MM explanation

[Desmond7]

Forum people - last weekend, I and another member of the Forum who wishes to keephis head down for the present, were involved in staging a successful 'Great War Family History Day' in Ballymena. Big crowds, well chuffed etc.

Now, amongst a number of unusual things ... about half way through the morning, a somewhat stressed out Des was asked by a gentkeman if I 'had anything' on a Rfn. Hugh Stewart.

Name rang a bell so I dug out the files and there he was : -A Military Medal winner.

The gentleman was delighted to read the citation and odd bits and pieces about his Grandfather.

"I hope that helps," says Des, just pleased to have talked to the guy.

"Oh yes, it does ... maybe this will help you," he replies. The next minute he brings out the MM!!! Des faints. Almost.

Anyway, I have a query about the ribbon. I think someone has replaced it with another. The MM is definitely the real thing. I just think someone has messed about with it in the past.

Here you are:-

[pgardiner1418]

Dear Desmond,

Wrong ribbon, that one should go on the Victory Medal (the one on the right)

the M.M. ribbon is Blue with Red and White stripes.

Allthe best,

Paul

[Desmond7]

Cheers Paul - I think they've lost or damaged the MM ribbon over the years and decided to attach the other one for the sake of appearances! Nice moment for myself and A. N. Other though!

Des

[Ski]

Nice story Des,

Well done, it's good to see it all together again!

[chris.wight]

Des, so they almost had to break open the smelling salts for you?!?

Seriously, what a great happening which you won't soon forget.

Thanks for sharing your experience and the photo! (is that a folder of notes you've put together from the Ballymena Observer?)

[John_Hartley]

Des

You said in the PM you had a cracker and I assume that's it. But you can't leave it there, you tease, you.

Come on. What's the man's story. What did he do to win it.

John

[kinnethmont]

Des

I must have been a great afternoon in Ballymena.

Here is an MM with ribbon.

[Desmond7]

Forgot! Here we go.

Rifleman H. Stewart, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mrs. Stewart, Laymore, Ballymena, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He was in an advanced bombing post with instructions to hold it at all costs, and, although the Germans opened a heavy bombardment, which lasted for 65 minutes during which he was almost buried, he held on and saved his lines at a very critical time.

[Desmond7]

And here's Mr. Stewart Bolon of Ballymena who brought the medal in on the day!

[Desmond7]

And so you can all see my double chins - here's Des far right with Jim kelso of BBC Radio Ulster (right) and Wesley Wright of Friends of the Somme (centre). My colleague is bashful and wishes and remain anon.

I mingled, he got on with the hard work. Which kept him happy!

Cheers all.

[John_Hartley]

Des

Ta for the tale.

"Friends of the Somme" ?

Is that the organisation that Belfast Pal, Billy Bittles, is involved with ?

John

[michaeldr]

Well done Des and friends

A very nice story

Michael D.R.

[Ralph J. Whitehead]

Hello Des,

Congratulations on such a successful day, the smiles on all of the faces tells me all I need to know. Your hard work and obvious love of this subject has really paid off.

Ralph

[Desmond7]

Thanks all - have to stress that it was a team effort. Another forum member deserves a great deal of credit here too, and the staff of the Local Studies Department.

Re Friends of the Somme .... there are 'Friends of the Somme' groups in various parts of NI. Billy Bittles is involved with the group in South Belfast ... but you will find little groups of enthusiasts all over the place.

Wesley Wright had travelled a fair distance - in NI terms - to attend last Saturday's event. IIRC he is involed with the FOS Group in the Mid-Ulster area.

I'm not a member but I do know they arrange talks, carry out local research and provide financial support for various projects. They also organise tours to various battlefields.

Just anothr story which has emerged from Saturday ... a lady whose son attended was delighted to hear that her grandfather was mentioned in the research. She rang me this week to ask if I'd be interested in more details.

The guy must have been a real adventurer ... she tells me that he played some part in the Spanish Civil War!!!

I also note there have been a few new members on the forum seeking info about soldiers from this part of the world! Hope you look after them as well as you have looked after me!

Best wishes Des

[stiletto_33853]

Des,

Nice story thanks for sharing it with us.

Andy

[Andy Shaw]

The following link will take you to the website of the Somme Heritage Centre located just outside of Newtownards. The website contains details of the journals they publish and also information on vetrans of the Great war. Have not had the chance to visit but always found them helpful with research.

Friends of the Somme

[Desmond7]

Cheers to the two Andys - Somme Centre provided some materials from their collections for display last week. Maps, helmet, pictures, a folding trench saw and various bits of shells etc.

Was very much appreciated by visitors.

Des