Named 1939-45 War Medal

[dobw]

I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this question, but will try anyway: I have by chance acquired a 1939-45 War Medal with the inscription “227381 R.B.ARMOUR”. I'm under the impression that it was not usual practice to name WWII campaign medals. Any ideas why this one is named, and can anyone provide further information about this individual?

[ianh67military]

Although the British did not officially name their medals, returning soldiers were given the option of having them named, by Boots, I believe.
The other Commonwealth countries decided to name a lot of theirs, so South Africa, India, Canada, and a host of others did so.
I would guess you have a South African medal, and if so records are available regarding details. Either here or a medal forum may be able to fill in the picture.
Best of luck,

Ian H

[High Wood]

Assuming that the original owner was British there are two possible R.B. Armour candidates:

Robert Burns Armour: born 1887, so possibly Home Guard during WW2.

Rosemary B Armour: born 1923, so possibly A.T.S. or something similar.

The service number, having only six figures does not suggest a regular army soldier as they would have a minimum of 7 figures during WW2 and more, if they enlisted in the General Service Corps.

An Army officer could have a service number of this length but in this case 227381 was issued to a Richard Montague Wright.

[dobw]

Wow! Great information! Many thanks, Ian and HW!

Regarding the mystery of the serial number, does the possibility suggested by Ian that R. B. Armour was South African account for the six digit number? (I just double checked to make sure that I didn't misread it...)

[NEMO]

Originally Posted by High Wood

Assuming that the original owner was British there are two possible R.B. Armour candidates:

Robert Burns Armour: born 1887, so possibly Home Guard during WW2.

Rosemary B Armour: born 1923, so possibly A.T.S. or something similar.

The service number, having only six figures does not suggest a regular army soldier as they would have a minimum of 7 figures during WW2 and more, if they enlisted in the General Service Corps.

An Army officer could have a service number of this length but in this case 227381 was issued to a Richard Montague Wright.

Excellent way to help a fellow collector - very well done

[Alex Rice]

With that number & name it is almost certainly South African. I would expect a Brit ex-serviceman/woman who took the trouble to have their medals named to have added the regiment or corps anyway, not just a number & name.
Cheers,
Alex

[Milmed]

On Family Search there is a Robert Burns Armour, born 14 July 1920, Bloemfontein, South Africa to a Robert Armour and Jessie Murray Miller from Scotland. He passed away 09 August 1968. No military records found but he may be a candidate...

[dobw]

Originally Posted by NEMO

Excellent way to help a fellow collector - very well done

And it is indeed appreciated!

Another piece of the puzzle, that perhaps I should have mentioned, is that the medal ended up in Canada.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by dobw

And it is indeed appreciated!

Another piece of the puzzle, that perhaps I should have mentioned, is that the medal ended up in Canada.

Is it of cupro nickel or a Canadian silver issue?

[dobw]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Is it of cupro nickel or a Canadian silver issue?

It does not have the milky appearance of silver, so I would guess cupro nickel, although I don't really know how to be sure.