"Mentioned in dispatches"

[jmp]

I wonder if anyone can tell me if it is possible to find the original record that led to someone being "mentioned in dispatches"?  I have a relative who was in the RAF and  apparently was mentioned twice during WW2, and I would like to find out what this related to.

Similar applies to the issue of medals during this time.  I know that he won the DSO, DFC and bar, but again he was very reticent during his lifetime.  Is there anyway of finding the details?

Any information would be extremely helpful

Thank you
Jackie 

[casalguidi]

Hi Jackie

Some gallantry/meritous awards are mentioned in the London Gazette.  Search their archive:

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ww2.asp?webType=0

Casalguidi

[liverpool annie]

Hi Jackie!

The armed forces have War Diaries and they tell daily events of the action - this site may give you some pointers of where to look!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A3045467

Annie

[jmp]

Thank you both Casalguidi and Annie I have already tried the gazette on line but will now try the bbc link of which I was unaware.

Best wishes Jackie

[liverpool annie]

Jackie

Have you tried the Great War Forum?

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/

Might be worth a try!! they do WW2 too!!

Annie

[jmp]

Thanks Annie - no didn't know about that one either, will certainly give it a try.
Best wishes
Jackie

[Judy Pengilly]

Jackie,

my understanding of the "Mention In Despatches" is that unless it was awarded for gallantry it will have no citation.  There are specific times (and more usually in non commissioned ranks) when the award is granted (only in the face of the enemy), and will have some sort of citation. (Usually, the soldier was being put forward for the Military Medal but was not recommeded at the medals committee)

More generally (Commissioned Ranks) it was awarded for meritorius service (Not in the face of the enemy) and carries no citation.

I think you can apply to the medal office for copies of the award (MID)

His DSO and DFC* will carry citations.

Hope it helps

[jmp]

Thank you very much Judy, this certainly helps clarify matters.
Best wishes
Jackie

[OldBraggs]

The DSO and DFC and bar should have citations, these will be in the National Archives. The Mention In Despatches is a low-level award, merely means that his name was included in a list of men as having done good service. The DSO and DFC are much higher awards. What was his name?

Steve