My father was Ralph George Bleach. He received an MBE at montecassino where he was an acting seargeant major. Can anyone tell me who received civilian medals in war time. Also I don't have his regiment or details. Can anyone tell me how I might trace him Thanks
This was a common award given to Quartermasters for good conduct in the field; have you tried tracing him in the London Gazette? Gazette | Gateway
Dont confuse the M.B.E. (Military) with the civilian version even if the latter's award to The Beatles did cause a number of old R.S.M.s to think about sending theirs back !
Thankyou. Someonemanaged to find his service number for me so I think I will send off for his service record. This is more about what made him who he was. I know he was in France and Egypt and Italy. He had a piece of shrapnel in his back that was nwever removed so I though this must have been at the same time. He got the medal in 1945 and is listed as an additional member of the Military Division of the most excellent order on 19.04.45 Listed as warrant officer2 RASC Ayr. NoS/108236. If anyone does know anything about what that meant, where they were in the war and what they were doing I would be happy. I dont know when he was injured would he have been in the same regiment all the time.
Squadron Quarter Master Serjeant Ralph George Bleach MBE, posted HQ 78th Infantry Division, Royal Army Service Corps. Awarded Periodical MBE. This WO has been Chief Clerk, 'Q' Branch, HQ 78 Inf Div for 12 months. His initiative, work and devotion to duty have been outstanding. Hie has continuously been called upon to carry out duties and accept responsibility far above his rank and, in particular, during the successful advance of the Div from the Rapido to Lake Trasimene from 12 May to 5 Jul 44. The appointment of Staff Captain 'Q' was vacant during this period and it was necessary for him to act in this capacity and continue to carry out his own duties at the same time. He was often left in the unique position for a WO, in that he had to be given the power to issue orders, make quick decisions, and deal direct with senior officers in higher formations on matters of policy. These duties necessitated very long hours of work, often under trying conditions. No praise can be too high for this WO. He set a very fine example to all who came into contact with him or his work, by this efficiency, cheerfulness and willing manner. Dated 19.4.45
Catrenne - This is very good work as he was in a very fine division who fought their way from Algiers in November 1942 until finishing up in Austria where they were the standard bearers for the British Army alongside the Russian - French and the US Armies. After Trasimeno they went off to Egypt for rest and reinforcement and returned to take part in the Gothic Line battles Aug/ Sep '44. Click onto "Google" for a short history of the Division and get hold of the Book - "The Batteaxe Division" by Ken Ford, ISBN - 0 -7509 - 3199- X - tells you all you want to know of their escapades- although you mention that he has the France medal - don't know about that as the division never served there ! Cheers
