British WW2 Defence Medal

barrenwizard · #1 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2008, 12:33 PM

Hi guys, this is my first time in here in this Forum. I'm from Malaysia, and my grandfather used to be a field medic under the Singapore Army. Yes, against the Japs and with the Brits and Aussies.

Here's a picture of it. I wonder what's the value of this and is this actually common? My dad says that its awarded to every military who serve during the WW2 period.

GPRegt · #2 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2008, 04:34 PM

The Defence Medal was awarded for service in UK headquarters, training bases and airfields and in the Home Guard. The medal was alo awarded for non-operational service overseas.

As far as value is concerned: your Grandfather earned it, so it's priceless.

Steve W.

krieg · #3 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPRegt

The Defence Medal was awarded for service in UK headquarters, training bases and airfields and in the Home Guard. The medal was alo awarded for non-operational service overseas.

As far as value is concerned: your Grandfather earned it, so it's priceless.

Steve W.

i like your last words there steve well spoken.... it is priceless
cheers krieg

Wessex Wyvern · #4 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2008, 09:59 PM

What is that Queen Victoria Meadal?
Never seen one of them before.

barrenwizard · #5 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2008, 12:12 AM

Hmmmm, I can't seem to identify that Queen Victoria Medal. Even the letters that is carved on it are weird, doesn't look english to me.

Slipdigit · #6 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GPRegt

As far as value is concerned: your Grandfather earned it, so it's priceless.

Amen.

GPRegt · #7 (**permalink**) May 14th, 2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrenwizard

Even the letters that is carved on it are weird, doesn't look english to me.

The medal is the the Service Medal of the Order of St John (St John's Ambulance).

On the 'tails' side it's full Latin. English: "Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England".

On the 'head' side it's Latin shorthand. English: "Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India".

On the edge you should find your Grandfather's name and rank in SJA.

It is a silver medal. So give it a good polish!

Full details here

Steve W.

barrenwizard · #8 (**permalink**) May 15th, 2008, 03:27 AM

Thanks so much Steve.

GPRegt · #9 (**permalink**) May 15th, 2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrenwizard

Thanks so much Steve.

You're welcome! What did you find on the edge of the medal?

Steve W.

barrenwizard · #10 (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 05:13 AM

Like your Article says. It only applies to New Zealand. So the Singapore Infantry doesn't have any names engrave upon it and that bar on the Victoria medal. I asked my dad againt and I realise my late grand dad had serve for more than 20 years. GOSH!

GPRegt · #11 (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 05:20 PM

Your Grandfather received the medal for 15 years continuous service. The Bar shows that he continued to serve for a further 20 years. That means he served at least 35 years!

Your Grandfather's Army service, as a member of the Singapore Infantry, has nothing to do with this medal. The New Zealand reference concerns current medals. Did your Grandfather serve in the St John's Ambulance Brigade in Malaysia?

Steve W.

barrenwizard · #12 (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 08:24 PM

Not so sure, cause back than Singapore and Malaysia was not an independent country yet. It was colonise by the British Empire. So we are still counted as one. Malaysian Independent came at the year 1957. I think same for Singapore too but earlier in JUNE or JULY. Malaysia is August.

GPRegt · #13 (**permalink**) May 16th, 2008, 09:13 PM

You should find this page interesting. It may also give you some answers about your Grandfather's service with SJA.

Steve W.