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  1. #1
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    Default Looking for information on MBE medal

    Hello, I am looking for history on the military background of my partners grandfather.
    The info I have:
    Colonel Peter MacDonald
    Born: 10 December 1918
    Died: 30 September 1975
    Joined The Border Regiment in August 1938 as a second Lieutenant
    Served in Palestine; as a Lieutenant
    Fought in France 1940; Captured at Dunkirk in June 1940;

    What I am looking for:
    - notifications of receiving his medals
    - any info on receiving his MBE medal
    - being a prisoner of war at Oflag 5B, 6B and 7B from 1940-1945/46

    I have tried searching the FWR, the National Archives and the London Gazette but so far no luck.

    Does anyone have any tips or tricks on where to search?

    Many thanks

  2. #2
    Super Moderator christanel's Avatar
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    Default

    Welcome to the British-Genealogy forums
    If you came to us from Forces War Records reading this will explain the connection.

    WW11 service records are still held by the MoD but can be applied for. You will need a copy of the death certificate of your partner's grandfather and as you know his birthdate you will not need his service number. This 'sticky' explains and gives the link where you can download the application forms. You will need 30 pounds and a lot of patience because there is quite a long wait before you receive them.
    Meanwhile you could try The National Archives to see if there are war diaries for his regiment. This will give you a general idea of his activities during the war. As he was an officer he may even be mentioned in the diaries.

    Have you tried the London Gazette for a report of his receiving the medals although it isn't usual to say what, if any, particular action was the reason for the award. His local paper(s) of the time may have something.

    Christina
    Sometimes paranoia is just having all the facts.
    William Burroughs

  3. #3
    Famous for offering help & advice simmo1's Avatar
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    HI

    As Christina suggested, getting his service records would be the best start.

    I found this on FMP - https://www.
    findmypast.co.uk/search/results?datasetname=prisoners+of+war+1715-1945&firstname=peter&firstname_variants=true&lastn ame=macdonald
    I don't know if any are him though.
    The Gazette is very finicky to search and with such a common name it will be hard, you will just have to trawl through different variations of his name etc.
    Googling I found this - https://www.
    linkedin.com/pulse/2018-year-zayed-christopher-macdonald
    regards

    Robert
    Last edited by Pam Downes; 21-03-2020 at 8:12 AM. Reason: Direct links to commercial sites removed ini accordance with our T&Cs.
    Remembering

    My Father 1819170 Lance Bombardier Robert Simpson 39/14 L.A.A. R.A.

  4. #4
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    any info on receiving his MBE medal
    Is that a military or civilian MBE?

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