WW1 MM citation

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Hello people,

I'm trying to research a WW1 MM winner.

Lance Corporal Alexander Craven 276151 1/7th Manchester Regiment. Awarded in France. Date of gazette 21 October 1918.

Specifically I need this chap's citation. I couldn't find it on the London Gazette website, but could it be located physically at the archives or perhaps in the battalion diary?

Many thanks
Jack

[paulbear]

As with Canadain MMs IT is EXTREMELY difficult to obtain citations as the method of issuing the medal was often peculiar. For example it was often the case that before an operation the division was given x amount of MMs and they where trickled down to the unit commanders for issue at their discretion often by drawing of lots among the soldiers themselves to come up with the most deserving member. It is in fact odd to find an MM with citation and in most cases these should have been a DCM . I n your case the diaries would be the best place to look and good luck

PAUL

[yellow]

If you find a citation for a WW1 MM Jack then you have been very very lucky.

The medal was issued with a brown slip of paper which detailed the citation. The soldier was told this was the only copy and he was to look after it. Many MM's have passed through my own collection and Ive only ever seen the slip once.

The only tip I can provide is to look in the War Diary 3 months before the announcement in the London Gazette. There is also the regimental history and local papers to look through.

But as I am feeling bored I`ll provide you with some information on your man:

Enlisted: 28.4.15, Previous Regimental Number 3631

Served in the 1/7th 3/7th (A company) and 8th Battalions. Served Dardenelles, MEF, BEF

Lived at:

81 Devon Street
Beswick
Manchester

A Grocer by trade.

Age 20 on enlistment.

Awarded the MM on 3.8.18

Whilst at Herton Park he was put on a charge for breaking out of camp 15/11/18

Wounded 17.5.16 as result of training accident wth wooden bullets.
Admitted to hospital with sharpnel wound left leg 7.10.18 - 1st Western General Hospital.

[Adam H]

Steve is quite right that citations are difficult to locate for WWI MMs. This is especially so in the case of late war (1918) awards. At this time the regimental/battalion war diary is indeed the best place to check. While you aren't likely to find a citation, you may well be able to determine which action the MM was awarded for.

As WWI service files become available, you may get lucky and find the circumstances for the award contained therein. This is the case with some Canadian MMs I have, or had.

In some instances, MMs were awarded for consistent good work/gallantry over a (lengthy) period of time, rather than for an individual act of bravery...so a citation as such may not actually exist.

Cheers,

Adam