My brother in laws father was named Leslie Simpson born Wolverhampton 9 April 1921 he sais he helped build a hospital whilst in the army bur my brother in law cannot remember wther it was Greece or Gibralter. After he died medal s were found but no regiment number on them. They are the 1939-1945 star and the Italy star and the defence medal. Is there any way of finding out which regiment he was in as he has only one photo of him in uniform and its not clear. Also does anyone know when the army papers will be available on ancestry for WW2?? Please see attached pic. Thanks!!
Hi Sharon Difficult to tell from that photo The criteria for an Italy Star medal is: The Italy Star is awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy between 11 July 1943 and 8 May 1945. Those who served in Yugoslavia, Greece, Corsica or Sardinia between certain other specified dates will also qualify. To apply for the Italy Star, you must have: 1 day of operational service in the army in the above qualifying areas 1 day of operational service as ground crew in the RAF in the above qualifying areas 1 operational sortie as aircrew in the RAF in the above qualifying areas 1 day afloat on operational service in the above qualifying areas in the Royal Navy and already qualified for the 1939 to 1945 Star The colours of the ribbon represent the national colours of Italy. Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility So probably Greece as thats within the criteria The very best way to find out the answer to your question is to apply for his service records and for WW2 they are only available from the MOD - the forms you need are here Request records of deceased service personnel - you will need a copy of his death certificate to send with the forms and you dont need a service number but will need his date of birth TD
I'm confused - first Sharon now Tony ?? Anyway - WW2 medals were only issued on request and were not inscribed in any way as opposed to WW1 medals which were issued with name, rank, number and Regt Not quite sure what Sharon means by "when the army papers will be available on ancestry for WW2?" what army papers are referred to - it certainly wont be service records for the foreseeable future His service record will provide the correct basis to start any search on his time in the military TD
