Genealogy Chat

My father in law died in 1992 and we could find no medals ampng his personal effects. One day at an antiques fair i was chatting to a stall holder selling medals and he told me they were not sent out but had to be claimed and gave me an address to write to in Droitwich. F-i-l had never claimed his. We applied and it took about a year to receive them back so now we can pass them down to his grandson one day.

I am of two minds with this. My Grandfather was due some medals (i don't know what) but he never wanted them. I would love them as part of my Family History 'Collection' but feel i would be going against his wishes if i claimed them (well i guess my mum would have to claim them).

I wish it was the same for claiming the recently introduced Women's Land Army Medal, that is only given to surviving women, not their descendants. Feels like those who have died have been cheated of their recognition.

Jane

Hello Elizabeth,

Link you supplied working, many thanks

bye Helen

Helen,

You could try this link:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/ApplyingForMedals.htm

I did apply for and received my late father's WW2 medals a year or two ago. Can't remember where I applied to though. (He didn't bother to claim them, but they are now safely stored with his WW1 medals, to be handed down to his grandson.)

Elisabeth

Pauline,

Link is not working for me ?

bye Helen

Most WW1 medals were sent out automatically but the WW2 ones weren't out because issues keeping relative's addresses up to date.

A few years ago I tracked down my mum's father's medals. He died shortly after the war and they were never claimed.

Rose

Apparently they had to be claimed by the serving member or family if he was killed in action. Dad never did send for them, and although he passed away in 1988, I felt that I wanted them as they are part of both his and my history.

PP
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I just thought that you might like to know that the process is very easy. Download a form from http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/De...cationForm.htm

Fill it in and send it off with any relevant certificate copies (BMD). I did just that for my father's medals on 16th July, and I received the medals on Wednesday 6th August! I think that is great service as I had read on various forums that people had waited 6 months or more.

I am so chuffed :-) Dad was entitled to 5 medals in total, and each one has come in a separate box along with the appropriate ribbons. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, Italy Star and War Medal 1939-45.

If anybody has not done it, please do as it is really good to receive some sort of recognition for what your rellie did for his/her country.

PP
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