Oct 31, 2007
Even in this day and age, there are still many War Medals from various past conflicts – which, for one reason or another – have not been claimed by War Veterans or their respective family.
Some even going back as far as the First World War.
In the case of the 1914 – 18 war, there are virtually no Veterans left to make a claim. But sixty years on, there are still veterans of the Second World War who – through one means or another – are discovering that they have not yet received their full entitlement.
One case at hand is that of 90 year old British War Veteran, Tommy HALL. As reported by the Newbury Weekly News on the 31st of October, 2007 – Tommy had two War Medals from his service with the Ulster Rifles. When Tommy moved house, these medals went missing and he sought the assistance of the Newbury Branch of the ‘Royal British Legion’ to help him acquire “replacement” medals.
It was then ascertained that Tommy was actaully entitled to four more service medals, bringing his tally to that of six medals in total. As the Ulster Rifles were part of the British 6th Airborne Division, Tommy no doubt found himself in the thick of it – during the Normandy Landings and the subsequent Ardennes offensive.
And now, 62 years later, the medals from these campaigns are finally finding their way back to their rightful owner.
Which brings us in modern days, to ask the question “Where did my relative serve? And did he or she receive everything that he was entitled to?”
As our servicemen and women of yesteryear fade away, many families go through the process of recording their heritage and “family tree” research often leads to a search for war medals. When these medals cannot be found, we just assume that either “someone else has been given the medals” or “they are lost; never to be recovered”.
After what has just happened to old Tommy HALL, perhaps you should start to dig a little deeper and find out as to whether or not; your relative’s war medals have actually been issued and claimed???
Every Commonwealth Country has a Government Agency that can assist you – and at least enlighten you as to whether or not – your relative’s medals have in fact been claimed.
In your search for missing war medals, at least it is somewhere to start.
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