Did merchant seamen get medals?

Nine types of medals were awarded to British merchant seamen who served in the Second World War and who met the qualifications for each medal. The Atlantic Star was also awarded to those awarded a gallantry medal, with no minimum qualifying period.

Who received the Atlantic Star?

The Atlantic Star, instituted to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic, was awarded to crews of the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy for operational service at sea for at least 6 months in the Atlantic, the home waters or on the Russian convoys and to air crews for at least 2 months of operational service in these …

How do I find out what medals My grandad was awarded UK?

You can search and download these documents direct from the National Archives Discovery Catalogue: (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/medal-index-cards-ww1.htm). There is a small charge for download of the document.

How many merchant seamen died in the Second World War?

30,248 merchant seamen
30,248 merchant seamen lost their lives during World War Two, a death rate that was higher proportionately than in any of the armed forces.

Who got the Burma Star?

the British Commonwealth
The Burma Star was a campaign medal awarded for service in World War II to the forces of the British Commonwealth, between 11th December, 1941 and 2nd September, 1945, both dates inclusive. This campaign medal was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra.

Why was the Atlantic Star awarded?

In common with other campaign stars, the Atlantic Star was awarded to those whose service period was terminated by death, disability or wounding. Due to British uniform regulations, neither the France and German Star nor the Air Crew Europe Star would be worn by a recipient of the Atlantic Star.

Are war medals worth any money?

Put simply, yes! War medals are worth money, but how much you make when selling them depends on a lot of factors. If your medals are in great condition they will make more money than if they are damaged. If you have the original papers and presentation boxes that go with your medals they will also be worth more.

What navy ship was my dad?

His name was Dargan Delious Goode, Jr. He was a machinist’s mate, third class (CB) V6 USNR. I have his discharge paper. He was with the 126th US Naval Construction Battalion, 8th US Naval Construction Battalion, and the 125th US Naval Construction Battalion.

Why was the Atlantic Star Medal awarded to the Arctic convoys?

He writes: ‘It is clear that the Atlantic Star Medal that was extended to those who served in the Arctic specified the convoys in its qualifying criteria. ‘Those who took part in the Arctic Convoys have therefore been recognised and received this medal as a mark of the nation’s gratitude.’

What did Arctic convoys do in World War 2?

Read more about sharing. Veterans who served on Arctic convoys and in Bomber Command during World War II are to be recognised for their bravery and service with a new medal and award. The Ministry of Defence said it had agreed on a design for the new Arctic Star medal and Bomber Command clasp.

Who are still alive from the Arctic convoy?

Only around 200 veterans are still alive today – a fifth of the number a decade ago. Many wanted a medal as their ‘dying wish’. Mr Cameron came under intense pressure to agree to a British medal, after Russia awarded commemorative medals to acknowledge its gratitude to the surviving sailors, more than 3,000 of whose comrades were killed.

Who is on the Atlantic Star Campaign Medal?

The centre of the star is the Royal Cipher of King George VI, surmounted by a crown overlaid on a circlet which bears the title of the award ‘The Atlantic Star’. The reverse of this medal is the same as other WWII Star campaign medals and plain, with no naming.