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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: HolmeGrange on Saturday 22 December 12 20:36 GMT (UK)
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My grandfather won the MC in WW1, how can I find out how this was achieved? E.g what action, etc
Many thanks
Tim Dixon
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The London Gazette, and probably the Edinburgh equivalent should have his name in a list of awards, but not all MCs had a citation in the Gazettes.
A newspaper published near his home might have a report. The war diary of his battalion or equivalent might include a reference to the award with a mention of the incident leading to the award.
Some MCs appear to have been given in New Year or Birthday Honours, and will not have any citation.
A warning: the Gazettes' search systems are not the best to use.
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Looks like awarded whilst with 5th KRRC he was a Territorial and commissioned 1915 maybe his file is at Kew?
Officers aren't online
Ady
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Tim,
Assuming that your grandfather is Vernon Gilbert Dixon, it looks like the MC was awarded in the New Years Honours list.
His service record will still be with the MoD (WO 338 entry has a "P" prefix)
Phil
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Yes, Vernon Gilbert Dixon
I know/think during WW2 he was a Major V G Dixon and responsible for the Anti-Aircraft Batteries surrounding London. His son (my father) was a Battle of Britain pilot with No.1 Squadron.
Many thanks for the info, looks like a trip to Kew in 2013.
Has anybody used and could recommend a Genealogist who could help?
Thanks again
Regards
Tim Dixon
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Temp 2/Lt Vernon Gilbert Dixon's MC was Gazetted in the London Gazette Issue 29886 published on the 29 December 1916. Page 33
Not a New Years Honour list, just one of many long lists of MCs published through the Great War.
What sort of help are you wanting? A genealogist might not be the most useful - if it's military stuff you are after a military history expert/enthusiast could have more to offer.
If it's just that you are worried about facing Kew without help you don't need to worry - it's a great place and the officers records are easy to access. They have staff there to help if you do get lost (some practice with their catalogue is sensible preparation before you go).
However, it looks like his record is NOT at Kew his entry in the manuscript index to officers' records (TNA ref WO 338) shows that his records are still with the MoD (ref in WO 338 is P/C 5678/1, any ref starting with a letter is with the MoD). As you note he also served during WW2 which would explain why his records are where they are. These are available to descendents - at a price.
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1939 entry in the London Gazette: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34660/pages/5922
Phil
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From 15th March 1916 for security reasons the where and when details for MCs was removed from the Gazette
War Diary may help for 5 KRRC
Ady
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War Diary may help for 5 KRRC
Unlikely - the 5th KRRC never went overseas. Vernon must have served with another battalion - the difficulty is finding out which.
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The King's Royal Rifle Corps Chronicle (1919 edition) has him with the 17th Battalion
http://books.google.co.uk/books?ei=BvPYULn1D-WW0QXHm4DoBg&id=dw3L6E-bG2UC&dq=%22V+g+Dixon%22+%22Krrc%22&q=%22Dixon%22#search_anchor
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Many thanks... Hope you all had a great Christmas.
Vernon's 1914 Star Medal is stamped on the back....
2259
PTE V G. DIXON
1/4 SEA.HIGHRS
So I assume he started his military career as a Private in the Seaforth Highlanders.
His British War Medal and Victory Medal are both engraved on the edge with....
2, LIEUT. V.G.DIXON
So assume he must have had a rapid promotion in the field which was the norm I believe.
No engraving on his Military Cross.
It is rumoured he won his MC bringing back a wounded soldier from nomans land but received terrible wounds in doing so.
Happy New Year
Regards
Tim Dixon
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I found some more info on my grandfather, he was awarded an OBE at the end of WW2.
Regards,
Tim Dixon