Medal Entitlement - Op Dragoon - Canadian Special Service Battalion

Hi,

Just been looking through some Canadian service files online.

I noticed on a file for a Canadian Special Service battalion soldier KIA 15th August 1944, and reburied in an American cemetery in Marseilles, that there is no France & Germany Star entitlement noted.

I'm presuming it is a clerical error?

Steve Y

 

Thanks Owen,

I've had another look and discovered the unit invaded a German occupied French island called Port Cros a few miles off the French mainland near Toulon.

He may not have been awarded the F&G Star because he didn't reach "metropolitan" France in Europe before he was KIA.

I'm sure there will be other Canadian SSF soldiers service files online so I'll see what medal entitlement they may have been awarded.

There are relatives letters on file from mid 1980's which state he is one of 21 Canadian SSF soldiers buried in the same US cemetery.

I'm sure that if a soldier served on "mainland" France after 6th June 1944 there should be a F&G Star entitlement whether he landed in Northern or Southern France.

Regards

Steve



https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Brigade

 

Hi Tullybrone,

S/Sgt. Tom O'Brien who did reach the mainland is said to have received one though not shown in the following forum post. The two islands in question are just off the coast, so I find it hard t believe your man would be denied one for that reason?

http://alliedmilitariaforum.com/index.php?topic=3682.0

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility

France and Germany Star
Criteria
Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands or Germany between the above dates. Naval personnel will qualify for service afloat in the North Sea and English Channel within certain specified boundaries.

RAF air crew, who have not already qualified by service on land, will qualify with one operational sortie over the appropriate land or sea area.

TD

 

Cee,

Thanks for the link. Very interesting account.

TD

I was aware of official criteria for F&G Star but thanks for taking time to post it as other members may not be aware.

Regards

Steve

 

Some additional criteria;-

Kyle

 

Thanks Kyle.

I note detail from line 5 onwards is in relation to naval eligibility criteria.

I'm inclined to believe the mans medal eligibility on his record does not include F&G Star due to a clerical error.

Regards

Steve