Hi My grandfather was mentioned in dispatches in 2nd world war can I find out why he was mentioned in dispatches please?
Elaine, Yes, some of the experts regularly post such information e.g. dbf and others help others to find the information. Please add all the information you have; notably full name, date of birth (even if limited), his service number if known and his assigned formation. Have you completed your more general research on him?
Citations for the majority of MiDs no longer exist. Even when one exists, the info can be scant. A fraction are archived at TNA: some British Expeditionary Forces/1940, some for POW cases, some for recommendations downgraded from higher awards... Unit War Diaries might occasionally contain useful information while even naming an individual from Ranks but it's hardly ever that straight-forward. As David says , give some details and let the membership see if anything can be found.
, The majority are not documented I am afraid but should be announced in the London Gazette (regiment, name, number only. Some MiDs were awarded for a particular action, but many were awarded for prolonged good service.
Yes his name was William Thomas Campbell as far as I'm aware his dob was 1/02/1900 he was in RASC i ll need to look to see if I can find his reg.number.
It said he has a regular army emergency commission quarter master but his rank was lieutenant service numberT25346 there is more info on the sheet but cannot get it uploaded
Here is an example of a certificate awarded to a recipient of a MID. As suggested previously, sometimes the award was simply an entry into a war diary, and announcement in the London Gazette and the forwarding of the Oak Leaf emblem for wear.
I wished I had asked my grandad about the war when he was alive. But he never liked talking about it much to us girls he told the boys more. Maybe because he lost his older brother on 1st day of somme
Finally found the LG entry for his Mention, correct army number but typo means he's listed as W.C. Campbell. Theatre = Italy. London Gazette : 11 January 1945 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36886/supplement/315/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36886/supplement/330/data.pdf
Yes I think that's a typo because I know he fought in Italy at montecasio he also fought in North Africa and France at Dunkirk x
If you apply for a copy of his service records they will show you all the units he was serving with throughout his service. Armed with the unit(s) and the knowledge that he was mentioned for an action in Italy, you should be able to locate any relevant war diary to see if his name is raised for any special circumstances. As a Warrant Officer he's more likely to be named in a War Diary. No guarantee of success but much better chances than lower ranks. another LG entry for him London Gazette : 24 February 1948 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38217/supplement/1421/data.pdf ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS Lt (Qr.-Mr ) W T. CAMPBELL (338497) relinquishes his commn , 9th Dec 1947, on enlistment in T.A
Where do I apply for a copy of his service records please and how much is it likely to cost? Thank u so much for all your help
Only from the MOD here: Get a copy of military service records: Apply for the records of someone who's deceased - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Cost is £30 + a copy of his death certificate.
OK thanks for that it's something I will have to think about especially at the minute with the cost of living as I'm on a low pension x but I do appreciate all your help x