DESPATCHES.....

[AnnetteR]

Hi all

Forgive my ignorance but in my Great Uncle's obituary (died WW1) it says "mentioned in despatches Twice" - could sks tell me what that means

Thanks in advance

Annette R

[DavidWW]

Hi all

Forgive my ignorance but in my Great Uncle's obituary (died WW1) it says "mentioned in despatches Twice" - could sks tell me what that means

Thanks in advance

Annette R

A "mention in despatches" relates to the actions of a soldier thought to be sufficient to bring to the attention of the army authorities back in London, but not sufficient to warrant the award of a DCM, MM or even VC.

In many cases it is now accepted that the action that led to a "mention in despatches" was worthy of a much higher gallantry award, but there just weren't the witnesses, especially an officer or at least a senior NCO who could provide the evidence.

It is more than probable that the regimental diary, if extant, will refer to this MiD,and, also, there may be a mention of the Mid in the London Gazette, -see other posts in relation to these being on-line and searchable.

David

[AnnetteR]

Hi David

Thanks for that. I have already got one mention in the London Gazette from when he was awarded the DCM. I guess I'll just have to go searching again to try and find the other.

Cheers

Annette R