Hong Kong Service Medal?

noe · 14-01-2006, 09:39 AM

Hi, I know this isn't concerning WWII but I thought some knowledgeable people may know. My father served in Hong Kong in the late 60's and ive just recently been reading about a Hong Kong service medal that he's entitled for. Does he have to buy one from a medal company or can he get it from the MOD. I ask this as I've found a load of places to buy this medal from but nothing on the MOD pages.

Cheers in advance

Mark

Geoff Reeves · 14-01-2006, 06:09 PM

Hi Mark: there is no officially issued or sanctioned medal for service in Hong Kong. I suspect that you are thinking of one of the Bigbury Mint-style unofficial medals that veteran's, or their families can buy. They are supposed to be worn on the right breast instead of the left breast (as they are not recognized medals) but one does see them worn with official medals on occasion - which is a real shame. Essentially these are self-awarded objects that do little but make some former soldiers look like Soviet Generals.

Mark, I don't want to come off sounding harsh, but to say that your father is "entitled" to this medal is a bit of a misnomer - anyone is "entitled" to it because anyone can simply buy one.

I don't think your father will gain any additional respect or recognition, for his valuable service to the crown, by wearing one of these self-awarded gongs. I suppose part of the debate has to be whether the government does enough to recognize and reward its former service personnel?

Anyway, Mark - sorry for the rant - you or your father will have to purchase one of these medals privately from one of the sources that you have seen - the MOD does not recognize them.

Cheers and good luck,
Geoff

yuyanxia · 23-01-2006, 09:51 AM

Hong Kong at that time belongs to England to have jurisdiction , also is England issues

14-01-2006, 06:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Geoff Reeves Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toronto, CANADA Posts: 22	Hi Mark: there is no officially issued or sanctioned medal for service in Hong Kong. I suspect that you are thinking of one of the Bigbury Mint-style unofficial medals that veteran's, or their families can buy. They are supposed to be worn on the right breast instead of the left breast (as they are not recognized medals) but one does see them worn with official medals on occasion - which is a real shame. Essentially these are self-awarded objects that do little but make some former soldiers look like Soviet Generals. Mark, I don't want to come off sounding harsh, but to say that your father is "entitled" to this medal is a bit of a misnomer - anyone is "entitled" to it because anyone can simply buy one. I don't think your father will gain any additional respect or recognition, for his valuable service to the crown, by wearing one of these self-awarded gongs. I suppose part of the debate has to be whether the government does enough to recognize and reward its former service personnel? Anyway, Mark - sorry for the rant - you or your father will have to purchase one of these medals privately from one of the sources that you have seen - the MOD does not recognize them. Cheers and good luck, Geoff __________________ Geoff Reeves Pro Rege et Patria In memory of my relatives who served and died in World War Two: S/6076192 WO1 W.G. REEVES, DCM - The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regt) and The Royal Army Service Corps. Died on active duty 16 January 1940. Grandfather. 429410 LAC Sydney Hogarth STARMER, RAAF. Killed in training accident with 5 SFTS 19 August 1943 at Collingullie, aged 19. Great Uncle QX8001 Lt Alexander Cunningham STARMER, MC - 2/15th AIF - older brother to Sydney, died 1980. Great Uncle

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14-01-2006, 09:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
noe Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 33	Hi, I know this isn't concerning WWII but I thought some knowledgeable people may know. My father served in Hong Kong in the late 60's and ive just recently been reading about a Hong Kong service medal that he's entitled for. Does he have to buy one from a medal company or can he get it from the MOD. I ask this as I've found a load of places to buy this medal from but nothing on the MOD pages. Cheers in advance Mark

23-01-2006, 09:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
yuyanxia Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2	Hong Kong at that time belongs to England to have jurisdiction , also is England issues

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