Mentions in Despatches (MiD)

This section provides details of all those men of the Worcestershire Regiment who received Mentions In Despatches during the periods of 1914-20 (World War 1) and 1939-46 (World War 2). Where available other Mentions In Despatches for other campaigns will be included, i.e. Malaya Emergency.

During a campaign, a commander in the field wrote back to his superiors informing them what was happening in the field of action, giving details of their attacks and casualties. He would also mentioned officers and other ranks who had carried out a gallant action or who rendered distinguished service. To be so mentioned was to have been "Mentioned in Despatches" (MiD).

MID Leaf WW1
MID Leaf WW2
MID Leaf Malaya
First World War 1914-1918
Second World War 1939-1945
Malaya Emergency 1950-1960

The despatches were usually printed in the London Gazette, but up to the Great War, being mentioned in a despatch did not result in the officer or soldier receiving any visible mark to show that he had been mentioned.

At the start of the Great War, being "mentioned in despatches" was, with the Victoria Cross, the only two awards that could be given posthumously.

In January 1920, Army Order 3, authorized a bronze "oak leaf" to be issued to those who had been mentioned in the late war between August 4, 1914 and August 10, 1920. This emblem was to be worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal or, on the ribbon of the War Medal if no Victory Medal had been issued.

Only one emblem could be worn no matter how often one had been mentioned and if no medals had been issued, as in the case of civilians, then it was worn directly on the lapel of the jacket. For the Second World War (1939-45) the emblem was worn on the ribbon of the War Medal.

This Mentions In Despatches list is divided in to sections by surname alphabetically. Click on the letter below for the section you wish to view: Those who are awarded again are shaded in a group.

Click on the letter below for the section you wish to view:

   

Original hand written citation from his commanding officer

Example of Mention-in-Dispatches

WS/Sergeant Harry HARRISON (5258274)
Mention-in-Dispatches
(London Gazette 4th April 1946)

“This NCO landed with the Battalion in Normandy in June 1944. He was then Lance Corporal. During the fiercest fighting in those early days of the campaign he displayed extreme coolness under fire and great devotion to duty. His qualities of leadership were such that he rapidly rose to the rank of Serjeant. At all times his pleasant good tempered normality was an inspiration to his men, particularly was he good with new drafts of inexperienced men and showed the ability to get the best out of them.

He fought right through the campaign without respite and in static conditions did many excellent Patrols gaining the information required. Information, which was subsequently found to be correct by operations. I regarded him as the most reliable NCO I had for Patrol work. An NCO of his stamp defended to a great extent the general moral and behaviour under fire of the whole Company.

I cannot speak too highly of him.”



CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO HOME PAGE