Hello Everyone. I was wondering if anyone can help me with this photo: http://www.theninjasquirrels.co.uk/GrandadCharlie%20001.jpg This is of my Grandfather who somehow ended up at Belsen after the liberation. We know very little about his time in the Army and this photo is the only one we have of him in his uniform. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what medal ribbons are showing in the photo. I am currently waiting for his service records but thought that someone in the forum would be able to tell me more. Kindest Regards Damien English
Sorry - the link to the picture was taking a long time to load. I have attached a word document with the picture in it. Thanks in advance for your help. Damien
113 LAA Regiment took part in the liberation of Bergen Belsen , but can't read his "Shouldertitle" the other badge is of XXX Corps
The medal ribbons are 1939-45 Star and France & Germany Star (Probably - difficult to be 100% sure in B&W). Lee
Lee - that's great! I did think it was those two, but like you said, I wasnt 100% sure because of the photo being in BW. Thanks again! Damien
Damien, it is very tricky to tell the difference between the France & Germany Star and the Italy Star in B&W photos. Actually looking at it again, the outer bands look too light for the France & Germany Star, so wouldn't be surprised if it is the Italy Star.
Lee Again, I did think this, but thought that as he was at Belsen, he must have been awarded the France/Germany star. Could this be incorrect? As I am waiting for his records, we dont know if he ever went to Italy or not? Also, would he have been awarded the 1939-45 war medal also? Sorry for all the questions. Cheers Damien
Damien, hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will chip in about the campaign medals. The issue criteria is a mystery to me. 30 Corps were in Sicily before moving to NW Europe but I don't know if that was long enough for them to qualify for the Italy Star? Do you know when the photo was taken? Again I don't know the details but certain campaign ribbons were issued during the war. For example I have a picture of my grandfather in 1944 where he is wearing a ribbon for the Africa Star. So if your grandfather went from Sicily to NW Europe he may have been entitled to both Stars but at the time the photo was taken had only been issued with ribbons for 39/45 Star and Italy Star perhaps? Not sure if that is likely or not? What's bugging me is the tonal range of the ribbon, my gut feeling is the outer strips should be a lot darker if it was the F&G Star. Time for some experiments with PhotoShop
Lee Thank you for all your help on this. I might see if I can find some software which will restore some colour into the photo?! Not sure if there is anything out there that would do it?! Once I have received his official records, I will let you know whether you were right or not! Kindest regards Damien