Hello. Charles John Steel. Service number 1695. 36th bn. was awarded the MM .
We need to know the story that led to his receiving this award. What act did he perform?
Any help would be great.
Hello. Charles John Steel. Service number 1695. 36th bn. was awarded the MM .
We need to know the story that led to his receiving this award. What act did he perform?
Any help would be great.
As far as i'm aware MM citations weren't retained by the National Archives in the U.K. Some would have an almost informal write up of a few lines on a certificate signed by a divisional general noting the awardees good work and the occasion, possibly only the date, for which it was awarded.
There should be a mention in the London Gazette of when the medal was awarded, with possibly a lag of 3 months on recommendation and it being published. Give a rough indication of the action, Somme etc.
MM awarded from 1916 onwards so in theory only a time after then would be relevant although MM's were awarded for previous good work.
If you know where this chap lived then local newspapers often did a write up of famous local sons.
You know the battalion, this may have a war diary compilied at the time, or a battalion history either official or privately printed. The Australian records seem more complete than their u.k counter parts. Held at the National memorial?
You could also try a post on the British Medal Forum who are a mine of information.
I have the same problem.
MM to 165797 Spr. L/C. A. (Alfred) Thornhill, Royal Engineers. ( WWI )
All I could find were his two medal cards from the National Archives,
his award announcement in the 1919 London Gazette Supplement
along with '2nd Field Survey Bn. (Stratford)'.
I too, would be interested to know the deeds these men performed
to win these medals.................!
Regards,
Steve.
Not sure if this is of any interest to you
Service record for Charles Steel MM.
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scrip....asp?B=8093745
I think it is your man - but haven't had time to read it all.
Regards
Richie
Surprised he had time to win the MM, seems to have spent most of his time in hospital, interestingly enough on one occasion for V.D. Wonder if this was in celebration of the award or perhaps as an Aussie twist he was awarded the medal for this 'wound' in action.
He has a wound in June 1917 and this is probably the occasion for the award. Trench raid?
Thank You for your help on this one. It will be quite a challenge to find out more, as the records do not explain what the deed was. I am surprised info is so hard to find.
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