Genealogy Chat

Thanks for that Paul - it certainly sounds like him as his father's name was Charles and it would all fit with what I've been told about him. I guess no luck on finding out about the medal - my dad is trying to find out for his aunt (Thomas Whewells sister) who is convinced he won the MC but is very vague on details. She is well into her 80s and her two other surviving sisters are in their 90s! Lorraine

I found one reference to a Thomas Charles Whewell (Royal Tank Regiment) who was promoted from Cadet to 2nd Lt 30/8/1941. Londond Gazette Issue 35278 dated 16/9/1941 page 7 Paul

Alfred - my dad just emailed me to say he got it wrong. The MC was awarded to another uncle (their Brother) Thomas Whewell who was in the Tank Corps. He wasn't killed in the war. However I have searched on the Gazette and still can't find anything. Lorraine

Hi Lorraine just been in the LG website and could not find anything relating to a DFM and Whewell, this does not me that there is no connection the London gazette is a difficult site to search. Pauls John Harry Whewell went on to gain a commission in the RAF in 1942 so he can be ruled out. If a Whewell did have a gallantry award it would/should be mentioned in the CWGC site. I have medals to a Sgt in the Royal Sussex Regt who was killed in action in 1917 and on the CWGC site he is listed as, Beale Alfred William MM ( MM= Military Medal). Have you anything in writing about this award? Best wishes Alfred .

Paul - thanks for that but I'm pretty sure that he wasn't known as John Harry so don't think it can be him Alfred - that is really interesting. My dad was the one who thought it was probably the Military Cross - at least we know more what we're looking for now. Any ideas of any websites that might help? Lorraine

Hi just had a quick lookup at the CWGC site and found both Alan (Died 30.11.1941) and Harold (Sgt Pilot Died 29.4.1941). being in the RAF they would not have been awarded the MC (in world war two Army only, subaltern officers and captains but there are exceptions). the gallantry medal that would have been awarded to NCO`s in the RAF is the Distinguished Flying Medal. Officers in the RAF received the Distinguished Flying Cross for acts of gallantry. hope that this information is of some help good luck Alfred

Was Harold possibly known as John Harry? I have found references in the London Gazette to a John Harry in connection with the RAF. Can't find the site I mentioned about the MC. Found ones for the the VC and GC, but not what I was looking for. Paul.

Thanks for your help. Shelli - I've already tried the Commonwealth War Graves sites but they didn't seem to have anything about medals Paul - I would be grateful for the website if you can find the details Gary - thanks a lot for that - I went on the website but for some reason I couldn't view any of the PDF files which is weird as I have adobe and don't normally have any problems but it wouldn't let me read any of it. My great uncles were Alan Whewell born 1916 died 1941 and Harold Whewell born 1919 died 1941. Both were RAF pilots. Grateful if you did find anything out. Lorraine

much respect to your great uncle. all acts of gallantry were recorded in the london gazette, which you can search at, www(.)gazettes-online(.)co(.)uk remove brackets , if not sent me details and will find for you

I believe that there is a site that covers the Victoria and Military Cross holders. If I can find it again, I will let you know. Paul

Lorraine try this site...... Commonwealth War Graves Commission http(:)//www(.)cwgc(.)org remove the brackets

Just found out that one of my great uncles was awarded the military cross. Thing is I'm not sure which uncle (Two of them were killed in the 2nd WW) and have no other details. Anybody know any good websites where I might be able to find out more information? thanks a lot, Lorraine