Another one for Retlaw!

bekibird · 21-06-2013, 22:30

This has nothing to do with Accrington soliders but as you seem very good on military history I was wondering....

If a solider sent a medal back would you be able to find out why and even retrieve it?

My Great Grandfather (Harry Henry Curtis) was a Desert Rat (beyond that the family knows nothing.. born in Acton, London in 1912, dying at 214 Whalley Road, Accrington in 1992). He never talked about his experiences but I know that he got some sort of medal and sent it back. I don't know a regiment number or even a way of finding out that's cost free. If you have any thoughts about how I can go about figuring out the story I would be very grateful.

Retlaw · 22-06-2013, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by bekibird

This has nothing to do with Accrington soliders but as you seem very good on military history I was wondering....

If a solider sent a medal back would you be able to find out why and even retrieve it?

My Great Grandfather (Harry Henry Curtis) was a Desert Rat (beyond that the family knows nothing.. born in Acton, London in 1912, dying at 214 Whalley Road, Accrington in 1992). He never talked about his experiences but I know that he got some sort of medal and sent it back. I don't know a regiment number or even a way of finding out that's cost free. If you have any thoughts about how I can go about figuring out the story I would be very grateful.

There is a way to find out, WW2 personal military records are still intact, they are not held at Kew. I don't know the address of the place, but ring Fulwood and they will know, on his papers will be all you need to know about his military life warts & all.
The reference to Medals sent back.
On a medal card you sometimes see an entry Medals Returned, but that does not mean the soldier returned it, its army slang for medals unclaimed after 10 years, and they are sent back to the foundry.

bekibird · 24-06-2013, 10:23

Where do I get contact details for Fulwood and what do I say? I don't know any of his regiment numbers or anything so do you think I will need to find them out first?