Corgarian Posted 26 August Share Posted 26 August Dear Forum Does anyone know how you find out why a French Croix de Guerre was awarded? I have been researching 265042 Pte. James Smith, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders (T.F.). The Scotsman newspaper announced his award of the Croix de Guerre which is now with his M.M. and other medals on display in the Gordon Highlander's Museum in Aberdeen, Scotland. The Scotsman - Saturday 12 October 1918 “Foreign Decorations. British Soldiers Honoured. War Office 10th October: - The following are among the decorations and medals awarded by the Allied Powers at various dates to the British forces for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign: - Croix de Guerre. 265042 Pte. J. Smith, Gord. Hrs, Strathdon.” I had a trawl through the Official Journal of the French Republic. Laws and Decrees to ascertain if I could identify why he won this medal https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb34378481r/date.r=.langEN but that turned up nothing. Does anyone know how you find out why a French Croix de Guerre was awarded? James Smith was later awarded the Military Medal. Edinburgh Gazette Supplement May 16, 1919 “His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of a Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the under mentioned Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men: - Gordon Highlanders 265042 Pte. Smith, J. 7th Btn. (Strathdon).” Thank you in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivor Anderson Posted 30 August Share Posted 30 August (edited) C de G: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30945/supplement/11946 MM with 7th Bn.: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31338/supplement/6042 Actually the 6/7th: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6221443 His MM is an 'Advance to Victory' award for the final months of the war. May be listed in the war diary around Nov 1918. His C de G was probably awarded from a batch issued by the French to the British Army for issue to their troops. They were often issued where a MM was not approved. It may be mentioned in the war diary around June-Aug 1918. Edited 31 August by Ivor Anderson Additional Info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianmorris547 Posted 31 August Share Posted 31 August (edited) Unless I have missed it, I could not find a Routine Order in the WD of the A&QMG 51 Div for the CDG. RO 999 dated 28/04/1918 and RO 1147 dated 02/12/1918 mention French Honours. The MM is in RO 1121 dated 29/10/1918 and was awarded for gallantry between 12 and 14/10/1918. Image TNA WO 95/2849 via Ancestry. Brian Edited 31 August by brianmorris547 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corgarian Posted 2 September Author Share Posted 2 September Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivor Anderson Posted 2 September Share Posted 2 September (edited) The 6th & 7th battalions amalgamated on 6th October 1918: https://wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=601 It seems that James arrived in France with the 6th Bn., so his C de G was likely awarded while serving with them (MiC Ancestry): His C de G may get a mention in the 6th's WD: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7354775 Edited 2 September by Ivor Anderson Additional Info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corgarian Posted 2 September Author Share Posted 2 September On 30/08/2024 at 22:53, Ivor Anderson said: C de G: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30945/supplement/11946 MM with 7th Bn.: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31338/supplement/6042 Actually the 6/7th: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6221443 His MM is an 'Advance to Victory' award for the final months of the war. May be listed in the war diary around Nov 1918. His C de G was probably awarded from a batch issued by the French to the British Army for issue to their troops. They were often issued where a MM was not approved. It may be mentioned in the war diary around June-Aug 1918. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corgarian Posted 2 September Author Share Posted 2 September 51 minutes ago, Ivor Anderson said: The 6th & 7th battalions amalgamated on 6th October 1918: https://wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=601 It seems that James arrived in France with the 6th Bn., so his C de G was likely awarded while serving with them (MiC Ancestry): His C de G may get a mention in the 6th's WD: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7354775 I read the war diary from June to December inclusive and sadly the 6th and 6/7th do not mention OR's by name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivor Anderson Posted 2 September Share Posted 2 September 1 minute ago, Corgarian said: I read the war diary from June to December inclusive and sadly the 6th and 6/7th do not mention OR's by name. Sad. Just nos of MMs etc? No mention of a C de G? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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