I'm in possession of a trio and the service record of an RMLI man. There is no mention of his awards on his service sheet but it states he was involved in the Defence of Antwerp and Dunkirk September and October 1914. Would he be entitled to a clasp for the 14 Star?
Lionboxer

Have a look at this thread especially number 8

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...showtopic=54556

Kevin

They often didn't record the WW1 medals on the service records, probably due to sheer numbers. The Medal rolls are in ADM 171.

Service at Dunkirk was ruled not to qualify for the clasp, but Antwerp did. There was a separate roll for the 1914 Star in ADM 171/139 and it shows those who claimed the clasp. That has been published by Fevyer and Wilson, so I can do a look up if you post his name and number.

Per Ardua etc,
I've mentioned my man on another topic too but can't remember which. Anyway the man was my Gt Grandfathers stepson 18839 Joseph HEMSLEY. I would be grateful for anything you have. He was pre-war RMLI having served twelve years but I don't know when. He was nearly forty five when he was KIA in 1915 on the Clan MacNaughton. Ahh, that's it I've just remebered the other topic was in Ships and Navy etc.
Lionboxer

Hi Lionboxer,
Sorry I hadn't noticed your other thread.

The roll confirms that he served at Antwerp and that the medal was sent to his widow Mrs E. Willard on 27 Jun 1919. No clasp was claimed, it seems that the RMLI didn't issue the clasp automatically to casualties as there are several medals without clasps, that qualified, almost all issued to men discharged dead.

His service register is in ADM 159/131 at Kew that covers men who enlisted between Aug-Oct 1914. But if he had prior service his previous service number should be written on that sheet, the RMLI didn't have a reserve and men who left and returned after a break seem to have been renumbered. His attestation papers should also be at Kew, they have them the longest (into the 1920s) for Chatham Division.

Per Ardua

Per Ardua,
Thanks for that. Now it seems he was entitled to a clasp my next task is to obtain one. Any ideas? I've got his service sheet but I can't decifer writing which could be his earlier number, should his original attestation papers have been with his service sheet? I googled the defence of Antwerp and found a considerable amount of info but not specific to the RM, I don't suppose anyone has the war diaries for the RM Brigade during the period between 12 Sept and 12 Nov 14?
Lionboxer

Your man HEMSLEY's attestation (Sep 1914) is at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. He had former service in the RMLI and re-joined for hostilities only.

Hi Lionboxer,
Thought I would add my two penny's worth.
My GG served in the RMLI. He signed up 8th Sept 1913 landed at Ostend 27th - 31st Aug 1914 and was involved in the defence of Antwerp 19th Sep - 12th Oct 1914. He was a Plymouth Battalion man and I believe but not sure was involved in the Mons retreat. I have his attestation papers from FAAM, service papers and discharge certificate. He was entitled to the clasp and have checked Fevyer and Wilson's book to confirm this. The only mention of his clasp to the 1914 star is on his discharge certificate (Attachment below) awarded(claimed) Oct 1920. Ironically the most mention of this clasp is on his Air Force Reserve service papers 1940. I'm sure there are originals out there but I find that getting a restrike or quality replica for now suffices until a lucky day comes along and find an original.

The attachment I hope


Click to view attachment

Thanks Horatio2 and Simon2. How did you retrieve the info from the FAA museum? Did you go yourselves or hire a researcher?
Lionboxer

Lionboxer,
The FAAM museum archive is run by a lady called Mrs Jan Keohane.
I e-mailed a general enquiry about my GG and she looked up the records copied his attestation papers and mailed to me all 15 copies. All told it took about 2 weeks but be patient as she can get a bit snowed under with queries.There was no charge but a donation is always welcome. I personally made a donation as I think she does a cracking job.
Contact details
jan@fleetairarm.com
or call 01935-842628