Hello, I am interested in: KNIGHT, ROBERT AUSTIN, Serjeant, 3 Airlanding Anti-Tank Bty. RA, Service No. 14200121 He died on March 24th, 1945 and was "mentioned in despatches" - I understand that this mention can be looked up somewhere. Who could help me with this? Thanks Albert
Robert Austin Knight 1922–1945 BIRTH 1922 • Eton Berkshire England DEATH 24 MAR 1945 • Germany UK, Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945 Name: Robert Knight Given Initials: R A Rank: Serjeant Death Date: 24 Mar 1945 Number: 14200121 Birth Place: Buckinghamshire Residence: Buckinghamshire Branch at Enlistment: Royal Artillery Theatre of War: Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45 Regiment at Death: Royal Artillery Branch at Death: Royal Artillery There is nothing in any of the family trees created. MID are difficult to find as they are more often than not, awarded to people for good standards and quality of service/work over a period of time, as opposed to most other awards that are for very specific witnessed actions. If you search the site then there are several threads on the subject and somewhere I believe there is a book (not cheap) that does have them, maybe a member has one such copy of the book, I cant recollect TD
Albert London gazette 10/5/1945 lists his Mention. As you may know Citations for MiDs are rarer than hens teeth and normally come up where the recipient was recommended for a higher award which was downgraded. I have no details of any citation myself at all, but presumably it was actions during Varsity. Not sure there would be anything in the War Diary either Andy
Andy - thanks a lot! I am afraid there is nothing on him in the war diary - so it would be great if you could post the link. The odd thing that he is listed in the CWGC database as "died of wounds" on March 24th, 1945 and buried in Raesfeld, which at that date was still outside the bridgehead held by the airborne forces. So he might have died as a wounded POW in a German dressing station. Or his captors did something to him that caused his death (which indeed happened - there is a case when a local policeman aided by some Hitler Youth shot a British glider pilot who had been taken prisoner. This happened in the village of Vielen, near Raesfeld. Regards Alex
Albert, The attached image is that of a typical MID certificate for the WW2 years. This certificate was usually sent out to the recipient or their family.
Thank you, Richelieu - so, just that I understand, a list like this is basically a list of fatal casualties. So in which way is "mentioned in despatches" honouring the individual? I'm afraid I am not familiar with the whole concept - I thought that it was more of a commendation... Sorry - I should have taken note of what bamboo43 just posted. Now it makes more sense to me!
With regard to recommendations for FEPOWs, many of which were for MiDs can anyone tell me what B.M. stands for? See: Tim
Alberk, Mentions are essentially commendations available for a wide range of services, and although they could be awarded posthumously this was by no means a prerequisite, and most were not. The policy at the time was that only the Victoria Cross or a Mention could be awarded posthumously ‘for service in the face of the enemy’, so a posthumous Mention might have attracted a higher award had the recipient survived the action concerned. See: Posthumous Gallantry Awards I suspect this may stem from an OCR corruption – that first ‘2’ looks dodgy to me! Roy may have provided a clue Tim. New Resource - Operation Aerial 1940
LG entry was difficult to find as, date is actually 8th not 10th, but mainly because the bad reproduction caused an error in his number: LG Albert, As you have seen, it is a commendation, unfortunately, as has been said before, it is very unlikely that a reason for a MiD will ever be found, especially for ORs, The National Archives has some, but can’t see the one you are interested in. MiDs Post #7, above, shows you what the actual certificate looks like, I have one for my father. Interestingly I also have the attached letter sent to my mother, obviously I have no idea about her letter of 6 October, but the reply is a standard letter with spaces to enter particular details, so must have been sent out in great numbers. The last paragraph is relevant. I also have this, a handwritten note of the LG entry, I can't be certain, but presume that it came with the War Office letter.
Tony56 - thanks to the documents you attached I have a much better understanding of the practice. Judging from these I assume that "gallantry" or a commendable action "in the face of the enemy" is a prerequisite for a mention in despatches.
Mentioned in dispatches - Wikipedia. TD https://assets.publishing.service.g.../attachment_data/file/557785/JSP761_Part1.pdf "Level 4: There are no codified conditions of award but since September 1993 the Mention in Despatches has been restricted to gallantry during active operations" Not quite sure what the criteria was prior to 1993 Sept 1993 seems to change things a little "The silver oak leaf denoting a Mention in Despatches awarded since September 1993"
I had this in my files, it is dated from 1947, but I have removed the recipients name for anonymity purposes:
Found this link which provides some of the stories behind how some RAF service people were awarded their MiD during WW2 Mention-in-Despatches – RAFCommands Examples that show it wasnt necessarily in the 'face of the enemy' but was more for continued good service over a length of time WAAF AWARD FAUTLEY, Vera Maude Rose, Flight Sergeant (889714, Womens Auxiliary Air Force) – Station Leighton Buzzard – Mention in Despatches – awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1945. Citation found in Public Record Office Air 2/8872. “This airwoman is a teleprinter operator who has served at Leighton Buzzard since May 1940. She has graduated from ACW.2 to her present rank since that date and has competed with all Leighton Buzzard teleprinter activities at various times. She is of a mature age and sound judgement, and has brought to her work cheerfulness, patience and ability of a high order. Her influence upon her WAAF subordinates is most marked and he has ably supported her superiors.” GLEW, Corporal Robert (RAF 35090) – Mention in Despatches – Station Leeming – awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.2619 (National Library and Archives RG.24 Volume 20628) has recommendation forwarded 31 July 1944. “Corporal Glew has been Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the High Frequency Direction Finding Station, Leeming, since November 1942. During this time he has been responsible for the signal communications to thousands of aircraft. His efficient and confident ability has been without question responsible for many aircraft returning safely to Base, even when in extreme difficulties. Under his guidance this Direction Finding Station has built up a reputation for accuracy which for accuracy which is now well known. Corporal Glew has maintained the morale of his subordinates at a very high level in spite of the fact that they are living under adverse conditions and operate under considerable strain.” TD A perfect example HANNAFORD, S/L Harold William Crimp (43612) – Mention in Despatches – Station Leeming – awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 June 1943. DHist file 181.009 D.2617 (RG.24 Volume 20627) has recommendation for an MBE dated 22 February 1943 and submitted by G/C C.R. Dunlap. “As Senior Accountant Officer and Entertainment Officer, Squadron Leader Hannaford rendered outstanding service. His efforts on behalf of the personnel of this station have been unceasing, and he has been successful in building up and maintaining orchestras, bands and concert parties which are second to none. His work in connection with the improvement of the cinema, the stage and general entertainments have been of the highest order. His efforts have been greatly appreciated by all ranks, and have been a great uplift to morale and happiness generally.”
Thanks, but apart from B.M. in the reference I can see nothing that relates to citations or recommendations for an award. Usually Army Form W3121 is used for citations so I'm still no nearer to discovering what a B.M. is and why it was so used for POWs. Tim
