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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: fionagayther on Sunday 09 November 14 17:37 GMT (UK)

Title: WWI Medals
Post by: fionagayther on Sunday 09 November 14 17:37 GMT (UK)
I hope someone can help me please.  I have a set of miniature WWI medals belonging to my Great Uncle, John Ferguson, 2nd Lieutenant Royal Engineers and I am having trouble identifying one of them.  To my knowledge they are as follows:

The first is an MBE, the second is the WWI 1914-15 Star, the third is British WWI war medal, the fourth is the Victory medal and the fifth is 15 Star General Service medal with an Oak Leaf (apparently given for mention in dispatches). It also has an "Iraq" clasp.

Now please can someone tell me why the War Medal has a green strip instead of an orange one?  I've searched all over but can't find a similar one. I'm also attaching his medal card.  Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: KGarrad on Sunday 09 November 14 18:23 GMT (UK)
I think the ribbon has faded?
It looks to be in a poor state?
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: km1971 on Sunday 09 November 14 18:28 GMT (UK)
... and the fifth is 15 Star General Service medal with an Oak Leaf (apparently given for mention in dispatches). It also has an "Iraq" clasp.

The fifth is the General Service Medal with Iraq clasp - you need to google it as the link has an error.

Iraq
This clasp was presented to those who satisfied one of the following conditions: Served at Ramadi or north of a line east and west through Ramadi between 10 December 1919 and 13 June 1920.
Part of an establishment within Iraq between 1 July and 17 November 1920.


On his medal card IV = Issue Voucher, with a reference and a date. EF9 on the reverse is the form officers submitted to claim their WW1 medals.

As already said the BWM ribbon has faded. If you search the London Gazette archive you should be able to find the mentioned in dispatches.

Ken
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: fionagayther on Sunday 09 November 14 19:04 GMT (UK)
Yes well it would be in a poor state as it's nearly 100 years old!  The medal says "Imp Ind" on it so I assume it means Imperial India.  Maybe it's green for that reason?
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: newburychap on Sunday 09 November 14 19:36 GMT (UK)
The MiD oak leaf is not in the picture, I hope you have it.
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: putterlad on Sunday 09 November 14 19:38 GMT (UK)
Hi fionagayther

The ribbon looks water damaged, the colours could have merged.

putterlad
Title: Re: WWI Medals
Post by: fionagayther on Sunday 09 November 14 20:45 GMT (UK)
Sadly I don't have the oak leaf :-[  This is the way it came to me a few years ago after my aunt died.  Water damage could be right I suppose.  I guess I could get new ribbons.  Not sure how to put them on though.  Thanks for all your help - again.  I love this website.  Everyone is always so helpful and I have learned so much from the very generous members who give great advice.  It's been a very sad day and I've "welled up" a lot - especially after watching the BBC last night.

LEST WE FORGET.