DCM reference book?

[h.fenet]

Thanks all

Well, I know beyond a doubt that he wasn't Canadian--the whole family was from around Glasgow...I even know the address. The cap badge has really got me scratching my head;the only thing I can think is that someone years ago put it on his badge-less Glengarry for aesthetic purposes (the cotter-type pin was missing by the way).

The interesting thing is that I was always told he was in Argyll & Sutherland (British army).

I checked and checked the LG and saw a reference to a J. Park of Gordon Highlanders awarded the MSM......I recall years ago hearing that he picked up a mortar or arty shell that landed in his trench, and removed it, so I don't know if that would get an MSM in those days.

When I was a kid it was always "your great uncle James had the VC" so it shows you how things get mixed up.

I checked my DCM roll for Canadians in WWI and could not locate anyone by this name unfortunately. Will have a go at the MM list and also check for MiDs for you...more to follow.

Cheers,

Adam

[Tony Farrell]

An 'immediate' (as opposed to long service) MSM is certainly plausible. They were awarded for 'lesser' acts of gallantry (if there's such a thing), usually in rear areas, but sometimes if the Division's monthly alottment of DCMs & MMs had dried up. So, yeah, maybe the MSM has mutated in to a DCM over time: "Send three & fourpence..." "Advice on an enema at once!"etc.

[leigh kitchen]

As with most of my comments I'll say that I'm probably wrong as this insignia is outside my period of interest, but I think that the 91st (Brit Argylls Regt) wore a badge of "91" & a boars head, in brass, on the ostrich plume headgear pre amalgamation with the 93rd. Try checking the name with Brit Medal Index Cards for Brit A & SH & Gordons, prior to considering checking soldiers papers of likely candidates? (checking the papers is far more costly than checking MIC if you use a researcher). Assuming that the papers have survived then they'll have an address on for him. That MSM reference seems worth pursuing. Check the Brit MICs for A & SH & the Gordons if the checks of Canadian Scotties does'nt throw anything up, or if you're confident enough that he was a Brit Scot rather than a Canadian Scot.