Specific action I.D.

[jf42]

Greetings- I'd be grateful for guidance on a question re: Other Ranks decorations circa 1915.

Would it be possible to identify simply by looking at a medal ribbon worn by a soldier on his Service Dress jacket that he had served in a specific action, e.g. Neuve Chappelle?

All advice appreciated.

JF

[Staffsyeoman]

Simple answer: no. Unless a gallantry decoration - which at this point would only have been a Distinguished Conduct Medal - with a citation which specifically mentions the action, you will not be able to tell from medal ribbons. There were no campaign medal ribbons awarded for the war at this point in any event; these would come later (even if for the 1914 and 1915 campaigns as marked by the 1914 and 1914-15 Stars). If you know the recipient and the unit, this may allow checking with other sources such as the regimental history, but not from ribbons in 1915, no..

[jf42]

Thank you, I thought not.