The Heron Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 My sister and I are researching our grandfarthers history and we have come across his medals from the first world war and would appreciate some help on what they mean he was in the Royal Horse Artillery he received as well as the general service medal a silver one with a horse on it with a blue and orange riband on it, also a gold one with the words (The Great War For Civilisation 1914-19-19) not sure why it says 19-19 and a bronze coloured one shaped like a diamond with crossed swords on a crown with a red white and blue riband any help much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 (edited) The first world war did not end officially until 1919, the guns fell silent on 11/11/18 when the German army threw in the towel and started walking home but that was due to hunger as much as anything. We never really beat them on the battlefield it was more that their internal supply chain failed. This in part led to the Nazi assertion in the 1930s that they did not lose the war but were sabotaged by Jewish business men holding back food supplies to drive up prices on the black market. The actual formal surrender was not signed until 28th June 1919 Edited November 22, 2018 by Vince Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newbie to this Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 This may help https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_Kingdom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walshie Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 From your description, the last one sounds like a 1914 star. Could this be it? http://www.greatwar.co.uk/medals/ww1-campaign-medals.htm#star1914 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 The returning veterans called the three medals; Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, named after a post war strip cartoon. Most WWI soldier records were destroyed in WWII, those that survived were being processed/assessed for pension payments at another location. If you know his regimental number you may be able to trace some further information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AULD YIN Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 (edited) 15 hours ago, Ricko said: The returning veterans called the three medals; Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, named after a post war strip cartoon. Most WWI soldier records were destroyed in WWII, those that survived were being processed/assessed for pension payments at another location. If you know his regimental number you may be able to trace some further information. His number should be on the medals Edited November 23, 2018 by AULD YIN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 My dad's the expert on medals however, you're describing a first world war trio - 1914-15 star, British war medal (blue and orange) and then victory medal. The star was issued to soldiers who were sent on operations between 1914-15. Soldiers deployed after 1915 were only given the pair - British War Medal and Victory Medal. As said, first war medals will have his serial number on it which will make research easier. If you need any help whatsoever, please contact me. My dad has been collecting medals since the age of 12 and does in depth research as his hobby... I've grown up finding out about soldiers stories... extremely fascinating and I'm positive if you get stuck my dad will gladly offer any help and research advice. All the best mate, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Heron Posted November 24, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2018 Thanks to everyone for your help on this topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zapp Posted November 24, 2018 Report Share Posted November 24, 2018 Best thing would be to post some pics if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted November 25, 2018 Report Share Posted November 25, 2018 Pm sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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