Replacement General Service Medal

**Lofty-25** · 23-02-2012, 11:13

I received the following e-mail from Forum member: derekmartin1935@sky.com

I would like a replacement general service medal, it went missing some years ago while moving house, can anyone help in any way regards Derek

I am sure that we have had this discussion before and that unless there are exceptional circumstances, then the MOD will not replace it ?

**Lofty-25** · 23-02-2012, 11:30

I found the following at www.mod.uk

Can I obtain replacements of lost medals?

The Medal Office only issue replacement medals to service veterans or, if deceased, the member of the family who now holds the medals, under certain strict conditions where the loss is completely outside the individual’s control in such instances as burglary, street theft or house fire. Only World War II medals and those issued subsequently can be replaced, provided that the criteria described here are met.

The Medal Office is unable to replace medals issued before World War II, such as First World War medals, under any circumstances.
Should you wish to claim for replacement medals in these circumstances, you should please provide details of the incident (i.e. burglary, fire etc.) and submit supporting contemporary evidence from the time of loss, by way of a copy of a successful insurance claim, or a Police crime report, either/both of which should include reference to the loss of the medals. A crime reference number alone is not sufficient. A lost property report is also insufficient.

If these criteria are met then the Medal Office can issue replacement medals, but please note that there will still be a charge for the medals. The Medal Office will also check official records to confirm that the medals requested had been awarded to you or your relative.
In all other cases, you may wish to consider purchasing replica medals from a specialist medal company or reputable medal dealer

**Rog Ball 01** · 23-02-2012, 11:33

Further to the enquirey, the following is an extract from the SPVA:

"Replacing campaign medals

Medals for campaign service are supposed to be treasured possessions, reflecting service to one's country and awarded by The Sovereign on behalf of a grateful nation. While their market value is often only superficial (though some can be quite valuable, particularly awards for gallantry), the recipient is expected to treat them with care and be mindful of their security. In view of this, once medals are issued they become the sole responsibility of the original recipient, or his/her next of kin. They will not, therefore, be replaced by the MOD if they are lost".

derekmartin1935@sky.com · 23-02-2012, 12:04

Thanks for all your trouble it looks like ime out of luck,i would also like to contact my H Q company buddies from the years 1953 to1955 in Germany and Malaya i was Battalion carpenter then my service number 22943441 many thanks Derek Martin.

**Dai 55** · 23-02-2012, 16:12

Derek its not your fault you lost your medal i lost mine as well moveing from Ballykinler to Berlin as someone mentioned its your treasured possesion,what about the pathetic MPs who leave classified documentation on trains ETC,if you go on www.awardmedals.com you can get what you want from 1918 onwards hope this helps Derek any probs let me know and i will get it for you

Dai 55

**Aled Roberts** · 23-02-2012, 22:24

Hi Derek. Hold fire before you go out and buy a copy medal.

I have a few contacts it might be worth trying first.

Malaya clasp right?

Richard

**Dai 55** · 24-02-2012, 10:01

Only trying to help mate and actually the medal Derek is after is only £16:95

Dai 55

**Aled Roberts** · 24-02-2012, 11:27

Originally Posted by Dai 55

Only trying to help mate and actually the medal Derek is after is only £16:95

Dai 55

Hi Dai

I wasn't criticizing mate, your suggestion is a good one. I just thought it would be worth while giving it a go to try and get Derek an official replacement medal from the MO. The quality will be that of the original and also named as per the original. (with the exception of a “R” to indicate a replacement)

Richard

**jungle1810** · 24-02-2012, 16:58

Hello,
I lost my General service medal (Malaya clasp). What a job I had to explain chapter book and verse how I lost it(moving house) I had to confirm my service in Malaya. then I had to get a justice of the peace to sign my letter explaining all the details of how I lost it.Not an easy job but I did manage it,
Regards RBD aka jungle 1810