I'm looking for the medal entitlement of Rifleman John William Mayer (Great Uncle) https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/591554/j-w-mayer/ Records show that he died 22 June 1918, I'm wondering he succumbed to the flu that was prevalent at the time. As far as I'm aware my family have never seen any medals allocated to him, that's not to say they didn't receive any at wars end. A few years ago I applied for his service records but was informed that they were destroyed in a bombing raid in 1940. I intend to obtain replica medals if possible and have them mounted. As I get older I feel I would like to leave something of him, I intend visiting his grave in France at some point this year.
You can view/download his Medal Card from the National Archives. This shows he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Tim
Via Ancestry Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 Name John William Mayer Birth Place Hanley, Staffs Residence Hanley Death Date 22 Jun 1918 Death Place France and Flanders Enlistment Place Hanley Rank Private The King's (Liverpool) Regiment Battalion 6th Battalion Regimental Number 42473 Type of Casualty Died Theatre of War Western European Theatre Comments Formerly 20667, North Staffordshire Regiment.
Via Ancestry WW1 Medal Roll Name John William Mayer Military Year 1914-1920 Rank Private Company WO 329 Regiment or Corps Liverpool Regiment Regiment Number 42473 Medal Awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929 Name John William Mayer Gender Male Death Date 22 Jun 1918 Death Place France Rank Private Regiment 2/6 Kings Lpool Regimental Number 42473 I don't have access to Fold3, no idea exactly what they hold
“Bronchial pneumonia” suggests perhaps he might have been a victim of influenza, as you surmised Peter.
If you post on Great War Forum educated members there will be able to work out the month/year of his enlistment/conscription from the amount of his gratuity payment. The Pension claim database on Fold 3 will give you details (including address) of the person(s) who made a claim for a post war pension. On the face of it likely only his father on the basis he likely received an allotment as a dependent from his service pay. Steve
Thank you both so much, much more than I thought. I’ll certainly have a go on the Great War forum. Once again thank you. Regards, Peter.
An update…. As advised I have joined the Great War Forum and have received a great deal of information. Like this forum the members are very helpful. Many thanks for the advice. Regards, Peter.