Vernon Dixon MC

[HolmeGrange]

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

[ainslie]

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.

[mmm45]

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

[forester]

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

[HolmeGrange]

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

[newburychap]

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.

[forester]

1939 entry in the London Gazette: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34660/pages/5922

Phil

[mmm45]

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

[newburychap]

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.