I see that there are now medal information for action, in Palestine, in both1936 - 1939 and 1946 - 1948 on The National Archives website. Why on earth are the MoD so reluctant to release similar medal information for WW2? Gordon
Those GSM rolls have been available for some time via TNA and also on Ancestry website. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/C14308 (IG http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/45944-irish-guards-medal-rolls/ ) There are some obvious differences as far as I am concerned: these (Palestine) rolls are a complete set and cover a fraction of the volume for WW2 Campaign medals. They were also forwarded to the Archives and then released into public domain under the usual terms. No doubt their release was in some way helped along by funding generated by releasing info to partner sites. I can't see how the MOD can be described as being reluctant, surely they are carrying out policy handed down to them. Other data previously held by them, and subsequently released has been done so through other parties, like TNA, or even Probate Office for Wills. However, since WW2 campaign medals (incl the new Star and Clasp) are still available upon application by personnel or their immediate NOK, and entitlement needs to be checked against Service records (also not in public domain), then I'd imagine the data can't yet be considered suitable for the public domain.
Ancestry info : About UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949 This database contains lists of more than 2.3 million officers, enlisted personnel and other individuals entitled to medals and awards commemorating their service in campaigns and battles for the British Army between 1793 and 1949. The original medal rolls were compiled by the War Office and are housed at the National Archives of the UK in Kew, Surrey. The rolls include medals awarded for British campaigns in Europe, India, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, West and Central Africa, China, the Middle East, and elsewhere during the height of the British Empire. The collection does not include WWI or WWII medal and award rolls. Ancestry.com. UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: War Office: Campaign Medal and Award Rolls 1793-1949 (General Series). The National Archives microfilm publication WO 100, 241 rolls. The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey, England. The National Archives give no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for the purpose of the information provided. Images may be used only for purposes of research, private study or education. Applications for any other use should be made to The National Archives Image Library, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU, Tel: 020 8392 5225. Fax: 020 8392 5266. TD
