Genealogy Chat

Someone I know is looking for some information on a member of his family. I have very little to go on but this man obviously had a glowing career in the Army. He received The Royal Victorian Medal, Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal. He later became a Beefeater/Yeoman of the Guard. His name was Fred Runcorn and in a picture taken in the 60's he is wearing all of the above medals and also WW2 Campaign Medals. I have tried to search The London Gazette but can find no reference to him. Could anyone give me some advice on how I can find out more about him? I have no idea what regiment he was in but he did become Divisional Sergent Major. If anyone has any ideas I would be so glad to hear from you. Thank you Janine Heaney

The oldest British award for gallantry and second only to the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was awarded to enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and warrant officers of any nation, in any branch of the service, for distinguished conduct in battle. For each subsequent act of gallantry, the recipient was awarded a silver, laurelled bar. Clive

Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Medal in April 1896 as a reward for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. The Medal is conferred upon civilians and non-commissioned military personnel. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian Order, it differs in appearance and in the way it is worn. Recipients are permitted to use the post-nominal R.V.M. Clive

The Military Medal was established in wartime Britain by King George V on 25 March 1916, a year and a half after Britain declared war against Germany. Its inception was intended to meet the enormous demand for medals during the First World War. The medal was initially awarded to NCOs and men of the Army (including the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Division) for individual or associated acts of bravery which were insufficient to merit an award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (or DCM). Clive

Thank you so much for your replies...full of very useful information. Does anyone know how I can find out more about a recipient of the medals that I listed? Unfortunately, when I have Googled 'Fred Runcorn' all I get is details on people named Fred who live in Runcorn !!! Thanks again Janine

I think if I were you I would start with the Tower of London. The information sounds a bit over the top. At least two of the medals would be in the London Gazette - if he is British. If Canadian then you would need to check their gazette and so on. Not that I am an expert but a divisional sergeant major is a rank which is new to me. Clive

These are on the National Archives site - catalogue reference WO 372/17 : Medal card of Runcorn, Frederick Royal Fusiliers 14236 Warrant Officer Class 2 Royal Fusiliers 6448337 Warrant Officer Class 2 Medal card of Runcorn, F Royal Fusiliers 6448537 Warrant Officer Class 1 Medal card of Runcorn, Frederick Royal Fusiliers E/14236 Company Serjeant Major Medal card of Runcorn, F Royal Fusiliers L/14236 Company Serjeant Major

Thank you Clive and Peter for your replies. Peter, the medal card you mentioned certainly seems to be for the man I am looking for. I am now going to try to see the card for myself. Thank you again for taking the time to help me, it is much appreciated. Janine Heaney