Mentioned in dispatches: reason?

Discussion in 'Prisoners of War' started by Belville, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. Belville

    Belville Senior Member

    In the London Gazette of 10/09/46 (second supplement) there is a list of men who were "Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services while Prisoners of War".

    Is there any way of finding out, in an individual case, what these services were? I am not a relative of the man I am interested in, so I presume I can't access his records at Kew.

    Belville
     
  2. Gerry Chester

    Gerry Chester WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Hi Belville,

    After a long time away from home base I am now in London doing, among other things, research at the National Archives. Let me know the Gazette issue and page number and the name of the chap you are looking for. If he was repatriated after the war's end I can track the info down. If prior to the end, as he probably would have been returned to his unit, it is more difficult but not impossible.

    Cheers,

    Gerry
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  4. Belville

    Belville Senior Member

    Thanks. My man was beaten to death in Kanchanaburi Camp on the River Kwai. Terry Manttan, general manager of the Thai-Burma Railway Centre at the site of the camp(http://www.tbrconline.com) has told me about a book which mentions him several times, and I am getting a copy.
    Belville
     
  5. annjohnes

    annjohnes Junior Member

    Dear Gerry
    I don't know whether you can help me
    I have been trying to find out for ages why my late Father was mentioned in dispatches for gallant and distinguished service in Italy in 1945.
    The date of the entry is 17th July 1945
    I suspect the event occured in Spring 1945
    I have researched at Kew site online and think catagues WO 170/4261-4281 are the correct volumes as he was Infantry
    Would I have a chance of finding it if I came to Kew
    thanks
    Ann
     
  6. Gerry Chester

    Gerry Chester WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Hi Ann,

    Normally, other than being in regimental war diaries, the reason for being MID is not recorded - although I think I know why I received the Oak Leaf , but it 's just conjecture.

    However, in your father's case it is possible that it is in DPI records as all returning POWs were interviewed by one of their people - as with one of our chaps who was taken prisoner in Tunisia, many received awards - I have his citation.

    PM your e-mail address to me. I have a very good friend who is a wizard at digging stuff up at the National Archives. I will write to him, cc you. If there is anything there, he will find it.

    With best wishes to you and yours,

    Gerry
     
  7. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Ann,

    Hello and welcome to the forum. I hope that you are successful in your search.

    Regards
    Tom
     
  8. annjohnes

    annjohnes Junior Member

    Gerrythanks
    Dad was not a POW
    Will sent you all I know with my email address
    I have been in contact with his regiment but they have no info and said try Kew!
    Regards
    Ann
     

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