Medals qualification

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by James Atkinson, Mar 25, 2013.

  1. Hello all,

    I am in the process of sending a letter to the MoD medal department. But in the mean time could anyone help me in the medals that my grandfather may qualify for during his RAFVR career ?
    He was a pilot for the duration.

    Whitchurch ERFTS - 8/4/39-2/7/39
    Weston-s-Mere ERFTS - 3/7/39-5/9/39
    Hastings ITW 15/9/39-30/10/39
    Brough EFTS 5/11/39-1/3/40
    Montrose SFTS 15/3/40-27/6/40
    Aston Down OTU 1/7/40-16/8/40
    Middle Wallop 609 Sqdn 17/8/40-24/8/40
    Hawarden OTU 25/8/40-30/8/40
    Plymouth (Roborough)247 Sqdn 1/9/40-15/10/40
    St Eval 247 Sqdn 15/10/40-30/11/40
    Hullavington 9SFTS 6/1/41-5/7/41
    Upavon CFS 5/7/41-16/8/41
    Hullavington 9SFTS 17/8/41-1/3/42
    Hullavington 9(P)AFU 1/3/42-15/6/42
    Watchfield No.1 BAS 16/6/42-28/6/42
    Hullavington 9(P)AFU 28/6/42-1/8/42
    Errol 9(P)AFU 1/8/42-14/12/42
    Peterborough 7(P)AFU 14/12/42-6/6/43
    Eshott 57 OTU 7/6/43-21/6/43
    Peterborough 7(P)AFU 21/6/43-17/8/43
    Annan 55 OTU 18/8/43-22/9/43
    Manston 3(F) Sqdn 9/10/43-27/12/43
    Swanton Morley 3(F) Sqdn 28/12/43-3/2/44
    Coltishall attached course 3/2/44-13/2/44
    Manston 3(F) Sqdn 14/2/44-6/3/44
    Bradwell Bay 3(F) Sqdn 6/3/44-7/4/44
    Ayr 3(F) Sqdn 8/4/44-14/8/44
    Bradwell Bay 3(F) Sqdn 15/4/44-1/5/44
    Newchurch 3(F) Sqdn 1/5/44-20/9/44
    Morecambe PHU 20/9/44-2/10/44
    Culmhead 587 Sqdn 2/10/44-4/12/44
    Tangmere 83 GSU 5/12/44-7/12/44
    Volkel 3(F) Sqdn 8/12/44

    Many thanks
    James
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Hello James

    I am sure forum members could give you a guide re the medal entitlement but my suggestion would be to apply for them from the MOD

    MOD website info below

    World War 2 Medals


    War Medal 1939 to 1945
    Medal
    The War Medal. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned head of King George VI, while the reverse bears a lion standing on a dragon with 2 heads. Above are the dates 1939 and 1945.

    Ribbon
    In the colours of the Union Flag, a narrow central red stripe flanked by narrow white stripes, wider blue stripes and then red.

    Criteria
    The War Medal was awarded to all full-time personnel of the armed forces wherever they were serving, provided they had served for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
    Summary of the medals and eligibility criteria
    Eight Stars were issued for the campaigns of World War 2. The Stars are a 6-pointed star, in bronze, with the cypher of King George VI in the centre. The title of each Star appears around the cypher and also a different ribbon denotes each separate Star. The colours of the ribbons have symbolic significance and are believed to have been designed personally by King George VI.

    Two medals, the Defence Medal and the War Medal, were issued in recognition of general service in World War 2. These are circular medals made in cupro-nickel.

    The criteria for the award of medals to those who had fought in World War 2 were finalised in 1948. In accordance with the criteria, the medals were issued un-named.

    No more than 5 Stars may be awarded to one person. Regulations relating to the award of the Pacific, Burma, Atlantic, Air Crew Europe and France and Germany Stars prevent this from happening.

    Those who would qualify for more are awarded a Clasp with the title of one of the Stars to which they qualify. This Clasp is then attached to the ribbon of one of the other Stars, as laid out in the regulations.

    A candidate may qualify for both the Pacific and Burma Stars but is only awarded one of these, which will be the first Star earned. He will then receive a Clasp with the title of the second Star earned which is worn on the ribbon of the first.

    Another candidate may qualify for 2 or 3 of the Atlantic, Air Crew Europe and France and Germany Stars. In this instance the first Star earned is awarded. He will then receive a Clasp with the title of the second Star earned to be worn on the ribbon of the first. A third Star or Clasp will not be awarded in this case.

    The 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star and Italy Star can all be awarded regardless of which other Stars are qualified for.

    For examples of the Clasps and which Stars they are worn on, see the pictures of the Stars on the individual pages.
    https://www.gov.uk/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility


    regards
    Clive
     
  3. Hello Clive ,

    Thankyou very much for the detailed information about the medals. I have sent a letter , but as the eldest next of kin is my uncle , he lives in Portland in America. It has to get written by him, so it's taking a bit longer than planned.

    The medals I think he should have are ,

    1939-45 Star with BoB clasp.
    War Medal
    Defence Medal
    The Aircrew Europe Star with France and Germany Clasp

    And maybe the Air Efficiency Award? As I have heard that wartime service counted as triple time if joined before 3rd September 1939

    Any thoughts

    Thanks
    James
     
  4. Marks

    Marks Senior Member

    Hi James,

    I agree with the Air Efficiency Award. As long as he completed at least five years service, he should qualify !

    The medal would be named with his rank, when he qualified for the award (maybe his rank around 1942 ?)

    Mark
     
  5. Hello Mark ,

    Thanks for your post, he served from the 8th April 1939 until his death on the 29th December 1944, with the RAFVR. That's the five years. This will be included in the letter to the MoD, I wonder if his death stopped various medals being awarded to him ?

    Many thanks
    James
     
  6. Son of POW-Escaper

    Son of POW-Escaper Senior Member

    James,

    You should also check the London Gazette:

    http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/

    With that long a flying career, he likely would have gotten some sort of gong.

    Best of luck,

    Marc
     
  7. Hi Marc,

    Thanks for the link to the Gazette , I can only find promotions of him. I've typed his name M F Edwards and number 133358 in and that's all I can really see. I found a letter on his belongings il post it see what you think,

    Thanks again
    James
     
  8. Commendatory Endorsement

    Authorised by air officer commanding No 85 (base) group.
    Ref 856/c916/226at
    Date 31/7/44

    Flying officer Edwards is commended by the air officer commanding no 85 Group RAF for skillful and alert airmanship in landing his aircraft with wheels down, with a dead engine on the 22nd July 1944. When he experienced complete engine failure through an empty cartridge case from another aircraft piecing the coolant radiator, thereby saving his aircraft.

    R F Aitken

    Wing Commander
    Commanding
    150 Wing
    Royal Air Force

    Newchurch
    31/8/44
     
  9. Hi all ,

    Whilst I'm waiting for the reply about the medals, does anyone have a idea how I could find out about the possibility that my grandfather may qualify for the Air Efficiency Award?

    Thanks
    James
     
  10. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hi all ,

    Whilst I'm waiting for the reply about the medals, does anyone have a idea how I could find out about the possibility that my grandfather may qualify for the Air Efficiency Award?

    Thanks
    James


    'The Air Efficiency Award 1942-2005: A History and a Nominal Roll of British and Commonwealth Recipients' by Christopher Brooks ?

    Kyle
     
  11. Hello Kyle ,

    Thank you very much I shall have a hunt for this book. I don't think my grandfather will be in it but it's worth a shot. And looking forward to see if the MoD agree with my thoughts.

    Best wishes
    James
     
  12. Marks

    Marks Senior Member

    Hi James,

    I have the book, and he is not listed. The award was usually gained through your commanding officers recommendation. This usually took place post war. They only thought about the deceased, post war
    of course many servicemen gained the award during the war years.

    In most cases the NOK made a claim. The list below is mainly from Christopher Brooks book. This list holders of the Air Efficiency Award who died 1940-1947. (This list is far from complete as more NOK have made claims post war)

    F/O A.F ABBOTT 22/1/44 83 Sqn (Award 1949)
    F/L A.S.H BAILLIE 13/6/44 25 Sqn (1944)
    F/O V.A BAIN 30/1/46 525 Sqn (1945)
    W/C E.A BENJAMIN D.F.C 20/2/45 627 Sqn (1944)
    F/L K.D BOYCE D.F.M 22/1/46 (1945)
    S/L R.P BRAUN 1/5/45 98 Sqn (1944)
    F/L R.H BRINTON 4/7/43 429 Sqn (1942)
    P/O J.W BROWN 22/11/43 158 Sqn (1943)
    F/O D.H BULL 29/4/45 (1949)
    P/O H.F BURNEY 14/5/43 (1949)
    S/L H.W CASTLE 15/11/44 115 Sqn (1944)
    F/O M.A CHAPMAN 22/6/43 15 Sqn (1949)
    S/L R.C CHOPPING D.F.C 26.8.44 7 Sqn (1950)
    F/L C.P CLARK 29/9/44 161 Sqn (1944)
    F/L L.A CROZIER 14/10/44 (1944)
    F/L I.J.A CRUICKSHANKS 8.6.45 (1944)
    W/C P.B.N DAVIS D.S.O 19.9.44 (1943)
    F/L R.S DON D.F.C 22/1/45 142 Sqn (1944)
    F/O M.D DOULTON 31/8/40 601 Sqn (1949)
    W/C A.S. DREDGE D.S.O,D.F.C 18/5/45 (1945)
    S/L A.S.R.E ENNIS D.S.O, D.F.C 17/6/44 (1944)
    S/L A. EYRE D.F.C 16/2/46 (1945)
    S/L R.H FOKES D.F.C,D.F.M 12/6/44 257 Sqn (1944)
    F/L F.E.S GARDNER 28/11/44 (1944)
    F/L W.E GORE D.F.C 28/9/40 (1949)
    F/L A.J GRAIN D.F.M 3/5/44 550 Sqn (1949)
    F/L G.W HARRISON 20/4/44 (1942)
    F/O F.C HENTSCH 25/3/44 12 Sqn (1943)
    W/C C.G HIGGINS 21/7/45 (1943)
    S/L G.W HOLDEN D.S.O,D.F.C 16/9/43 617 Sqn (1943)
    W/C S.G HOOKWAY D.F.C 5/3/43 156 Sqn (1943)
    F/L S. HOOPER 3/12/45 (1950)
    S/L C.H HUNTER 8/5/44 44 Sqn (1942)
    W/C M.M HUTCHINSON A.F.C 9/4/44 (1943)
    W/C P.A KLEBOE D.S.O, D.F.C, A.F.C 21/3/45 (1944)
    W/C K.J LAWSON D.S.O, D.F.C 2/1/45 405 Sqn (1952)
    F/L H.A LIGHTBODY 15/7/44 515 Sqn (1944)
    F/O G.E LUMLEY 16/9/44 (1944)
    W/C W.H MAGUIRE D.F.C 17/2/45 (1944)
    F/L F.W.S MANSFIELD 29/10/44 (1949)
    F/L R.A MARKS A.F.M 9/11/45 (1945)
    S/L R.D McLAREN D.F.C 27/2/45 (1943)
    F/O R.W MEAGER 14/11/45 (1942)
    F/L G.C.R MOODY 25/6/43 (1942)
    S/L R.A.M PALMER V.C, D.F.C 23/12/44 109 Sqn (1949)
    S/L S.M.P PARKES D.S.O 26/8/44 97 Sqn
    S/L R. REID 23/3/45 (1943)
    F/O E.D ROBERTS 6/1/44 206 Sqn (1943)
    F/L I. M ROBERTSON 8/3/45 (1944)
    F/O V.A ROBERTSON 30/8/44 502 Sqn (1944)
    F/L D.H ROWLANDS D.F.C 30/3/44 97 Sqn (1949)
    W/C A.J SAMSON D.F.C 8/9/45 117 Sqn (1944)
    F/L A.J SAYER 15/2/44 7 Sqn (1942)
    S/L N.R.W SEELY 10/5/43 (1942)
    F/L E.M SHANNON 13/8/43 (1943)
    F/L J.B SHEPHERD D.F.C 22/1/46 (1945)
    S/L L.H SKINNER 2/2/45 47 Sqn (1944)
    F/O Arthur SMITH 17/6/43 467 Sqn (1942)
    S/L K.S STAMMERS D.F.C,A.F.C,D.F.M 10/5/46 (1944)
    F/L C.R STANNARD 14/1/44 156 Sqn (1942)
    S/L D.J STEWART 27/1/44 (1944)
    S/L J.C.S TURNER 12/9/45 (1944)
    F/L E.S VALE 27/3/45 692 Sqn (1949)
    F/L A.D WAGNER D.F.C 18/7/44 (1944)
    F/L V.S WALKER 7/5/47 (1946)
    F/O J. WALTON 25/10/43 220 Sqn (1943)
    F/L G.C.G WARBURTON 26/3/46 243 Sqn (1946)
    W/C G.F.H WEBB D.F.C 2/5/45 181 Sqn (1943)
    F/L G.K WHIFFEN 5/7/44 105 Sqn (1950)
    F/O R.W WILKINS 3/6/44 (1950)
    F/L A.J WINDER 5/4/45 153 Sqn (1944)
    F/L T.N.G WINNING 17/2/45 51 Sqn (1942)

    Mark
     
  13. Hi mark ,

    Thanks for the detailed list of service men. Do you think it could be a lost cause ? I found a document saying about wartime service trebling or doubling , do you happen to know if that's correct ? Hopefully I may get somewhere, as he served 5 years , and if that's true about the war service that could make it poss.

    Best wishes
    James
     
  14. Son of POW-Escaper

    Son of POW-Escaper Senior Member

    James,

    My father served in the RAF Sept '39 to 1947, and then served 5 years as an MI6 operative in Germany. He left the SIS and emigrated to Canada in 1952, and promptly joined the RCAF Reserves as a weekend warrior.

    He received the CD (Canadian Forces Decoration) for long service (12 years), and told me that his wartime RAF service had counted as double time. Just anecdotal, but it sounds reasonable to me.

    Marc
     
  15. Hi Marc,

    Thanks for your post to me, it sounds as though your father had a very interesting career, thankyou for sharing this with me.

    So fingers crossed , the letter has been sent and I shall let you know the outcome. Once again thankyou for your help.

    Best wishes
    James
     
  16. Stuart3009

    Stuart3009 Active Member

    hi james ive noticed you said your grandfather was at 587 squadron at culmhead have u got any info or pictures while he was at culmhead as im doing research
     
  17. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    Hello,

    James hasn't been on the site since September of 2020. If you click on his name and go to his profile you'll see an email address for him.

    Regards,

    Dave
     
  18. Stuart3009

    Stuart3009 Active Member

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