I am wishing to establish the medals earned by David William Thomas GRAHAM (1916-1978). I have recently discovered two medals in a box which were his. One is the Burma Star (ribbon attached) and the other is the 1939-45 medal. I suspect, perhaps incorrectly, that he was also entitled to the 1939-45 star and the defence medal. As far as I know he had no gallantry medals. I guess I'll need to get his service record from the Gov.uk website to positively establish this, is that correct? I intend to try and acquire copies of his 'missing' medals and ribbons and have them mounted in a similar fashion to that which I have done with other family members. The only information I have is that Dave joined the Royal Navy in May 1943 and served in the Fleet Air Arm as an aircraft mechanic. He gained a class "A" release on 31 May 1946. I do not have a service number. I believe he may have been a prisoner of war, but this may be fanciful. I would be grateful for any guidance on how to proceed. Thanks Ken Ripper
Hi Ken MOD criteria for medals - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility#defence-medal-1939-to-1945 As he was in the Far East and naval then there is another thread on here which shows the criteria in more detail - http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/60107-qualification-for-burma-star/?hl=%2Bbay+%2Bbengal#entry694933 TD