I am trying to put together a memorial display at our local veterans centre for CSM George Blyth. We already have 3 such displays for local men. George was in the 1/5 Manchesters (the local TA Battalion here in Wigan). The Battalion was at Gallipoli when, as a Sgt, George won a DCM for conspicuous bravery. He also received a Mention in Dispatches. Evacuated with Enteric Fever, he spent several months in a Sheffield hospital recovering before rejoining the Battalion in France. It was there that he won the MM possibly as a CQMS. He was invalided out as a CSM in 1919. The problem is that after a good deal of research by the family (Grandson & Great Grandson) nothing can be found about his MM. His discharge certificate and some other papers show he had the MM but nothing about where, when and the circumstances. The family don't know a lot about military matters or how to research properly and I am lost at personal research level. Much more used to researching units than people. Could some kind soul out there help to fill in the gap so that I can complete the display. Full details of George are: CSM George Blyth (or Blythe on some documents) 1/5 Battalion The Manchester Regiment Reg No. 2137 later changed to 200437. Discharged with a disability pension in 1919 Lived in Wigan and died in 1941 aged 60 Thanks Derek
I cannot find any evidence that he was awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette or in the Medal Index Cards. His D.C.M. citation appears in the L.G. 22nd June 1916. He was twice Mentioned in Dispatches. London Gazette entries, 13th July 1916 and 24th May 1918.
Thanks High Wood, I was starting to wonder about the MM. There was a single mention in all the documents about a second MiD and I wonder if that was mistaken for an MM. However there is still the mystery of the discharge certificate that clearly states DCM MM. Thanks for the prompt reply and saving me a lot of fumbling in the dark. I shall let the family know. Cert by Derek Barton posted Aug 21, 2022 at 9:06 PM
This is a transcription of the DCM citation: Gazette notice: Page 6137 | Supplement 29631, 20 June 1916 | London... Pension card also indicates a possible MM. The Date looks like it could be 20.9.16. It may be worth checking the Battalion Diary available free from the National Archives, once you are registered.
I have never seen a Discharge Scroll with printed naming before. Is it original? (I have seen examples that have been coloured in by the family)
The more I look at the pension card, especially with the fresh eyes I have 8 hours later, I don't think it says MM - the letters are formed badly, if they do. What the actual letters are I am in the dark, but will try to figure it out.
There is a rather nice Newspaper article concerning George Blythe's DCM presentation. It is contained in the Wigan Observer and District Advertiser, 17th November 1917. If you want a copy I can email it over.
I also think the date is 20.9.26, looking at the first 2 it runs into the 0, so the second 2 runs into the 6. If he had a MM, it should be listed beside the DCM after his surname. After all the card is for and related to his pension, not his gallantry awards. Is that the full picture of the discharge certificate? I also cannot find any mention of a MM in Ancestry, FMP or National Archives. Could it be that his second MiD was a downgrade from an MM, so he thought he was getting one? regards Robert
Sorry for the delay in replying guys. First of all a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed, I could never have done that on my own. From the information and opinions given here it would seem that my man did not receive an MM but did get 2 MiD's. That still leaves him with a pretty decent medal haul of DCM, 2 MiD's, 1914-15 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal. High Wood, I will speak to the Great Grandson in the next few days and see if I can find anything more about the discharge certificate. Bofors, that is the full certificate as copied by me. I think it has been trimmed top & bottom to fit in an A4 sleeve. Empire Umpire, the family have a couple of cuttings but I would be grateful for a copy of the one you have in case it is different/better. I will PM you my email. Thanks again everyone, I can now start on the display for him. Derek
Hi everyone, I'm Stephen, George Blyths great grandson. I just want to thank you all for your help. Its greatly appreciated. My great grandad is a true hero in our family. Thanks again. Ste.
Derek, have you tried asking about George over at the GWF? You may not learn anything you’ve not learned already from the excellent efforts by the guys here, but I have seen some pretty amazing detective work there in their Soldiers and their Units section.
