Guest Jardine Posted 15 May , 2013 Share Posted 15 May , 2013 Does anyone have any information regarding the above - I know he was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuious bravery (17th Nov 1917) but have no further information. What Regiment - his age - what brought about the Medal - any other information to help with our family history would also be very much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin spof Posted 15 May , 2013 Admin Share Posted 15 May , 2013 Hi Jardine and welcome to the Forum. The only J Rayer I can see in the London Gazette being awarded an MM is 203517 Pte J Rayer of the Gloucestershire Regiment. His Medal Index Card shows he went abroad after 1.1.16 as he only got the BWM and VM and the fact he only has a 6 digit TF number means it was in 1917 after the renumbering of the Territorial Force. He would have been in one of the TF battalions listed here Have a look at the Long Long Trail website and search for "medals" and "renumbering" for a better understanding of the terms I've used and hopefully someone with a better knowledge of numbering in hte Glosters will be along soon. Glen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jardine Posted 16 May , 2013 Share Posted 16 May , 2013 Thank you so much for responding - it was my first post and your info will be most helpful Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaySearching Posted 16 May , 2013 Share Posted 16 May , 2013 His forename was John (info from his medal index card) regards Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon2 Posted 16 May , 2013 Share Posted 16 May , 2013 John Rayer served in the 2/6th Battalion and as his LG entry and Glosters Museum search shows he was associated with Gotherington, Gloucs and was awarded the MM. The Glosters search also suggests an attachment to the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars before joining the 2/6th. He may have done his training with them. His number 203517 suggests an enlistment in 1917 and went overseas within that year as Glen says. I have checked the war diary and he is not mentioned. Your date of 17th Nov 17 for the MM is different to the LG entry but there is usually a delay from the time it was earned and the award being gazetted. There are actions which he may have been involved in leading up to Nov of that year but sadly cannot be more accurate. He was mentioned in the Cheltenham Chronicle / Gloucester Graphic in 1917. There is another thread where a member has catalogued all names mentioned with pictures in these papers he may have it. If it is just a story with no pic and he cannot help I can have a look tomorrow for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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