I'm not a Veteran ............ but, having read this thread I sympathise whole heartedly with all Veterans' who never received recognition for their loyal serivce. Whether it be for good service, bravery, or beyond what was expected and the like, it is a travisity that those that gave so much for the likes of me today, have not, still today, received recognition of the service they gave for their Country. As a point of interest about Awards ... I too went through the disappointing process of applying for my father's WW2 medals. The fact that the Medal Office today has no record of certain awards will not deter me from beleiving that Dad gave his all at the time, only that sadly during the "fog of War" many awards were either merely lost or never materialised. I'm sorry it cost you dearly Sapper, but in the same breath I thank you and others for the sacrifices made for the next generation ... wish I could wave a wand and find Monty's Certificate for you. Lindsay Aspin Are they Gallantry medals or campaign medals you are referring to Lindsay?
When we talk about the battles, and the atmosphere of war, it is best to remember those times. Many young men, and there were many thousands that did a lot more than I ever did. Those young men were fighting a truly evil regime. If any doubt I am sure that our Veteran friends here on this site, will be able to tell you the true nature of Hitler's men.. Headed by the SS, and I am sure that our Vets will be able tell you all about the Evil SS bastards. I know that the Monty's certificates did not recognise great bravery..or outstanding valour. But it was "MY Certificate" and was awarded to a very idiotically keen (And innocent) young man. That fact that I never got it will always annoy intensely. Even more in my dotage!
Brian, Excuse me if I am asking a stupid question. You said, 'My officer; Lt Chas Boyse MC RE. 2 Platoon. took me to one side and informed me that I had been awarded the C in Cs commendation. Commonly called "Monty's Certificate" Almost immediately, I was wounded, and flown back home with several serious injuries.' Could it be that Lt Boyse actually said he had recommended you for the award? We all know here that there were many recommendations that never materialised into awards for some reason. I know the lack of award obviously means a great deal to you and there must be some reason behind it - I am sure it isn't a relection on you or your distinguished service.
He told me that I had "been" awarded the C in Cs cert. The 19 year old was over the moon at the time.... They would not have told anyone that they had been put forward for an award. They do not mdo things like that.
Receiving your medal entitlement About a month or so after demob I had a letter OHMS asking me to apply for my medals which I tore up and threw in the fire my father said it seemed important and asked what the letter said I told him in a nonchalant way and why I had torn it up the reason was my family had a hard time in the blitz in the east end of London and they all deserved medals not just them but everybody that lived in those days deserved some sort of recognition for the things that they did for the country incidentally my father along with an older brother that was unfit for service had a job along with a police officer of collecting the poor souls that never made it through the night during the blitz and taking them to the mortuary in Branch Road in Stepney and preparing them for burial .After going through the blitz myself and seeing the effect it had on them I decided at the end to volunteer for the army at seventeen to which my father said he was going to the war office and stop me joining but I said I would go to another recruiting office and he cried and relented so I saw service in N Africa Sicily and Italy I never did apply for any medals because I would never have worn them anyway but this is a personal choice and I have the utmost respect for any one that are proud to wear their medals Niccar
My Dad and his brother did exactly the same as Niccar. In 1971 just after I married I aked my Dad if I could apply for his medals as I felt that it was important for future generations.I applied for the medals and my Dad had to sign a form giving his permission for me to have them which he did but he did not once look at them. I didn't even know which ribbon went with which medal ( I do now) They are the 1939/1945 Star, the Italy Star and the Greek Star. Although he did not want his medals my Dad was very proud to wear his Blazer with his Regimental Badge, the White Horse of Hanover. Gill
It is true the Dutch and the French have awarded us several medals. I had the honour of a French Dignitary with sash Etc at my home to award me a medal. I rigged the laptop with Skype so that my family in South Africa could watch. They were all on holiday there. The French chest medal is fine. There is a lot of discussion about wearing medals awarded by the French and the Dutch. My attitude is; It would be churlish not to wear them from a country trying to show its gratitude. Sapper Ps what do,you think?
(Sapper) Brian I fully understand and respect your decision to wear your medals whether they be from the French or the Dutch it makes no difference or come to that from our own government with your sacrifice you deserve them and should be proud to wear them Personally after nearly four years as an infantryman in North Africa Sicily and Italy at the end of the war we all faced our demons in different ways and my way was to push everything that we went through out of my head and that included having to apply for medals with due respect it has been shown on this forum that people can buy all sorts of medals including gallantry medals on E bay and they probably were never in the services kind regards Niccar
Buy a medal??? Oh brother! I can find better things to do with my spare cash. I never bothered about medals, or war, or anything to do with the whole bloody shebang Until I was forced to retire by my my war injuries. (Over thirty two years) Then an old gentleman said this . "You have a duty to recall what occurred in this Countries History while you are here" He also said that "when you go you take it all with you" That is just what I try to do. But I must be honest.The war had a devastating effect on my life being very severely wounded......... Everything I did was affected by my ability to do it! Sapper
Then an old gentleman said this . "You have a duty to recall what occurred in this Countries History while you are here" He also said that "when you go you take it all with you" That is just what I try to do. Sapper Hurry up and get that book published then Brian so I can buy a copy before you fall off your twig
