MEDAL CARD QUERY

[Bala]

2 Lt W W HARSTON was commissioned in September 1918 and was part of the North Russia Relief Force. He was was awarded the VM & the BWM according to his Medal Card.

But it is difficult to read and I wonder if he served in France and why does it mention Londonderry. What else dose it show?

Were the medals or ribbons awarded in Russia different from those in France.

Any help appreciated

[AdrianBruce]

Logically he didn't serve in France before 11 Nov 1918 because the first theatre of war is recorded as Russia from 13/5/1919.

My (inexpert) interpretation of the extra stuff is that the lower image is to do with the administration of the claim of the medals. That process starts in 1921 and the Londonderry reference seems to read something like

"O/C <Officer Commanding> 1st Dorset R. Londonderry fwd <forwards> Officer's [entitled?] [?can't make this bit out?] 10-2-22 <10 Feb 1922>"

So Londonderry is simply where the Officer Commanding 1st Dorsets was stationed when he forwarded the (presumed) evidence to back up the claim.

[dsowerby]

Yep, detail on the back of an MIC is usually to do with claim information and delivery address; most often where a location is referred to in claims it is the current location of the unit in question.

Adrian is correct, that this man wouldn't have served in France before the Armistice; the BWM and Vic were awarded for service in 1919 and 20(?) in the Russian theatre.

[johndavidswarbrick]

Unlike enlisted men, officers had to apply for their medals - hence the correspondence details on the reverse of the card.

Dave Swarbrick