WW2 Awards Help

[MattBombHead]

Hi all,

I am hoping someone on here can point me in the right direction...

During WW2, my Grandfather was awarded the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) from the French Government (who at the time were in exile) for action during a rocket ship attack on a German garrison on the island of Elba. We believe it was part of OPERATION BRASSARD.

In short, he was the wheel man on a Landing Craft, Tank (Rocket), that was tasked with bombarding the gun emplacements around the garrison, in support of the invasion landings. The only other person on board was a Lt, who was below decks in the Fire Control room. The channel they had to navigate had been mapped, but there was only one way in, and one way out with no room to turn around, so it was forward in, fire the rockets, and reverse out. A potential suicide mission....

However, as the government were in exile at the time, he was never actually received the award, although I do believe he was 'mentioned in dispatches'.

My Grandfather is now 90, and not a well man, so I have decided to try and track down the award, with a view to getting him presented with it.

Anyone got any ideas where i can start looking? Is it worth trying the Medals Office?

Google throws up some details on OP BRASSARD, but he isn't mentioned by name, and there is only a small mention of the rocket attack.

 

[Rambling Sid]

My grandfather died in the Dorian Campaign in WW1 and I tried to track his service career once. I knew his rank, serial number, unit etc... and after a lot of e-mails to the Royal Engineers Museum it came down to trying to access his unit's War Diary. Unfortunately this is kept some place in Kew and not available on line. Seeing as I live across the Atlantic that drew an end to that. Maybe a check with the Imperial War Museum might help, they might even have a French contact for you to request the medal. I am sure there are records somewhere of his bravery and awards.

 

[Mightierthan]

I just came across a little snippet of information on t'interweb which stated that if you now live in the UK but were entitled to a medal from another country, you should initially contact the relevant Embassy.

The French Embassy in London can be contaced by phone, 02070731000 or email Presse.LONDRES-AMBA@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Hope this helps

 

[Pikeman]

I recently traced my Grandfathers service record, they require a letter sigened by the service man/women in question or their direct next of kin.

They excepted a letter from me even though my Father is still alive, as we were trying to find out as a surprise for him.

It cost £30 admin fee and after a wait (they are very busy) we got copies of everything from joining up to full service record of postings/actions and leave. Also pay and sick leave.

Try these chaps, hope it helps.
Best of luck
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/army.html

 

[Very Heavy very Humble]

records

records

I researched my fathers RAF ww2 unit at the PRO in Kew, I was able to obtain a copy of the Squadrons ORB. I guess that in Kew there may be an operational report of this action and also a ships diary which may be worth a look at. I also visited the IWM photo archives on London, excellent place and helpful staff, a veritable treasure trove in my opinion.
PM me if you need any further info