Campaign medals

[alfred kenneth white]

I recently found out M.N. men from w.w. 2 where entitlrd to campain medals. I did six round trips across the pond, three of them on taners, one of them to galverstom texas, and the via gibralta to north africa late 1943.. tranfered to m.v. crista tanker/cargo in the Med untill the end of hostillitirs. I thought I would apply for my campaign medals but what a shock I hve to pay soebody to sort it for me, or travel down to the archives in london. Being 89 years young now I am not likely to do that. It seems service men are given their dues atomatically but the M.N. survivors have to claim them, even though details of service is held by the archives.

[Captain Kong]

Hi Alfred, I dont know too much about the campaign Medals, maybe `DEEP SEA` can help you on that one, but there is the MN Veterans badge, you can apply for that through the MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION site, It is a Red Ensign with the Veterans Badge on the Red.
Any one who has been in a war zone, on any merchant ship, RFA, Troop ships, cargo ships who have been in service helping the military can apply for one, and it is free, you also get a certificate with it from the M.O.D. .

The Application form is on their site.

From the MN ASS. Site...............
UK MERCHANT SEAFARERS VETERAN’S BADGE

Click Here to download an application form

The Merchant Seafarers’ bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military operations has been formally commemorated with the launch of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge. This is the only variant of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge and recognises the unique service provided by merchant seafarers in support of military operations.
Cheers Brian.

[DeepSea]

At the conclusion of WWII an initial medal assessment was carried out and medal papers were raised including details of a seaman’s service. These were sent to ports to await the signature of the veteran, as to the accuracy of the information, and then returned to the RGSS. Medals were not automatically issued but had to be claimed by the veteran. These papers are still retained by the RSS but, due to the ravages of time and the process, are not now totally complete.

There is no surviving records for the medal entitlement of a Alfred Kenneth White, which now make it difficult to apply for the medals without as full CRS-10 service record and ship movement cards.

Do you still have your Discharge Book or know your Dis. A. book number.

[Ray Buck]

Hello Alfred
could this be your Dis A R232718 WHITE A K 16/01/1922 GRIMSBY
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/c...accessmethod=0
Ray

[Ray Buck]

Alfred
This may be a couple of your trips as a R/O ?
There was an Alfred K White 2nd R/O signed on the “Empire Dickens” on the 19th February 1943 in Liverpool aged 21 with 2 years service. The ship arrived in New York on the 18th March 1943 having sailed from Liverpool on the 21st February 1943 sailed again for the UK on the 24th march 1943

Alfred K White 1st R/O signed on the ”Clausina”on the 20th July 1943 in Liverpool aged 21 the ship arrived in New York on the 7th August 1943 having sailed from Liverpool on the 23rd July 1943, Galveston on the 20th august 1943
Ray

[Lou Barron]

hi alfred i am a mnwar veteran i had no trouble getting my medals you should get the battle of the atlantic medal the 1939 1945 star medal and the 1939 1945 medal i would try service personnel and veterans agency norcross thornton -cleveleys fy5 3wp england maybe they could advise you best of luck lou barron

[Ian Malcolm]

Alfred

Apply to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Llanishen, Cardiff showing proof of your voyages. Medals are issued without charge.

Best wishes

Ian

[DeepSea]

Having spent many years helping MN veterans receive their entitlements. I can only repeat what I posted earlier. There is no surviving medal file for a Alfred Kenneth White. Copies of all surviving medal files are kept at Kew with the original index file number being held at the MCA at Cardiff. Having checked the TNA medal database returned a zero result shows no existing file exists. Even files held at Kew, once you have the original index file can return negative results from Cardiff, because even they have not kept all the original issue files. It's a shambles to be honest and has been annoying and upsetting to many a veteran I have helped in the last 15 years or more.

If you still wish to contact Cardiff you need to deal with the Medal Officer Sandie Atherton at the following, who will tell you what I have mentioned previous in that you would need a copy of your full CRS-10 service file and copies of the ships Movement Cards for each voyage to find qualification for Campaign Stars.

The Registry of Shipping and Seamen
P.O. Box 420
Cardiff
CF24 5XR
Tel: 029 20 44 88 00
Fax: 029 20 44 88 20

[j.sabourn]

Apart from medals and ribbons earned during the war, The Australian Merchant Navy Awards Council Issues " The Australian Merchant Service Cross" for service of 15 years in Merchant Service, and a Clasp for same for every further 15 years service. Proof of Service by discharge Book or other shipping Discharges. Can claim by writing to The Registrar, GPO Box 1920, Hobart Tasmania, 7001 , Australia. However think this only applies to Australian Citizens. They also issue another Ribbon, at moment forget what that was for. However on applying to Hobart they will supply all relevant info.. J.Sabourn