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The Africa Star
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Message 1.Β
Posted by GeoMax (U2100830) on Friday, 21st May 2010
I've just completed the process of claiming my great great uncles unclaimed WWII medal's (which arrived out of the blue this morning) and what I have received is somewhat confusing!
Can anyone tell me why someone who faught in the 8th Army during most (if not all) of the African campaign would not receive the Africa Star but would receive the clasp for it?
I have chosen this site as the first port of call as I was on here about a year ago looking for advice and one or two posters asked to know the outcome!
The medal's I've received for my uncle Archie are; 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star & War Medal 1939-45. Also enclosed was the 8th Army clasp for North Africa.
I'd also like to mention that despite the MOD medal office being a small dept and tracing medal entitlement being a long winded affair, I am pleased to say they have been very quick and efficient in sorting this out (depending on the entitlement to the Africa Star of course)! -
Message 2
Posted by Triceratops (U3420301) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
GBM,
Can anyone tell me why someone who faught in the 8th Army during most (if not all) of the African campaign would not receive the Africa Star but would receive the clasp for it?Β
My reading of the qualification is that the clasp should go with the Star. Maybe they just forgot to send it, you could write and ask them.
Going by the other medals, I'm guessing Archie was either with the 7th Armoured Division, the 50th (Northumbrian) Division or the 51st (Highland) Division. -
Message 3
Posted by GeoMax (U2100830) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
7th Armoured!
Yes, I have to confirm receipt of the medals so I'll ask about the Africa Star, as I say I can't understand why he would not be entitled to it?
Furthermore, he has been awarded the France and Germany Star, but I thought this was awarded for serving in France & Germany following the D-Day invasion in 1944 and I was under the impression he was serving in Italy when the war ended?
I'm going to request a copy of all his service record's (for a few of about Β£30) so I guess this question might be answered there? -
Message 4
Posted by Triceratops (U3420301) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
GBM,
Furthermore, he has been awarded the France and Germany Star, but I thought this was awarded for serving in France & Germany following the D-Day invasion in 1944 and I was under the impression he was serving in Italy when the war ended?Β
7th Armoured were in North-West Europe from Normandy until the end.Possibly Archie could have spent some time in this theatre then been transferred (promoted?) to another unit which was in Italy
I'm going to request a copy of all his service record's (for a few of about Β£30) so I guess this question might be answered there?Β
Should do, you know where to ask, Kentigern House.
Best of luck.
T -
Message 5
Posted by GeoMax (U2100830) on Saturday, 22nd May 2010
Cheers
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Message 6
Posted by pc1973 (U13716600) on Monday, 24th May 2010
The 8th Army Clasp can only go on the Africa Star and you cannot get the clasp without the star so an error by the medal office for shore.
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Message 7
Posted by GeoMax (U2100830) on Monday, 24th May 2010
Mystery solved, the Africa Star arrived in the post this morning with a seperate medal card! No explanation why but it obviously has been awarded and has arrived none the less!
Does anyone know if there are any online records I could look for? All I have at present is the following info;
856387 GNR A Pallister RA
He had left the army in the mid/late 30's and was on the reserve list when war broke out. He was quickly re-enlisted and sent to France pending the German invasion. He was successfuly rescued from Dunkirk although he knew nothing of it as his tank was hit by enamy fire and he suffered shrapnel wounds, one of which broke his nose and left him unconcious. He regained conciousness in an English hospital (I still have the letter from the MOD notifying his wife the he was in hospital). -
Message 8
Posted by LongWeekend (U3023428) on Monday, 24th May 2010
Geordius
At the risk of adding to your woes, I think he should have had a Defence Medal, as well. But perhaps that on the way separately, too?
If you have his service record, you should have the units he was assigned to, and be able to trace at least where he went through regimental histories and war diaries.
is a good site for the Royal Artillery.
LW -
Message 9
Posted by GeoMax (U2100830) on Tuesday, 25th May 2010
Definately no defence medal sent (yet???)!
I don't have the service records yet, but I do intend to get hold of them in the not too distant future.
I was hoping there would be something I could find on line in the mean time?
Cheers.
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