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Monday 12 November 2012

My Dad really DID deserved a medal!

Today, my Dad would have been 91 years old.  We lost him 17 years ago next month, and all still miss him terribly.

Here he is in a school group - Middle row 3rd from the right.
(Dudley Grammer School around 1935.)



 Dad - my favourite photo :o) that some of you may remember me posting before...


Dressed as a pirate for a local carnival float long before I was born.

And finally on our wedding day 34 years ago - far right hand side.


During the war Dad was in a 'reserved occupation'.  A job that was deemed vital to the war effort, and because of this he didn't serve in the armed forces.  He did however join the Local Defence Volunteers Force, which later became The Home Guard (otherwise know as Dad's Army!)  Which was in fact part of the British Army.
In truth, I know very little about this part of my Dad's life as it was before he and Mom met ( they met on V.E. Day) other than he was a signaller, but I recently found out that he was entitled to the Defence Medal during family history research.  I down-loaded the relevant forms and filled them in on behalf of my Mom, and after she signed them we applied.  There was no certainty that Dad would get it as many of the Home Guard records have been destroyed.  I have got a couple of certificates that he was awarded during his service with dates and his service number on though.
We waited with crossed finger for many weeks, and them received a letter from the MOD (Ministry of Defence) asking for more details.  I was able to furnish them with copies of his certificates, and again we waited and waited.....
Then, finally on Saturday Mom received a letter package from the MOD.





So here's to you Dad on your Birthday....it's just so sad that you aren't here to receive it in person.

All my love.

Rose 
xxx



Here's a link should you wish to look into applying for the Defence Medal from Home Guard Service for a relative.
(Click on question 12 for help and links.)




12 comments:

greenthumb said...

How we miss our dads, there is nothing like their love. How wonderful o receive the medal.

Kelly said...

What a great story! So glad that he finally got this medal. I can tell that you miss him very much!

Nancy said...

My father served in WWII in the US Army but he never talked about. I'm glad your father was recognized for his service -- they are the greatest generation. :)

Denise said...

This is such a sweet and poignant post, Rose. I wish your Dad could have received this medal before he died, but how wonderful that you followed up so that he could receive it posthumously. It is certainly a beautiful medal and such a special thing for your mother to have!

I enjoyed seeing your wedding picture; your father looks quite the proud papa. :)

Thanks for sharing this story with us. I hope all is well with you; have a wonderful day.

Denise at Forest Manor

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

That so lovely that you made the effort and your Dad was recognized for his service!

Julie said...

What a lovely tribute to your dad, and a lovely memorial for him, just in time for Veterans' Day. My feeling that everyone who lived in England during WWII was a veteran.

Jay said...

A lovely post in honour of your Dad, I had a little tear in my eye by the time I got to the end!

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

Sorry very belated reading of your post, it was a very sweet & thoughtful post.

acorn hollow said...

what a wonderful thing to have for your mom and now you know a bit more about his history.
Cathy

Unknown said...

Oh Rose,

What a great honor for your Dad! Such a wonderful thing you did for him. I love the photos you shared. Especially the one on your wedding day! Wonderful story!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Rose, I know your dad would be so proud that you were able to get his medal. I have several WWII items of my dad's and they mean the world to me.

Mary said...

I was thrilled to see your dear Dad was recognized at long last Rose. My parents were both in the Royal Airforce but I never saw any medals - however I'm sure they both deserved them for their efforts. Perhaps instead they got ME! They were married in '42 while in the service in and I was born in '43, ha! ha!

Loved seeing your wedding pic too!

Hugs - Mary