Russia 1919

[Alan Lines]

A friend of mine is doing some family research and his Grandfather who fought in the Boer War stayed at home during most of WW1 on hime service but to the best of his knowledge went out to Russia on a ship called the Czar in 1919. He is not sure if he set foot on Russian soil though.

In his case I guess he is entlted to a War Medal for home service? Does anyone know for sure though what his entitlement would have been if he had landed. (pair I pressume, since the Armistice had not been signed?) or just stayed on the ship?

Thanks in advance.

[HERITAGE PLUS]

Alan

There was no medal for home service.

This page from the mother site clearly explains the criteria for award of medals for the Russian Campaign.

http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/grandad6.htm#wm

Outline history of the Czar (photo c1920 below)

1912 CZAR, Russian American Line.

1917 The shipping controller managed by Ellerman's Wilson Line.

1917 The shipping controller, managed by Cunard Line

1921 Name changed to ESTONIA, Baltic American Line.

1930 Gdynia America Line.

1930 Name changed to PULASKI, same owners.

1940 Name changed to MOWT managed by Lamport & Holt Line.

1945 Name changed to EMPIRE PENRYN,managed by Lamport & Holt Line.

1949 Scrapped Blyth

Dave

[Simon Jones]

Embarkation returns are at the National Archives and for 1919 these list officers and I usually other ranks as well.

WO25/3578 covers January - March and others the subsequent months.

I have a note that WO25/3583 shows HMT Czar leaving Tilbury for North Russia on 1 August 1919 but it would have made earlier trips as well.

Regards

Simon

[Staffsyeoman]

He wouldn't have been entitled for Home Service, but Russia would have entitled him (hence it is the British War Medal 1914-1920). Away from notes, so can't tell you the exact time qualification...

[Alan Lines]

Dave, Simon & Chris

Thanks very much for your help.