Niall78 Posted 20 April Share Posted 20 April Hi, I recently found a 1914-1918 medal when going through the things of a deceased relative. On the edge of the medal is inscribed 1247 Private Root Middlesex Regiment. I'd love to find out more about this guy (did he survive the war) and maybe find a way to get the medal to a relative. Does anyone have any advice as to how to do this? Many thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April Welcome to the Forum. Here is his Medal Index Card - first name Thomas (image courtesy Ancestry). He was entitled to two medals - the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. You could post an image here so as to identify the one you have. He was at some point transferred to the Labour Corps - possibly as a result of some illness or wounding whilst serving with the Middlesex Regiment. Regards Russ 16 minutes ago, Niall78 said: (did he survive the war) It seems so ! Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April Very lucky - he has Service Papers - should make tracking descendants a bit easier - although note he was 42 and single in 1914 so perhaps never married, no children. Here is the first page ...... Russ (courtesy FMP) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April He had earlier served as a Regular soldier in the Middlesex Regiment for 12 years (7 with the Colours and 5 with the Reserve) - number 3480, signing on in 1891 and discharged in 1903. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niall78 Posted 20 April Author Share Posted 20 April That’s amazing thanks so much for your help. I’ve attached a pic of the medal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April The British War Medal - made from Silver ! Normally, when a single medal is found it's more commonly the bronze Victory Medal as the Silver ones were often sold for melting down by poor down and out old soldiers. His earlier service saw him serve in South Africa during the Boer War - so he would have had a Medal (with Clasps) for that conflict also. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewSid Posted 20 April Share Posted 20 April (edited) A good service record. He served in the 3rd Battalion in Salonica before sickness saw him move to the LC. A common fate. Worth a read: https://salonikacampaignsociety.org.uk/ Edited 21 April by AndrewSid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April His address on discharge on 18/04/1919 and on his Pension Index Card was: 35 Boston Street. Hackney Road, London. Born in Bethnal Green, Mother's name Sarah - can't read her address in 1914 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April This is them in the 1881 Census Plenty of siblings to work on going forwards. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April In the 1939 Register he is single, living alone, at 91 How's Street, Kingsland, Hackney as a retired Exhibition Attendant. Date of Birth 21/09/1871. Regards Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April There is a public family tree for the family on Ancestry - you will need to contact the owner of the tree to see if they are or know of descendants. Russ Image Courtesy of Ancestry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin RussT Posted 20 April Admin Share Posted 20 April I've sent the tree owner a message so perhaps he will post here or PM you direct. If the latter, please let us know how you get on - we have traced descendants of medals on the Great War Forum many times before - this one could be in record time ! Regards Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niall78 Posted 20 April Author Share Posted 20 April Bloody hell - you don’t hang around on this forum do you! This is so great seeing some of the story behind medal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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