Gallipoli MGC Military Medal

[scruth]

A query for the experts.

John Howell Morgan (b.17.5.1891 Dolderwydd Farm, St. Clears, Carmarthen d. 1963 St. Helier, Jersey C.I.)

Joined Welsh Regiment 1914/15 drafted into 159 Company Machine Gun Corps of 53rd Welsh Division Service No: 56549. Apparently won Military Medal at Gallipoli - demobbed in 1918/19.

Any idea where there might be some background on his part at Gallipoli listed ?

I don't think the London Gazette gives OR's citations for Military Medals, and I'm not sure about the records of the MGCOCA. I've not searched the PRO yet (it may be burnt records). Medal Card attached.

Regards

Simon

[Patesian]

It is highly unlikely that John Howell Morgan won his MM for service in Gallipoli. He was probably 1/5 Bn Welsh Regt and certainly did go there in August 1915. Having amalgamated with the 1/4th Bn, the composite Bn left Gallipoli in December 1915 for Egypt, and having resumed their identities, were part of 159 Brigade, 53 Div, serving in Palestine, later moving back to Egypt. It was probably at this time, on or about the 20th April 1916, that 159 MG Company was formed from MG elements of 4 & 7 Cheshires,and 4 & 5 Welsh.

Morgan's MM was gazetted 19/03/1918 and was probably for an act of bravery during the capture & defence of Jerusalem, in December 1917. The War Diary of 159 Company is held at National Archives, Kew, under reference WO95/4630. Only 4 MMs have been traced to 159 Coy: two gazetted on the 19th March 1918 and two on the 18th July 1917 ( the latter probably for 1 & 2 Battles of Gaza). Since there were so few awards, it is just possible that a mention of them may be found in the War Diary (between Dec 1917 & March 1918).

[scruth]

Many thanks for that - I'll have to follow it up.

I'm going to JH Morgan's son's 60th Anniversary next week, all they know is it was "at Gallipoli" so that may be of real interest.

Regards

Simon