London Gazette Help Needed Please!!!

[AndyD]

Hello,
I'm helping a friend who doesn't have a computer to research a DCM winner.
I've managed to locate his MIC but cannot find him anywhere on the Gazette site!
I've tried every possible combination I can think of, and still no luck!
He is, M2/076071 CSM William Atkinson,ASC.
His MIC just lists DCM and not the date it was awarded.
My friend seems to think that it was awarded in 1917,but isn't 100% sure.
I recall Tony mentioning that the LG site was a little bit awkward sometimes,and have never had a problem with it,until now!!

I'm attaching a scan of his MIC if anybody has any ideas!!

Hope someone can help!
Kind regards,
Andy

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Andy, I too find the "London Gazette" site a pig to use. I have never actually seen in Medal Index Card before, so I was interested to see exactly what information they contained. Thanks for that.

Sorry, I cannot help you, but maybe Tony will come up with some info for you as he is a medals man

Cheers, Ade.

[Tony Farrell]

Nope. I spent the best part of an hour trying the same. Looks like it's a researcher's job at the PRO... sorry, National Archive.

[Adam H]

I don't know if there are variations in the spelling of the surname "ATKINSON" but if there are...you may wish to try these. I know of one man I was attempting to look up via the Gazette site and had his surname off by one letter...as soon as I remedied that...bingo.

Still, it's far more likely that their search engine is just not working well enough to narrow your man down...it's a rather frustrating go at times...but still a great resource and better than nothing at all I suppose.

Cheers,

Adam

[Ron B.]

Hi Andy
I may have found the W. Atkinson you're looking for. The entry is found in London Gazette Issue 30716 for 31 May 1918, page 26 of 36. It reads:
M2/076071 Sjt. (A./C.S.M.) W. Atkinson, A.S.C. (Leeds).
Here's the link but I'm not too sure if it will work:
http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/arc...&selHonourType=
I hope this is the right soldier.
All the best
Ron B.

[AndyD]

Hi Ron,

It is indeed the correct soldier!
Thanks very much!
All I need to do now is find out what he was awarded it for!

Thanks once again!

Kind regards,
Andy

[David S]

According to Honours and Awards for the Army Navy, & Air Force 1914 - 1920

203809 / C.S.M. Atkinson, H / Yorkshire Rgt

won the DCM on 28 March 1918

AND A BAR

on 03 September 1918

Is this the same guy?
My listing only shows one ATKINSON, and this is him!!!

[Tony Farrell]

No it's a different bloke: initial, service number, rank, unit. His rank & service number may change, as would his unit, and this would be recorded on his MIC. But his initial should not (I wish people used more than one initial, as it makes life so much easier). I found him on the gazette within seconds, but not W Atkinson. He was rather more elusive, but Ron found him. As for his citation? Worth a trip to the PRO methinks - or hire Jonathan Collins. There will be a seperate card for his DCM, and that should provide a little more information.

[Ron B.]

Hi Andy
I may have found W. Atkinsons DCM citation. Its found in the Gazette issue 30961 published on 18 October 1918, page 4 of 76. Almost five months after the first entry. There is only one slight discrepancy. The soldiers number is missing the last digit. Your soldiers number is M2/076071 the one with the citation is M2/07607. The rank and naming are the same:
Sjt. (A./C.S.M.) W. Atkinson, A.S.C. (Leeds).
The citation reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He did consistent good work. His constant cheerfulness and example were successful in keeping up the spirit of the men under trying conditions. He frequently volunteered for work in the forward area".

Heres the link:
http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/arc...&selHonourType=

Perhaps there was a backlog of paperwork towards the end of the war and the citation didn't get entered until this later date? Anyone have thoughts on this being the same soldier?

I've just noticed that the previous page in the Gazette give the date of 3 June 1918.

Best regards
Ron

[nellyp51]

I have tried to access the Gazette before but have always struggled, any advice from you all out there on this one.. It would be appreciated.

[Greeves]

I have tried to access the Gazette before but have always struggled, any advice from you all out there on this one.. It would be appreciated.

I've had some successes - most of all it's just patience. And thinking creatively in the search terms you use. Take into account misspelllings, delays in getting information to press (ie you know he won the MM in August, but it doesn't get gazetted for another 4 months etc), and incorrect units. It's a real dog to use, but when you get a hit it can bring you much joy!

[Ron B.]

Hi Trent
I've only used the gazette a few times and I suppose I've maybe just lucked out. But in the searches I've done so far I've always omitted the first name but have included initials of something distinctive like A.S.C. as in the search for Atkinsion above. I also narrow the search between the dates 1913 and 1923. I also use the "Honours and Awards" search feature as opposed to the "World War One" search if I know the soldier was a recipient of a gallantry award. I haven't used the Gazette enough to know if it makes any difference. Like Geoff says, creative thinking and patience. Be prepared to wade through a number of pages. Happy searching!
Ron B.