Hi everyone , a bit of background first , I'm researching my Grandfather's military service ( Trooper PERCY CHARLES BARNES 4385412 ) 1st Battalion the Green Howards 1926-31 then 1939-41 then transferred to the 5th Reconnaissance Battalion until the end of the War. I would like the Family to have a permanent reminder of his Service to his Country by mounting his Medals and Cap Badges with a photo , my problem is after the War Grandad sent everything up North to his Mother , they've since been lost over the years , my Mother purchased sed Medals and Badges online , l'm not sure weather there genuine WW2 , my problem is even if I can get genuine Second World War Medals and Badges SHOULD I use them if there not my Grandfather's? Any advice from Members would be most appreciated
I don't see any problem in using purchased duplicates. The fact is that WW2 campaign medals were not named and as far as I'm aware, there was never a system for replacing if lost. My Father never applied for his and when I took him back to Normandy last year, we simply purchased a set from a reputable trader and had them mounted. The only important thing is to make sure that they are the correct ones. The full war set for someone who served on all the 5 Div campaigns would be 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.
Hello, and welcome! I have my dad's 3 campaign medals - he sold his other 3 to raise money to attend a Remembrance Weekend in Fort William/Spean Bridge many years ago. I think his Border Regiment badge must have gone at the same time ... I can remember my parents discussing this - must have been difficult for dad but miners, and their families, got by on very little money back then. I have since bought originals of the ones he sold (one having a name on it) and display them ALL proudly in a cabinet. I also was lucky enough to come across a set of miniatures - corresponding with dad's - I wear them, again proudly, when attending various services/places. I recently applied for my mother's medals, and received them quickly. I've just read the above post and wonder if your dad or yourself could apply for his medals, Rich? Those medals mentioned are the ones my dad was awarded.
As the other forum members have said, there is nothing wrong in families using duplicate medals when depicting a WW2 veterans medal entitlement. I had to do the same when putting together my grandfathers awards, this was because his originals had been passed on to the wider family shortly after the war and have disappeared since that time. As Rich says, the most important thing is to make sure you bring together the correct medals. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
As with other replies here I have purchased medals to complete my Dad's set. I found a couple in the bottom of an old biscuit barrel but the rest were either lost or not claimed. I have just found a local dealer from whom I have purchased an 8th Army bar for the Africa Star. Now have the full set and looking to mount on a pin shortly. Brian
I have my Father's original medal (now mounted), but my Brother wanted to have a set so he purchased some copies. The family do not have a problem with it David
I got a replacement set for my grandfather from the UK medal office almost 30 years ago (his originals were lost on when he immigrated to Australia back in 1955). All unnamed except for his Territorial Efficiency Medal which has his details and (Replacement) on the edge. At the time getting the full set in Australia was near impossible, (especially the Efficiency Medal). For me, it was money well spent and knowing they weren't fakes gave me peace of mind.
Thanks everyone for your advice and support , does anyone know of a reputable seller of WW2 Medals , their are so many on line it seems a bit of a lottery?
Here's a link to a medal supplier, they may not be original but they are as close as you'll get http://www.awardmedals.com/ David PS I have used them and they are good
No problem glad to be of help. If you do decide to use them they are great to deal with. Good luck David
My Father used J. Collins on the Isle of Wight last year. They don't seem to mention WW2 campaign medals on the site currently but certainly stocked last year. http://jcollinsmedals.co.uk/ They don't supply copies.
Thanks again everyone , have only been a member for a few months but have found every body to be extremely helpful .
I know it's a bit late for this comment but I have recently helped a man to research his Grandfather's military history and to replace his medals. We went through the same sort of dilemma. All I can suggest to you is that, if you buy genuine replicas, there is nothing wrong with that - as long as you don't try to pass them off (and later sell them) as originals. It is a good and noble thing to want to display "his" medals and there is nothing wrong with using replicas. The reality is that replicas are honest replacements, not fakes. Fakes are often much more expensive than replicas and usually not as well made! Lost or stolen originals do not mean that he had no entitlement to them - so there is no real dilemma. Go for it!
Although the price of original issue Stars is climbing, I would still baulk at paying £35 for a reproduction Defence Medal or War Medal 39-45 from secondary selles when originals are still available relatively cheaply.
It is ridiculous that, why would anyone buy a repro when you can have the original at half the price?
