Naval service medals

[cypresslodge]

Hi,

Was hoping someone here might be able to give me advice on how to find out which medals my father would of received during WW2. He was an Able Seaman on the HMS Ledbury and his term of service was 1943 to 1946.
im just not sure if the medals he received back then would be listed on any service papers or something like that?

Unfortunately dad left all his papers and medals behind in the UK when he moved to Australia in the 60's and I would love to surprise him with replicas ( I have been told that replacement medals arent issued )
Dad is now 83 and doesnt remember exactly which medals he got at the time :)

Thanks for your time
Sharon

[keith9351]

Hi Sharon
The best way would be to send for this service record, unfortunately if he applied it could hardly be a surprise.

This site lists HMS Ledbury war service :-

http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DE-Ledbury.htm

Keith

[Jillychris]

Hi Sharon

This is the Royal Naval page for obtaining Royal Naval Service Records and Medals.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.00h007001

Regards
Jill

[cypresslodge]

Thanks so much for the information, Keith and Jill!!!

The links to the History of the Ledbury was fantastic :) Ive printed off a copy for dad.

Does anyone know if a list of the medals received would be on the service records?

I might be able to apply for the records as next of kin, but unless the medal information is on there it may be just a waste of time and money.

Cheers
Sharon

[Tederator]

I might be able to apply for the records as next of kin, but unless the medal information is on there it may be just a waste of time and money.
Cheers
Sharon


You will not be able to obtain your father's naval records without first obtaining permission from your father as he is still alive. My daughter had this very same problem, she wanted a surprise for me, she applied, and they sent back a document that had to be signed by me because I was still very much alive, if the subject of the naval record has passed away then that is another matter, in one of the posts in this thread there is a link to a site that deals with this.

Cheers

Ted

[Peter Goodey]

Ted

Since you've actually done it, what sort of information was included?

The Veterans' Agency site says "Prior to 1972 all Royal Navy personnel were given their service record when they were discharged...the only data held on Royal Navy personnel who served prior to 1972 is their Service details (number, rank, name etc) and a list of dates and ships/shore bases".

[Tederator]

[QUOTE=Peter Goodey;186007]Ted

Since you've actually done it, what sort of information was included?


Peter
Information included on what? Information on the application for the records or the information on the document that was finally received.
The applicant would have to answer all the relevant questions on the application form including the kinship pdf. The document that my daughter finally received, to surprise me with, was a very modified version of my actual service records that I received on my discharge from the Royal Navy in 1955.
The only information that is on the modified document is as you said, number, rank, name etc and a list of dates and ships and shore bases served in, the actual service record I was given on discharge has a lot more information.

Cheers

Ted.

[keith9351]

Hi Sharon
I came across this book that could interest you.

Destroyer Captain by Roger Hill DSO DSC
ISBN: 9781904381259

This is an account of what it was like to command a destroyer during World War II. Spanning 1942 to 1945, Hill commanded HMS Ledbury during the tragedy of Arctic convoy PQ17 and played an outstanding role in Operation Pedestal. The pressures of command and the strain of years of continual fighting are conveyed here.

I sure a good "Naval Forum" could advise on what Medals your father received, as you know when he served and what ship.

Keith

[Tederator]

Sharon,
This site will show you a list of the medals of WW2.
http://users.skynet.be/hendrik/eng/39UK.html
Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers

Ted.

[cypresslodge]

Thanks so much for all the responses!

Ive just ordered a copy of the book Destroyer Captain - thanks for that Keith.

I'll see how I go getting the records....I can always tell dad its for genealogy purposes so the medals will still be a surprise for him :)


I suppose its still worth trying to get a copy of his service records - even if the medals received isnt on them!
Apparently, Dad did apply back in the 1960's for a certificate of his service, but was told it couldnt be granted. He did receive a letter with his rank, official number and the dates he joined the Royal Navy and when he left.

In the meantime I will try to find a good naval forum as suggested and do a bit of research on what medals he may have received :)
Thanks again for being such a help and giving me some great suggestions!

Cheers
Sharon