Pvt Thomas Griffiths 1st Battalion

[pete130356]

Hi everyone just wondered if anyone could help me. I have in my possesion a 14 star trio to a Pvt Thomas Griffiths, Service no. 11401. He was killed in action at Neauve Chapelle 13th March 1915 serving with the 1st Battalion. My question is this, was pvt Griffiths entitled to the clasp on his 14 star? The ribbon that is attached to his medal seems to have had a clasp glued to it in the past. In the battalion history it states that the 1st battalion went into the trenches facing the town of Neauve Chapelle on the 14th Nov and the next morning faced a heavy bombardment from the enemy. According to the Medal Yearbook anyone under fire between the 5th Aug to the 22nd Nov 1914 would be entitled to wear the clasp with the star. I have his MIC but there is no mention of the award of a clasp.
Also I would be very grateful if anyone could shed a bit more light on Pvt Griffiths ..age, where he hailed from, family..etc. Thanks everyone Pete Townsend

[Kevin Lynott]

Pete

SDiGW shows that he was born in Birmingham.

Kevin

[pete130356]

Thanks Kevin, may sound a bit thick here but whats the SDiGW?

[beardie]

soldiers died in the great war

[ravrick]

Hi, with reference to the clasp, you are perfectly correct about the qualification dates and criteria - within the range of enemy artillery between 5th aug - 22 Nov 1914. The procedure at the end of the war regarding the issue of the clasp is a little haphazard as it was an individuals responsibility to submit a claim for the clasp. Some units were more efficient and submitted nominal rolls, but others left it to individuals. I have several medals in my collection of soldiers who were wounded or KIA during these dates and have no record of a clasp being issued on there MIC.

Hope this helps,
Rick

[pete130356]

Thanks for your replys fella`s. I also have in my collection an original 14 star ribbon with the clasp attached and I would love to put Pvt Griffiths 14 star with it. I'm just wondering if I did that, would I be in the wrong seeing as his MIC had not confirmed his award. I'm 99% sure he was entitled to it. Also if in the future if I was to sell the medals on to another collector, would I be deceiving the buyer by leaving the clasp on.
Peter

[allanp]

Hi Pete

I have found the following references in the Worcester Herald

17 April 1915 edition
11401 Pte T Griffiths - Missing

1 May 1915 edition
Killed in Action
11401 Pte T. Griffiths 1st Batt @ Neuve Chapelle previously reported missing.

15 May 1915 edition
Previously reported missing now reported killed
11401 Pte T. Griffiths

Regards Allan