2654980 - SGT Lewis Gilbert Handley - 1930-45 Coldstream Guards - Medal Entitlements?

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by ToddG, Aug 25, 2021.

  1. ToddG

    ToddG New Member

    Good evening everyone.

    I am hoping that the amazing brains trust on here will be able to help me find out some more information about my Great Grandfathers service with the Coldstream Guards and what his medal entitlements would be? we have a Dunkirk medal that we believe is his?

    I have copies of his 'Certificate of Service' and 'Soldiers service and pay book' and know that he was with the training battalion as an instructor (CPL) in 1940 but haven't been able to confirm if he saw any overseas service?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. ToddG

    ToddG New Member

    Of interest to me is the M.M and M.D. after his surname on this, does anyone have any thought on what they could be referencing? IMG20201123192633.jpg
     
  3. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    On the "certificate of service" page 3 (I think) should give a full list of his locations and page 7 has a space for campaigns and medals (although these aren't always complete)
     
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  4. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    His army Red Book B108 does not appear to have been updated since his first release to Class B Reserve pre war. It should’ve been surrendered for that purpose.

    His AB 64 makes mention of the award of the 39/43 Star (subsequently renamed 39/45 Star) but no others. He has several periods of leave in summer 1944 so I doubt he was with a fighting battalion overseas at that time.

    The 1940 hospital admission form refers to 2nd CG who were then in France with BEF.

    I have checked my copy of the Regimental History and there is no mention of any award of the MM to him - although another Sgt Handley (5th CG) did receive the MM. The M D could mean Mention in Despatches (usual abbreviation MID) or perhaps the French Medaille D’Honour (MM equivalent) but again there is no mention in the official history.

    The answers will be in his service record but I’d make an educated guess that he was retained in U.K. in a Training role post Dunkirk and that his medal entitlement is 39/45 Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.

    Steve

    EDIT TO ADD

    I’ve had a look at my copy of No Dishonourable Name - 2nd & 3rd CG WW2 unofficial history. He is not mentioned in the Honours & Awards appendix.
     
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2021
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  5. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Steve has beaten me to it but I would add:
    For his medals contact the Medal Office, who will be able to confirm those he was entitled to and which have already been issued. Very helpful people.
    The Dunkirk Medal you have posted is not an official medal but a commemorative one.
    MM = Military Medal and I agree with Steve that MD probably means Mentioned in Dispatches.

    Tim
     
  6. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Enlisted 5/12/30 for 3 years plus 9 years in the Reserves.
    upload_2021-8-25_15-56-40.jpeg

    Tim
     

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