Royal Marine Medals

[Selina]

I have found a relative on the Royal Marine Medal Roll.  He was entitled to the Victory and British War Medals but under 'How issed or disposed of' it has F which apparently stands for forfeited.

Would they have been forfeited by choice or through some misdeamour? 

Under remarks it has R - this seems to stand for Run and the word Run also appears on his service records, although if it means he absconded at one point he obviously returned.  He was demoblised in 1919.

Does anyone know if forfeited medals could now be claimed by his grandson?

Thanks,

Selina

[Pete Keane]

I have seen records where people lose their medals through misdemeanour and then receive them later, but this is the first time I have heard of descendants applying for them.

Best approach would be to write and ask them - he must have absconded after the war finished to be eligible for the Victory medal - if he had received them they couldnt take them back!

[Selina]

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the reply.

Good point about date of absconding.  Looking at record I see that 'Run' (in the 'Cause for Discharge from Ship' column relates to January 1919,  in the 'Character' column next to that is V.G.

In the 'Cause for Discharge' column for the next period of service is written W.T. and I don't know what that stands for.

Selina

[MikeH57]

I Have a similar question regarding RM medals. My great Uncle was awarded three medals, but we only have Victory & British War Medals which were sent to Mother. The star medal has a question mark against it.. Details below....any idea why the star medal was not sent to mother with the other two.

First name(s):   Joseph

Last name:   CARSON   

Number:   PLY/15963

Rank:   Private

Awards:   

Medals & clasps earned:   1914-15 Star, Victory & British War Medals

How issued or disposed of:   Victory & British War Medals to Mother, 1914-15 Star issued?

Service branch:   Royal Marine Light Infantry

Unit:   2nd Royal Marine Battalion

Date of death:   13 Nov 1916

Cause of death:   Killed in action

[mmm45]

Stars were issued before the British war and Victory Medals...the latter usually went out as a "pair" Have you got his Service Record off the NA site?

Ady

[smokey]

Hi

I am not sure of the exact rules in 1919 but I ran the RN and RM absentee and deserters section as a Naval Regulator (policeman) in the early 1990's. A man would be marked "run" on his 7th day of being absent, he would then be discharged from his ship or shore establishment and drafted (posted) to HMS Nelson in Portsmouth. Obviously if he had absconded only his paperwork and kit would reach me. He then remained marked as run and warrants of arrest issued to all relevant police forces until recovered.

Regards
Smokey

[Selina]

Hi Smoky,

Thanks for that information, it is very interesting and helpful and adds to the picture.

Selina

[MikeH57]

Thanks Ady,
     Yes I do have his service record from NA....will that help understanding in this matter. ?

Mike

[mmm45]

Does it mention anything on the Record reference medals it may just give entitlement?
Did you get the Medal Roll info from Find My Past? If so its possible the Star was never issued....the RN Div casualty index on ancestry states Star,Victory and British WM issued to mother in Donegal however if the ADM 171 has a question mark it may never have been issued?

There may also be records for him at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Ady