Over 20 years ago, a resident of the South Coast of New South Wales (Australia) discovered a First World War era British War Medal whilst using a metal detector. Thankfully people such as this exist, as this wonderful man has just one wish – to return this valuable memento to the direct descendants of the medal recipient. That medal recipient was William McGUNIGAL who lost his life during the Great War. But how did this medal end up lost, in the scrub on the other side of the world?
British War Medal of William McGunigal
Medals Gone Missing in partnership with Ancestry Australia are well on the way to confirming the direct descendants of William McGUNIGAL. It is hoped this medal can be returned to Scotland in time for the Centenary of Remembrance Day (Armistice Day) 1918 – 2018.
Sadly William lost his life during 1916. His known details are as follows:- Regimental Number 10625. Born: 20 May 1891, St Nicholas, Aberdeen, Scotland. Last known Address: 55 Orchard Street, Aberdeen Scotland. Enlistment date:- 10 April 1910 Enlistment age 18 years and 10 months. Next of Kin: Mother, Annie Jopp McGUNIGAL, 55 Orchard Street, Aberdeen. Subsequently it is known that William was posthumously awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
British War Medal of Private William McGUNIGAL, Service Number 10625 who sadly was killed during 1916. How did this medal end up in rural Australia?
If you are a direct descendant of Private William McGUNIGAL then the team from Medals Gone Missing would like to hear from you.
In addition his 1914-1915 Star, Victory Medal and Memorial Plaque may be missing? If you happen to be a private collector and you have any of these awards in your possession, could you kindly contact us here at Medals Gone Missing.
The British War Medal of William McGUNIGAL who served with the Royal Scots during the Great War.
This November will witness the Centenary of Armistice Day …. referred to in the modern era as Remembrance Day. It is only fitting that William’s found British War Medal is returned to its rightful place.
