MID

Following on from Dan Evans post, I have tried to obtain a copy of my grandfathers MID citation. There is no record of it with his service record and I have had no luck with the PRO although I am no expert with this site
He served with C company the 9th Batt Royal Sussex Regiment and was KIA 5/8/44. His name is
L/Sergeant Frederick George Crunden 8396611, he is also mentioned in the London Gazette dated 19/7/45.
Can anyone suggest any other avenues I can explore?

Regards Andy

 

Are there any obits in the local press that may mention the award ?

 

Hi
I have a copy of the obits but there is no mention of the award.

 

Andy, the 9 Sussex war diaries might be of interest to you. Chances are there will not be any mention of your grandfather's MiD, however, it would give you some background to what his unit were doing at the time of his death.

The diaries are at the National Archives at Kew, here are the references for those that I can find:

WO 166/4602, INFANTRY: 9 Royal Sussex Regiment. (1940 July - 1941 Dec.)
WO 166/8906, 9 Royal Sussex Regiment (1942 Jan.- June)
WO 172/2550, 9 Royal Sussex Regiment (1943 Apr.- Dec.)
WO 172/4921, 9 Royal Sussex Regiment (1944 Jan.- Dec.)
WO 172/7666, 9 Royal Sussex Regiment (1945 Jan.-Dec.)
WO 172/10207, 9 R. Sussex (1946 Jan., Feb.)

Best wishes,

Lee

 

Hi Lee
I have some copies of their war diary for July and August but not the others, I'll will have a look at them and see what they reveal.
Many thanks Andy

 

Did the August diary reveal very much?

 

No not as citations go, mainly the battle for Hill 60 and the advances from there.

 

Just a thought, but, as a KIA, the MID (or VC) were the only awards that could have been made. Given the date of death through to the LG date, have you looked for recomendations for either the DCM or MM which upon notification of death would have been downgraded to an MID?

Regards

simon

 

Hi Simon
I hadn't thought of that to be honest but I'll have a look to see if any thing turns up.
Many thanks
Andy

 

Andy, I have a letter sent to me which describes the death of a Sgt Allen on Hill 60. It is a condolence letter written by Lt Reynolds to the mother of the deceased. He refers to the wounded man he was carrying at the time. I believe this man to be L/Sgt Crunden. Am happy to share but wanted you to see it via less public post first.

 

Andy , MIDs are notoriously hard to find and often there is very little written. If ever I come across anything relating to your Father, I will get in touch.