Search for content in message boards

WW1 War medal help

WW1 War medal help

Posted: 1 Apr 2014 12:30PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 1 Apr 2014 12:39PM GMT
Surnames: Heron
Hi
Just wondering if anyone can help me. I am looking for my Great Great Grandfathers silver war medal's number. His name was James Heron and I believe he was a stocker. He was a resident of Newport south wales but was from Belfast originally. Just having trouble finding the details for this.

Thank you in advance

James

Re: WW1 War medal help

Posted: 2 Apr 2014 12:49PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hello James

I think you are talking about the Silver War Badge. This was very specifically not a medal and was awarded to servicemen who had been released from military service through injury or illness. One of the primary purposes of the badge (which was only permitted to be worn on civilian clothes) was to protect wearers from public accusations of cowardice.

Do you know when your ancestor was invalided out? The badges were only issued from September 1916 and had to be claimed. I am not sure whether those whose discharge predated 1916 were able to do this.
per page

Find a board about a specific topic