bigjarofwasps

:violent-smiley-017:

The Iraq Campaign Medal was established by Public Law 108-234, signed into law by President George W. Bush on May 28, 2004 and implemented by Executive Order 13363, signed by President Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded to members of the Uniformed Services of the United States who serve, or who have served in Iraq or its contiguous waters and air space, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 19, 2003 to a date to be announced (or until the cessation of Operation Iraqi Freedom). The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable.

Thanks Bob, glad you found it interesting :food-smiley-004:

Hi, Does anyone know why RAF medals are only named RAF, as apposed to the Army which give the Regiment/Unit served in? It would make research so much easier, if RAF medals, where named RAF Regt or RAF Police or even 116 Sqn or something like that. Can anyone shine any light on this for me? BJOW. :violent-smiley-017:

Hi, Can anyone tell me whether there was ever such a thing as the RFC Police? When did the RAF Police come into existance? BJOW. :speechless-smiley-004:

Monday May 30, 2005 Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury. Photograph: MoD/PA The British soldier killed in an attack on a convoy in southern Iraq yesterday was Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury from East Riding, Yorkshire. The Ministry of Defence released L/Cpl Brackenbury's name today, as Iraq continued to be rocked by insurgency attacks.

A British soldier killed in an attack on a convoy in southern Iraq at the weekend was named yesterday as Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury. Cpl Brackenbury, 21, from the East Riding of Yorkshire, died when a roadside bomb exploded near Amara, in the Maysan region, as troops travelled to a meeting with Iraqi security officials. Cpl Brackenbury was serving with the King's Royal Hussars. His father, Stephen, said the family - mother Janet, brother David and sister Faye - were "immensely proud" that he was a soldier.

yes and yes, but they seem to be like hens teeth to NWP. I`ve only ever seen two!!

Well guys after months of searching, I`ve managed to track down an LSGC, to my force, with original ribbon, box of issue and letter from the CC of Denbighshire Police 1952. This is only the second medal I`ve seen to NWP, the other being a Special Constable`s LSGC, from the 60`s if I remember correctly. But it had been sold when I tried to buy it, as is often the case in our hobby, as I`m sure you`ll agree.

Haven`t seen any military guard dogs out here yet, but I`ll keep an eye out for you. There`s loads of stray dogs kicking round the place if that helps any, interestingly all the ones I`ve seen have all been the same colour?

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death in Iraq of Guardsman Anthony John Wakefield during the early hours of 2 May 2005. Guardsman Wakefield, a married father of three from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, died as a result of wounds sustained during a routine patrol in Al Amarah, Iraq. He was 24. His Company of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards is currently serving alongside 1 Staffords (Staffordshire Regt.) in Maysan Province, Iraq. The Commanding Officer of 1 Staffords, Lt Col Andrew Williams has paid tribute to Gdsm Wakefield?s professionalism: "May I start by expressing my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gdsm Wakefield. "Gdsm Wakefield died in the early hours of 2 May 2005 as a result of wounds sustained during a patrol in the town of Al Amarah, Southern Iraq. "He was acting as the top cover sentry in the second of a two vehicle patrol when what appears to have been an Improvised Explosive Device detonated, disabling the vehicle and injuring another soldier. "Despite receiving first aid at the scene and in the helicopter that evacuated him, he sadly died of wounds shortly after being attended by the doctor at the Battlegroup?s base just outside the town. "Gdsm Wakefield was a supremely fit and popular soldier who died doing his duty and amongst his friends. A proud Coldstream Guardsman, he was attached to the Staffords Battlegroup and had made many friends during his time with us. "To all those who were lucky enough to know him, it was clear that he loved his duty and had a very bright future ahead of him. He was already a qualified Physical Training Instructor and had been selected to attend a course for promotion at the end of the 6 month tour. "Gdsm Wakefield will be sorely missed by a great many people and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Captain Jim Philippson killed in Afghanistan 13 Jun 06 It is with immense sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the name of the British soldier from 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 11 June 2006. Captain Jim Philippson [Picture: MOD] UK forces were involved in an incident in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan, on the evening of Sunday 11 June 2006 during which a mobile patrol was engaged in a firefight against suspected Taliban forces. Sadly as a result of this engagement Captain Jim Philippson was killed and two other soldiers seriously injured. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this difficult time. Captain Jim Philippson, 29, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, completed his further education at Plymouth University. He joined the Army in January 2001 and, after his course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, was commissioned into the Royal Artillery later that year. He then undertook his Young Officers’ course at the Artillery Centre, Larkhill. From the outset his sharp intellect, determination, positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm stood out and he was selected for a posting to 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. He relished the challenge of demanding commando selection where his physical stamina was more than matched by his mental robustness. Not only was he successful but he led the way. Having settled into the Regiment his confident, yet self-effacing, approach had a real impact. His unique combination of fierce professionalism, relaxed style of command and sense of fun won him the respect and loyalty of his soldiers and peers. He displayed all of these qualities in the high pressure operational environment of Iraq but also on exercises in Norway, USA and Cyprus. Moreover, he was always looking to get involved; throwing himself wholeheartedly into his sport and social life with the same passion as his work. Having concluded his tour with 29 Commando Regiment, Capt Philippson was keen to undertake the challenge of service with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and after a six month deployment to the Falkland Islands joined the Regiment in February 2006 as it prepared for deployment to Afghanistan. Very soon he found himself a pivotal member of the team with the role of training and mentoring the Afghan National Army. Here his maturity, patience, technical skill as an instructor and responsiveness was an example as much to his colleagues as to his Afghan counterparts who warmed quickly to his inherent leadership and charisma. He was a man that wanted to make a difference, and he did. Capt Philippson served only a short time with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery but his influence on it and 29 Commando Regiment previously was tremendous. A genuine character who was full of life and humour yet with a highly committed edge, he will be remembered as a gifted, considerate and popular officer who would always go that extra mile for his soldiers and his friends. He will be sadly missed by everyone that that knew him. Lieutenant Colonel David Hammond, his Commanding Officer, said: "Jim was a top quality officer in the best traditions of the Regiment and the British Army. Those around him were influenced not only by his commitment, passion and drive but also his enthusiasm and ready wit. A gifted commander he had the self-confidence of an assured professional yet was also modest and willing to learn. "All of this earned him the respect of all those he touched. The commitment he showed to his task in Afghanistan and every challenge he undertook was an inspiration. "He was a rising star in every sense who had a huge amount to offer. He is a tremendous loss and our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this very difficult time." Following the incident Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne issued this statement: "I wish to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this attack. My thoughts are with them and those troops continuing their difficult task of helping to ensure Afghanistan remains secure."

Ronald Desmond Greaves Caldecott. Son of Ronald Edwin Henry and Constance Caldecott, of Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. A.I.A.A. Serjeant Regiment in the Intelligence Corps. Unit : 589 Field Security Sec. Age: 23 Date of Death: 16/04/1945 Service No: 14410247 Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: 21. A. 17. Cemetery: TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY I recently discovered that I am related to Ronald. I intend to try and research him, and post my findings here, in memory of him. I believe that he died of wounds.

Fury as dead soldier's war medals stolen CHRIS MOONEY THE mother of a Lothians soldier who was killed in Iraq spoke of her anger today after a thief sneaked into her home and stole her late son’s war medals. Sapper Robert Thomson died in the southern city of Basra in January last year in what was described by Ministry of Defence officials as a "tragic" engineering accident. The 22-year-old, from Whitburn, West Lothian, was posthumously honoured for his work in one of the most dangerous areas of Iraq during the second Gulf War with the 35 Engineer Regiment. But a thief slipped into mum Margaret Thomson’s home in Gardener Crescent, Whitburn, and snatched the medals. Mrs Thomson said she has been left devastated at the theft. The thieves targeted Mrs Thomson’s home while she was upstairs, sneaked inside and lifted her handbag from a downstairs room. The handbag contained the Iraq campaign medal, a set of wings presented by the RAF and a prayer written for the family by a padre, or military chaplain. A necklace with the initial "M" which was a present to Mrs Thomson from soldiers who had served with her son was also stolen. Mrs Thomson said she carried the medals and other gifts with her everywhere she went. She has now offered a reward of ?200 for information which will lead to them being returned. She said: "These things can never be replaced. I am not bothered about bank cards or anything like that, I just want these things back. I am so angry that somebody just walked into my house and took my bag and I don’t think they understand what they have done and how important these things are. "I always like to have these things close to me, but you just don’t think somebody is going to come into your home and steal your bag. My mobile phone was also taken which had a lot of important numbers in it which I need because the inquiry into Robert’s death is still on-going." The stolen campaign medal has the dead soldier’s name inscribed on it and "Iraq 2004" written on the back. It was attached to a yellow, black and gold ribbon. Around 90 people gathered in Whitburn to mark Sapper Thomson’s death last year with a series of remembrance events. A special chair commissioned by Sapper Thomson’s former colleagues was unveiled at a site near his grave in Whitburn Cemetery. It was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Whitburn War Memorial and a presentation of the sapper’s medals to his parents in the town’s Royal British Legion Club. The MoD’s casualty visiting officer Captain Jim Rattray was in charge of co-ordinating the events. He described Sapper Thomson as a "very brave and impressive young man". Sapper Thomson went straight into the Army after leaving Whitburn Academy in 1998. A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police appealed for information which would help find the medals and catch the thieves. He said: "What was taken from the Thomson family had huge sentimental value and needs to be returned to them. The stolen items are also very recognisable. "If anyone saw someone hanging around or looking suspicious around the time of the burglary we need them to get in touch with Whitburn Police."

Saw this nonsense on Ebay........ This Medal was issued for service in Northern Ireland of more than 30 consecutive days. The recipient served a touch more than that, (a bar to the medal is issued for seven tours, the recipient missed it by one). Despite serving 10 years this medal was only presented to the recipient two months after his final discharge, by the postman! The recipient was reduced to the ranks prior to his discharge and so the inscription reads his final rank of Private. This medal is for tours of duty between 1987 & 1994. The last being when the fishmongers on the Shankill Road was bombed & when the Official IRA (and eventually loyalist) ceasefire came into effect. The Medal comes with it's original box & bears the recipients details on the back, it has been fitted with a clasp for wearing on a dress uniform, but an occasion has yet to present itself. If you require any further info please email me & I will be only to pleased to help if I can. Maybe the fact that he was a Pte when he first went to NI, had something to do with it, also a bar for additional tours, rubbish!!!!

Guys, I`ve heard a rumour, that this clasp is no longer being issued!!!!!!!!!! Can anyone confirm this for me? Is the Air Op`s Iraq clasp still being awarded, or is this the end of the GSM?

Lets hope there`s no more names added to this list, its to long already!!!

It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Squadron Leader Patrick Brian Marshall, Royal Air Force, is missing believed killed following the loss of an RAF C-130K Hercules aircraft over Iraq on 30 January 2005. Aged 39 and divorced, he was a staff officer serving with Headquarters Strike Command, High Wycombe, and was on temporary detachment to Iraq as a liaison officer. Patrick joined the Royal Air Force in June 1990 as a pilot, serving 11 operational tours on the Tornado GR. He was awarded a General Service Medal for Air operations in Iraq, an Operational Service Medal for Operation Telic and the NATO Medal for operations in the former Yugoslavia. His last job was as a Staff Officer at Headquarters Strike Command, Royal Air Force High Wycombe, where he was part of a team responsible for coordinating Royal Air Force support operations. Although he thoroughly enjoyed his staff tours, he was eagerly looking forward to returning to his greatest passion: flying. He was a highly regarded and talented operational pilot. During his time at Royal Air Force High Wycombe he lived in the local area and had recently announced that he was engaged to be married. Patrick was a well liked and spirited officer with many friends throughout the headquarters and the wider military community. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew him. The media are asked to respect the family's privacy at this very difficult time.

Cheers Paul.

I recommend this guy for all your research needs, tell him Gordon sent you..... Mark Relf, 16 The Burrows, Delamere Park, Cuddington, Cheshire, CW8 2UG. Tel 0151 428 0133 or 0166 882528 or 07867 808601 Fax 0151 428 0148 Research@relfy.f9.co.uk

The Regimental museum, maybe help to help too. Here is my next research project...... John Rose was born to Fleetwood (Manchester), in 1895. The son of James & Martha Rose of 119 Promenade Road, Fleetwood, Lancashire. He served, in the RAMC as Pte 58544, with the 55th Fd Amb, dying of his wounds, on the 18th Sept 1918 aged 24, and is buried in Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension grave 111.F.24.

Tony, If yuo`d like some tips on how to go about researching Sid, i`d love to help!!! You could start with his MIC, service papers, unit war diary and local newspaper, these sometimes have pictures of the soldiers in. Glad you like the picture of Edward, its really nice to have a face for a name, the scroll is lovely to, it been framed inside a gold leaf frame, which in turn has been framed again, and has served the tests of time in mint condition. I lovely find!!! Yes Somme medals got for silly money these days!!!! No idea where Edward`s medals or plaques are!!! Sid would have been entitled to a trio......must dash, will chat again later.

What a truely amazing find!!!!!!!!! Gordon, Here’s part of Sid’s diary, I’ve scanned a few pages from the beginning and a few from his last weeks before going over the top. He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial and so has no known grave but, as there is also German writing (about carrier pigeons and later about savings) present, I can only assume a German soldier took his belongings from his body. I bought this diary last year in Germany from a dealer who obviously couldn’t speak or read English otherwise he would have wanted more money for it. Sid's birthday was 11th July 1897 so he was killed days before his 19th birthday and probably just after 7.30 in the morning. A German bought 5000 war bonds at 4.40 Marks each but I don't know who he was or when he bought them. Sid enlisted on March 15th 1915 and landed in France on 24th October 1915. He was slightly wounded by shrapnel on Nov. 29th but didn't get to the trenches (north of Arras) till 9th March 1916. He joined his battalion (1/7 Sherwood Foresters) on Dec. 4th 1915. I will be visiting the Somme in July and so will take a picture of the memorial to keep with the diary. The first attachment shows the names of the men in his section. Tony I am well impressed, have you had any luck in researching him? Maybe these a picture of him in his local paper!!!! If you should ever decide to part with this please please please let me know!!!!! See below, a picture of Crowter. Sorry it won`t let me post it, but if you visit the Great War Forum, and look under soldiers, you`ll see his picture there. Gordon.

Tony, I can`t remember how long it took me to research, the three of them. I think Crowter was the longest, I really got my teeth into that one. It would be smashing if you could, post your Soome Casualties note book, I`d very much like to read it. Nick, it might be of interest to know that (Higgins), was one of two Officers to win the MC, during WW1, from Prestatyn, both of which lived in the same street!!! Gordon.

Lt Thomas Higgins MC Thomas was born in Chester on the 6th March 1890. The son of John and Amelia Higgins, of Chester. Later moving to Prestatyn North Wales. He trained as a Civil Engineer, working for H F Bullam as a County Surveyor for Cheshire for 3 years, leaving in 1908. Then going for E G Hawley as a Borough Engineer for Leicester. He lived at 9 St Peters Road Leicester. He joined the Royal Navy as a Sapper in the Royal marine Engineer on the morning of 25th September 1914 at London. His height is given as 5`6 ? ”. Chest measurement as 39 ? “ Hair and eyes as Brown in colour. His complexion as dark, with no distinguishing marks. Eye sight as 6/18 in both eyes, hearing, heart and lungs as normal. Physical development as good. Religion Roman Catholic. His home address as Hill Crest Prestatyn North Wales. Thomas first served at Gallipoli with the 1st Fd Coy RME of the Royal naval Division. His Regimental was Deal/S/241. His Marine service papers give the following details. Embarked for the M.E.F 1st March 1915. Reported sick 5th July 1915, to hospital on Gallipoli. 3rd Aug 1915 to St Andrews hospital Malta. Embarked on H.S Andania from Malta on the 23rd Aug 1915 for passage to England, suffering from Enteric. Admitted to Plymouth hospital 1st Sept 1915, next of kin informed. Granted sick leave from 9th Sept to the 30th Sept 1915. 22nd Jan 1916 granted a temporary Commission in the RE, this being confirmed by the RAO by telephone on the 31st Jan 1916. Having been discharged from the RME his character was described as Very Good. Officer training would have taken about a month. Thomas was posted to the 130th Fd Coy RE, who were serving in France on the Somme, with the 25th Div. The War Diary for the 130th gives the following details. 24th Aug 1916 in the Leipzig Salient (Thiepval). In accordance with the instructions from 7th Inf Brig, 2 Lt Higgins and 20 other ranks RE were detailed to report to the OC 1st Btn Wiltshire Regt for operations and 2Lt Locke and 20 other ranks to OC 3rd Worcester Regt . 2Lt Higgins and party were able to act as carrying party, took up wire and wood from front line captured trenches at junction 17. Wilts and Winchester took up more wire (2 journeys) and dugout frames. Put out fire in the 17th trench which offered a transit to enemy. Reconnoitring communication trenches and came in at dawn. Casualties 2Lt Higgins wounded slightly and 2 other ranks wounded. The book `Somme a day by day account` says of the 25th Aug. While consolidating from the previous days action under a German bombardment, it was observed that the German trenches were packed with troops. A barrage was called for and the impending counter attack was prevented. Divisional History says the following. During the day heavy artillery carried out a bombardment of the line to be attacked as well as trenches and communication trenches in the neighbourhood in such a way as not to attract undue attention to the particular objective. At 4.10 pm on the 25th Aug an intense artillery barrage was put down on the Hindenburg trench and a rolling barrage in front of it. Under cover of this the Wilts and Worcester advanced and assaulted the positions. The whole objective was captured except a small potion on the left where strong opposition was met with in very broken ground and little progress was made. At 4.12 pm two push mines were exploded. The attack was carried out in three waves , our casualties were very small and over 150 prisoners were captured and a number killed. In addition about 100 prisoners were killed by there own artillery. The attack undoubtedly came as a surprise to the enemy and it success was largely due to the fact that the men advanced very close to the artillery barrage which was most affective in every way. They was materially assisted by a smoke barrage near Thiepval wood which was designed to draw the enemies fire in its direction which undoubtedly succeeded in its objective. Heavy bombing went on all day on the left sector and very little progress was made. The whole of the Leipzig Salient was heavily shelled during the afternoon of the 25th causing many casualties. For this action 2Lt Higgins was awarded the Military Cross. He is mentioned in the Div history. His citation reads, `For conspicuous gallantry during operations. He persisted in the consolidation of the captured trenches under intense shell fire. Later he volunteered to assist the infantry by carrying up material, and made several journeys through a heavy barrage.` He is also mentioned in the Prestatyn Weekly on the 23rd Sept 1916.` Lt Higgins of Hillcrest has won the MC. He remained on duty after being wounded and succeeded in saving his Coy when in a tight place in France.` Lt Higgins MC was wounded again on the 15th October 1916, the War Diary reads, 4 Coys dug trace of trench and laid direction tape for 3 Coys to come up to work on. 250 men were detailed and with in 3 minutes of arriving had started work. A certain amount of shelling, 2Lt Higgins MC was wounded along with his Orderly and one other Sapper all in the first 10 minutes. The Prestatyn Weekly reports, on the 21st Oct 1916. The War Office has informed Mr and Mrs Higgins of Hill Crest that their son Lt T Higgins was severly wounded on the 15th. It was a GSW in the head and face. Only recently Lt Higgins was awarded the MC. We trust the gallant young officer will soon recover. A telegraph was sent to his parents. Urgent J Higgins Thiepval Highbury Ave Prestatyn N Wales. You are permitted to visit 2Lt Thomas Higgins RE. Seriously ill at 20 General Hospital Camiers. Another telegraph was sent on the 15th November 1916. Deeply regret to inform you 20 General Hospital Camiers reports 2Lt Thomas Higgins RE died of his wounds 4.10 am November 15th. The Army council express their sympathy. Lt Thomas Higgins MC, died on Wednesday the 15th November 1916, son of John and Amelia Higgins. Buried in Etaples Military Cemetery Pas de Calais France, I.B.68. His personal effects were sent home by Messrs. Cox & Co`s Shipping Agency LTD, 16 Charing Cross, London, S.W. These are listed as, 1. Letter. 2. Devotional Book. 3. Diary. 4. Metal cigarette case. 5. Leather purse. 6. Whistle. 7. Wrist Watch and strap. 8. Match box cover. On the 25th November 1916, the Prestatyn Weekly wrote. Sometime ago it was mentioned in these columns that Lt Higgins, whose parents reside at Hill Crest, Meliden Road, had been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry. Now it is our sorrowful duty to record the death of this hero. He was badly wounded about the head, and succumbed to his injuries in hospital. His sister, Mrs Gasquoine, travelled to France on receipt of the news of his injuries, and was present at his deathbed. The King and Queen have sent their condolence. Several letters were sent and received regarding Thomas’s Rank at time of wounding, and asking about a death certificate as his life had been insured. Also noting a change of address to 82 Watergate St, Chester. His will states that a sum of ?1616, 3 and 8 were to be paid to his Father. His medals were sent also sent to his Father on 31st May 1917. His Plaque and Scroll were sent on the 18th Feb 1919. His Military Cross was gazetted on the 26th Sept 1916, but not sent till 3rd Sept 1917. To my knowledge only the Scroll survives. Thomas is commemorated on the Prestatyn town Memorial and the Chester City Memorial. I have been unable to find a portrait of Thomas and his medals have not appeared on the market. (Records going back to 1977).