Researching Military Medals

Research is often what brings a medal to life, providing insight into the service and experiences of the individual to whom it was awarded. By using official records and historical sources, it is sometimes possible to build a detailed picture of a soldier’s service. The following notes outline some of the main sources of information and how they can be used.

Research is a central part of medal collecting, and for many, it is what makes the hobby particularly engaging. Even a small amount of information can open the door to a much fuller understanding of the individual behind the medal.

A good starting point is often the medal itself. Where medals are named, the details around the rim provide key information that can be used to locate official records. Medal rolls can confirm entitlement to awards, while service records may give insight into enlistment, postings, promotions, and discharge.

War diaries are another valuable source. Although they rarely mention individuals by name, they record the day-to-day activities of a unit and can help place a soldier in a particular location at a specific time. This can be especially useful when trying to understand the circumstances in which a medal was awarded.

Other sources, such as casualty lists, census records, and contemporary newspapers, can also contribute to the overall picture. In some cases, it is possible to build a surprisingly detailed account of an individual’s service and experiences.

It is worth noting that not all medals can be fully researched. Records are sometimes incomplete or have not survived, and results can vary. However, even limited information can add valuable context, and part of the process is learning how to work with what is available.

From experience, some of the most interesting stories come from medals that, at first glance, appear quite ordinary.