Australian or South African War Medal 1939- 1945

[Spitace41]

Hi all. Got this named War Medal the other day. It is named to Flight Lieutenant W. G. Jones. I know that Australian and South African medals were made of silver and officially named, but I would have expected to see a service number as well. I know that the chances of researching the recipient (especially with a name like Jones) are pretty slim, however if anyone is familiar with this type of naming and could tell me the country of origin it would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[Watchdog]

As I understand it only the Canadian medals were struck in silver and the South African ones whilst being named had the Prefix SA before the name so that seems to leave Australia?

Anybody else know more?

Regards

Mark

[Spitace41]

Thanks Mark. You may be right about only the Canadian medals being struck in silver.

[Alex W]

I've just looked up the Australian WW2 nominal roll and there are only three W.G. JONES listed in the RAAF. Two sergeants and a corporal. My grandfather-in-law's Australian war medal (which was recently issued) is stamped in the rim with his service number, two initials and surname but no rank. Leads me to believe your one isn't Australian.

World War Two Nominal Roll

[Spitace41]

Thanks for that Alex. I did take a look at the nominal roll and came up with the same results as you. I was thinking that perhaps the naming style was a hangover from the First World War, when (at least British) officer's medals were only marked with rank and name?

[reneblacky]

Aust Army (not AIF) markings for reference