Hello all - does anyone know how to find the citations for honours and 'mentioned in dispatches' for RAMC officers? I am researching two of my father's friends. One was Dr Jack O'Hara (238415) who was mentioned in dispatches for his service in the Burma campaign. This was listed in the Journal of the RAMC in 1946, but with a dating to 1944. I am particularly interested in him because I understand his service may have overlapped to some extent with my father's. The other was Dr George Blair who was captured by the Japanese in 1942 and became a PoW in Taiwan. He was awarded the MBE shortly after the War. Any thoughts much appreciated - Kate
You may be aware of this, George Blairs notes on pows he treated in Taihoku Camp, Taiwan, mainly 5th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, are held at the Welcome Library, near Euston Station, London. Wellcome Library | Medical records of prisoners of war, mainly from 5th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, in Taihoku Camp, Taiwan, kept by Captain George Blair, RAMC
Thank you! Yes, I am aware of this collection. 'Uncle George' was a friend of my parents. It is where I discovered he had been awarded the MBE, in fact. He was a private man and did not mention either the medal or hs experience as a PoW. It was very moving to read his case records and his correspondence with his parents.
Captain Jack O'Hara (238415). The London Gazette reference for his MID is dated 19/7/1945 - 3752, for services in Burma. He got a second MID which was gazetted 19/9/1946 - 4704 in Burma, with the rank of T/Major. This from the book called "Those Mentioned" by Michael Maton. 529 MID's were awarded to the RAMC for services in Burma. From what I've read, it's rare to see a copy of a MID, as most of these records were not kept.
