Author(s): William Spencer

Medals and militaria

Old medals are objects of true fascination: tangible links with the past and poignant reminders of those who served. In recent centuries the British government has bestowed a wide range of awards, from the OBE to campaign medals like the 1914 Star. This awards system presents a great opportunity for historical research, whether your starting point is an ancestor, a regiment, a campaign, or a medal. Most awards are attributable to individual men and women, and documented in sources still available today. These sources can be incredibly informative: for example, First World War medals rolls are the nearest we have to a full 'roll-call' for the Great War. Unlike other works which focus on medals identification, this guide shows you how to fully exploit the associated records - and extend your research into sources like the census and the War Diaries. Enriched with case studies and full-colour photography, it is your ideal companion to medals research.