Here's the latest addition to my medal collection, a Mons star trio with M.I.D and the Meritorious Service Medal. The star is inscribed to 10457 Sapper Henry Rose R.E. The War Medal and Victory Medal are both inscribed... 10457. A. CPL. H. ROSE. R. E. The MSM is inscribed... 10457. A. CPL. H. ROSE. 2/A. S. CO: R.E.
Cpl Rose served with 4 Signal Troop: R. E., part of the 4th Cavalry Brigade. He was mentioned in despatches, the award being gazetted on 15th June 1916. His medal index card is marked... "MID. 15 June 1916. For Gallant and distinguished conduct in the field."
He was a short while later, granted an 'Immediate' award of the MSM, this being gazetted on 18th October 1916. The award was originally a form of long service award. But from 1916 onwards it was also issued as an award for services in the field which fell below the standard required for the DCM or MM. A small number were also issued for acts of gallantry 'not in face of the enemy.' The medals issued for long service did not carry the recipients service number, whereas the 'immediate' award had all the recipients details inscribed.
I know I am probably clutching at straws, but given the closeness of Cpl Rose's two awards, it is possible his MSM was for an act of gallantry 'not in face of the enemy.'
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