Hello all When my mother was younger she gave away my grandfathers medals to some kid in the street and it has been a sore point ever since, with them not being able to get them back ever. As a suprise for his 85 birthday this year I was hoping to get him replacments of the medals my mother lost but don't know where to start without him finding out. My grandfather Charles Edgar Hathaway was in the Navy from 17-11-1943 untill 16-08-1947. His number was JX652565 and was on H.M.S. RODNEY and H.M.S. St. AUSTELL BAY. I have his Certificate of Service but all it says under Medals,Clasps, &c, L.S. and G.C. Gratuity is YKMB 1640088 Does anyone know what this means or where i should go next to find out what he would have been entitled to? Many thanks in advance Rich
Hi Rich, Welcome to the Forum. Check out this link, it may answer some questions; Ministry of Defence | Defence For... | Veterans | Medals | Medal FAQs Mark
Hello Mark thanks for the link but I had already been here and they say my grandfather needs to ask them, as I am trying to do this as a suprise for him I can't go through them. Rich
Hello Rich, welcome to the forum. Are you not your grandfather(s)... grandson! Happy hunting! Best, Steve.
I am thinking that maybe wires have become crossed here. If the serviceman/woman is deceased then their next of kin can apply for replacements. I think Rich was attempting to gain replacements for his grandfather's birthday, since his grandfather is still alive and well (I hope at the time of writing this) the MOD would be well within their rights to refuse to supply replacements to the next of kin. Rich, could I suggest ringing them and explaining what your trying to do they may be sympathetic to your cause, but medals do take some time to come through using this service.
thanks for the pointers, yeah he is still with us but is not that well at the moment. I only have untill the 12 may to get this sorted out that is when his birthday is so there service is out of the question again. I was hoping for someone on here who could give me a nudge in the right direction as to what he may have been entitled to. I know what ships he was on and when he was on them so it should be easy I guess but would like someone with a little more knowledge than me to help in the right direction. Rich
I'm not sure what you mean. I am my grandfathers grandson Rich Hello Rich - PM being sent! Best, Steve.
Hi Rich I know it was a while ago now when you posted your plea for help and I hope things worked out for you with finding your Grandad's medals and that your gradndad is still well? The reason for my message is that my father also served on the HMS St Austell Bay during and imediately after the war. My dad died in 1977 when I was just 9 years old so I don't know much about his war years and am desperately trying to find out so when I saw your grandad was on board I wondered if there were any stories he has shared with you which may be interesting. My dad's name was Frank Owen and he was a stoker in the engine room. Adrian
