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.)