is this Naval British War Medal?

[Noor]

Hi all

Can someone advise please which branch BWMs were stamped with the person's first name initial and full second name?

Like I understand Merchantile marine medals had full first name? Can it be something else naval?

Medal is named only 'A.Leahy".

Kind regards,

Noor

[SWET59]

My Grandfather was a CPO RN, all 3 of his medals show his number, his initials for his first and middle names, his surname, followed by C P O R N. Unless he was unique R N should appear on the medal.

Peter

[ritterk]

BWM medals to New Zealand merchantile marine seamen were simply impressed with initial and surname. You ould have to check the rolls to determine if Leahy was a New Zealand seaman. Cheers

[Sepoy]

British War Medals awarded to the Mercantile Marine were mainly named with the first name and surname, but very occasionally the Mercantile BWMs were named with an initial and surname.

I have had a quick look at the Mercantile Marine Medal roll (on line at the National Archives) and I cannot see an obvious candidate.

BWMs named with an initial and surname can also indicate an award to a Volunteer Unit, such as the YMCA or Scottish Womens Unit. A search of the NA online medal card index reveals an A Leahy receiving a medal or medals for service in the Harvard Unit. (An American Volunteer Medical Unit). You will have to pay to download the card to confirm.

For a history of the unit see http://pds.lib.harva...ntThumbnails=no

I hope this is the case

Sepoy

NB The recipient is possibly a Woman, as the medal card is not showing up on Ancestry

[Noor]

Thank you so much! I just found her/his MIC from the NA site!

[Sepoy]

Please post your findings, it would be great to hear.

Sepoy

[Noor]

Oh, MIC confirms only her Corps; HARVARD UNIT, Rank; MISS, Entitlment British War Medal (roll USA/101A3 page 4), Theatre of War: France 1915. So, I presume she served with the No.22 Hospital that was set up at this year. I think around 75 people unit with some reinforcements. There were 5 Royal Red Crosses 1st and 2nd Classes and 9 MIDs to this unit. However, I am fairly sure now that she was entitled as well USA issued Victory Medal for her service in France.

[Sepoy]

It is good to note that the BWM was her only named medal and that it is not a split group. I think you may have difficulty in confirming a USA Victory Medal.

Either way it is a nice find.

Sepoy

[Noor]

I think you may have difficulty in confirming a USA Victory Medal.

I think it is actually possible - USA Victory Medal issue cards are in the Massachusetts military archive. They are in move at the moment but will be back "in business" next year. I have their email as well ready to shoot!

[Carmania]

Her name was Anna Leahy and she was a registered nurse born in Harvard, Massachusetts on 30 October 1889. She arrived in Falmouth on board the SS Noordam with the Harvard Medical Unit on the 6 July 1915. She returned to the USA quite soon, leaving Liverpool on the SS Philadelphia on the 7 October 1915 and arrived in New York on the 17 October.

Aled

[Noor]

Thank you so much! is this info now from the passengers list on FindMyPast? Thank you so much again!

[Carmania]

I found information on Ancestry's passenger lists and passport applications.

[Noor]

Dang! I forgot to check them at all! good point and thank you again!