WWI Joe HARGREAVES Military Medal

[winwig]

This is my first posting so apologies if I make any mistakes and please let me know.
My grandfather was awarded the Military Medal in WWI. I would like to find out why he was awarded the medal and any details about his war service. Does anybody have any suggestions?
My grandfathers name was:
Joseph HARGREAVES, private 11714, 13th Company, Coldstream Guards, Entered 22nd January 1915.
I have tried contacting the Coldstream Guards but unfortunately his records were destroyed in the blitz during WWII.
Thank you in advance.

[jds1949]

Here is the reference in the London Gazette:

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30312/supplements/10027

No citations for MM were published in the London Gazette - but you now have a date. The next stop would be to access your man's local paper to see if they published a story about him. If you live in the same locality then your main library should hold, probably on microfilm, past copies of the relevant paper. Be prepared to search at least a couple of months either side on the Gazette date. If you live near London, then the British Museum Newspaper Library at Colindale is your best bet.

The relevant war diary for the Coldstream Guards might contain something of note - but individual men were rarely mentioned by name. You need to know which Battalion he served in to access the relevant diary. Diaries are held at the National Archives at Kew, but increasing numbers of them are also available online to download for a small fee.

jds1949

[mmm45]

Did you contact the Coldstream Guards archives direct? I always understood that the Guards Regiments records weren't stored at Arnside depot that was bombed and they all survived.
They do charge £30 though

Ady

[jds1949]

That was my understanding too  - see:

http://rhqcoldmgds.co.uk/shop/page/3?shop_param=

If you click on "Contact Us" there is a phone number - so you can check that you are not wasting your time [or your money - it's now £35!],

jds1949

[Ladyhawk]

The relevant war diary for the Coldstream Guards might contain something of note - but individual men were rarely mentioned by name. You need to know which Battalion he served in to access the relevant diary.

 Diaries are held at the National Archives at Kew, but increasing numbers of them are also available online to download for a small fee

1st BN  http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_guards_regiment/coldstream_guards.htm

http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/british_guards_regiment/coldstream_guards_ww1_awards_h_l.htm    11714 Pte Hargreaves, J.     1st    Military Medal

http://www.1914-1918.net/coldguards.htm

This may be of interest a little bit of info. on where 1st BN CG were serving in WW1

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=175955

1st BN Coldstream Guards Item reference WO 95/1219/2 (National Archives)

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=-2240866&CATLN=7&Highlight=&accessmethod=4&j=1#summary

[winwig]

Thank you so much every one. I can't believe that I've been stuck for so long and now I've got so many leads. Lets hope that I can get somewhere now.
Thanks for all your efforts everybody
Regards
Winston