it is her conscience, not yours.

Even if you are no longer serving, I assumed it was always acceptable to wear medals that you have earned on whatever form of civvies you like: Blazer for Rememberance Day, DJ for DINs as a guest, ballgown (for the ladies).

Wearing the uniform after you have left is another thing entirely though!

Is it written anywhere? QRs?

TR

AP1358 Chapter 2 Order No 0231

Wenslydale,

Absolutely correct. If the situation arises again, I would be tempted to say 'good to see you wearing your medasl'. Sufficiently cryptic, I would hope.

As a dealer I have in the past had identical medals issued in error to the same service recipient, so this is not a new problem. During the Great War many soldiers changed regiments and in the post war period record checking was not 100% and two sets of medals could be issued in error, showing the different regiments after the recipient's name.

But to get back to the original question, the answer is an unequivocal "no". Wear one, keep the other in the sock drawer!

Btw, Whenurhappy you don't have to be in any of the services or police, ambulance etc to get a QDJM. Many civilians have received the medal, and the lady at the black-tie dinner could well have received hers quite legitimately. Beagle's advice therefore the most prudent!

With regards to wearing medals in civilian attire, the garrison tailor at Arborfield used to have a copy of Spink’s Manual for the Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals which is a guide for dealing with such matters.

Not really sure but it certainly gives one the perfect excuse to stare at her cleavage on the pretence that you're examining her medals :E

And as for looking down your nose at people wearing part uniform and medals once they're out of the service try explaining that to blokes like these....

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...ebbodeWa_ZR3hk

Best I give her the benefit of the doubt on this - should I meet her again.

I'd thought that, if the invitation said: "Mess Kit or Black tie with Decorations and Miniatures" then retired personnel, male or female, would be correct in sporting same but I do stand to be corrected.

Bas - No medals despite all the aircraft I almost put out of action :}

Nice rack :E