Hello I'm Ralph Edwards grandson and recently have been looking into his service with the DLI from 1934-1946 I have been helped a lot by a man I believe is on this forum Versailles (Jim). He has been a brilliant help to me and my family. I have recently just received his service history from the mod so have a bit more to go on. Just thought I'd put a post up in here with a couple of pics maybe someone will recognise a relative in the pic I have? Ralph Edwards born 22/12/1912. Blood Terrace Jarrow. He signed up to the DLI in 1934 and was posted to the Sudan in 1937 moved onto Shanghai and Tientsin. Egypt and Nwe to name a few None of our family know of the whereabouts of his medals so that's the next step for me. Wish I had a few more pics of my grandad but with a bit of luck it might tie in with someone on here recognising someone on a picture and go from there. I know it's a long shot! Khartoum 1937
Hi Michael Welcome to the forum For his medals the forms are here - link - https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/apply-for-a-medal - they may have already been issued so perhaps a call to the phone number may enlighten you to situation. TD
Both 2 DLI were in Sudan in 1937 then their turnover personnel were transferred to the 1st DLI at Port Sudan to journey on to China (Michael I`ve spoken to Jim too ) Welcome to the Forum Kyle
Thanks for the welcomes Yes as Mr Jinks said he was both minden1759, good isn't he Kyle! What do you think my chances are on someone recognising someone on the pic I put up? Would also love to find any more pics with him in
Michael, My Grandfather also asked about soldiers in a photograph on this forum and was given everything but his inside leg measurements! So you never know ! I see your Grandfather is on Jims website Well done he`ll be over the moon to have added another Best Wishes Kyle
From what I can see he was there 20/09/1943 - 13/10/1943 but I could be wrong on his records it looks like they have spelled it cos He had previously been to Egypt 19/06/43 then Syria 06/07/43 Palestine 22/07/43 then Cos (Kos) 20/09/43
Kos was captured by the Germans on 3 Oct 43 so, if he was not with them on the island at that moment he would have escaped becoming a PW. If he left 1 DLI on 13 Oct 43, it would is likely that he was transferred to 2 DLI because 1 DLI ceased to exist. FdeP
Hi, I think there maybe a bit of confusion regarding 1st DLI? They never ceased to exist only 120 escaped but they were re-enforced and fought on in Italy for the rest of the War.2 DLI never fought in Europe after 1940 spending the War in the Far east fighting the Japanese. Kyle
Hi, I'm no medal expert but I think you may have them "mounted" in "wrong order"? IMHO they should be - From the left 39/45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, F&G Star, Defence Medal and finally on extreme right 39/45 War Medal. Regards Steve Y
Theres an order for wearing medals but as its a display does it matter? Its still a great gift for your Mam . I bet shes well pleased Kyle
Thanks, all text on there is able to be changed its just cut vinyl applied to an acrylic panel. Hi, wasnt aware of an order when I made it up. Everything can be moved around easily enough so if anybody else mentions it I will put it in the correct order. Thanks for the info She got choked up when I gave her it, so very pleased (I hope!). Thanks
Hi Michael This link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_Kingdom#Order_of_wear - gives the order of wear for medals (I believe) starting at the centre of the chest and working left towards the left arm. Scroll down to the relevant section. TD