Hi, New member who is currently trying to find out my grandfather medal entitlement from ww2. I currently have some of his medal but would like to order copies of what I don't have to make a display for my father. I have some of his service records which include postings but I can't make out what they say. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. I have his defence medal, war medal, 39-45 star and his India general service medal. So believe I'm just missing campaign stars. I know he was at Arnhem and believe he may have also been posted in Scilly. Would this information be on his postings records and I'm just not seeing it? Sorry for asking what are probably commonly asked questions. Ryan
Hi 51highlands, Thanks for the reply. I'll scan them up shortly. He has 2 sets. Think one is from when he moved into the reserves after the war. I also have a debrief from when he returned from Arnhem but unsure how relevant that would be.
The more information provided here can help usually, if only to repeat what you have done already. Simple items first: full name, date of birth, service number, regiment / corps served in and the records you have. The debrief would interest others whose focus is Arnhem. (PM with more advice in a moment).
Hi both, Think I've manged to upload the files, would probably be easier on a laptop rather than a phone. His rank and name is Lance Corporal Harold Cook. And his service number is 5110007 and I believe he was in the 11 battalion parachute regiment? As a signalman. His date of birth on his military records is 20/5/1918 though he was actually born in 1919.
Hi Ryan Have you received any more pages of his records? There is a B103 army form which is a more comprehensive record which you should have received. Take a look here at my father's records Ernest Illingworth, Army Records | WW2Talk Lesley
Hi Lesley, Thanks for the reply, sadly all I have is what I've posted other than the debriefs. My aunt gave me those copies a while ago and am unsure if she had any other documents. I feel that is what I'm probably wanting. May look at requesting the documents from the MOD tomorrow. Is it a complicated process? Must be a privilege to have your father's records also.
It's not complicated but they are taking about a year to come through unfortunately. "Requests for personal data and service records: a detailed guide - GOV.UK" Requests for personal data and service records: a detailed guide Meanwhile, hopefully someone will come along to decipher the records you have posted. Lesley
Casualty list 1588 dated 27/10/1944 5110007 L/Cpl H COOK, Army Air Corps, 11 Para reported missing 25/9/44 Casualty list 1641 dated 29/12/1944 Reported not missing WO Reference WO-100/500_1 Record set Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards Medal type India General Service Medal 1936-1939 First name(s) H Last name Cook Year 1936-39 Service number 5110007 Rank Lance Corporal Regiment 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment Corps in which earned 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment PDF Page Number 174/188 Archive reference WO 208/3351 Record set Prisoners Of War 1715-1945 Series WO 208 Series name POW - Escape report Piece number 3351 First name(s) H Last name Cook Year 1941 Rank Lieutenant Corporal [Note should be Lance] Service number 5110007 Regiment 11th Btn Parachute Regiment Unit or regiment 11th Btn Parachute Regiment WEA number 2/1005/2305 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_q=5110007 Page 4685 | Supplement 37274, 18 September 1945 | L...
Hi Tony, That's an awful lot of unexpected info. I was aware of the MID as dad has recently given me the original certificate. But looking at the documents on your link I certainly haven't seen those. I will look at downloading them when I get chance. I was just looking at records for my dad's uncle who I have had more luck with. I'm guessing because he was in the Australian forces. There is footage on YouTube of my Grandad just after he had been taken captive. Thanks for the effort you've clearly put in
Hi Tony, Amazing to read George Kays debrief. I've never read it. I do have a copy of my grandads mI9 debrief which would be interesting to compare. Also I've personally never read that news article so really appreciate that also. Alot of new stuff to take in. Thank you
Ryan, To answer your original question, you should contact the MOD Medal Office (details at end of link). They will be able to tell you which medals your grandfather was entitled to and when they were claimed and issued. Usually a reasonably quick response. Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility Tim
Cheers Tim, that's certainly the main aim for me. I'll drop them email tomorrow to see what needs to be done.
Regarding the newspaper clipping it mentions he was in Palestine prior to 1944. Would anybody know what that might have involved?
