paul croxson
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ON ACTIVE SERVICEReading one of the entries to the Living History reminded me of something that I had long forgot.
When we were posted to Langeleben in the mid 50's we were told that we would be on 'Active Service'.
If this was so ... did this only apply to the I Corps (which would be barmy) ; possibly it was not true but if it was true when did being on 'active service' end? Did it apply to Munster/Birgelen?
Could it have been when Germany was given its sovereignty?
And the last question ... were we the last unit to be on active service in Germany?
I reckon you would have to be over 70 to know the answer to this so I don't expect that many responses.
In the meantime sleep well and I look forward to seeing those who are going at Loughborough.
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Tom Neal
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Hello Paul, as far as I know 'active service' finished in Germany when the war ended.
Had you been on active service you would have been awarded a medal.
Tom
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peter jones
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Hello Paul, As Tom has said, we would have been awarded the general service medal if we had been on active service. I think "active service" in the context you have mentioned means we were operationally active,as against taking part in exercises/manouvres. Peter
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paul croxson
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Ron Berg, another old soldier (WELL, ELDERLY) , has come to my rescue and confirms that my memory is correct. He tells me that it was a result of our being until May 1955 part of an 'Army of Occupation'.
Perhaps we were entitled to a medal but I doubt it.
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Ernie Callaghan
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Paul, you are entitled to apply for two medals, 1. the National Service medal, 2. the service in Germany medal. You have to pay for these because they are counted as commemoritive medals. Perhaps you personally will be entitled to a well earned GOM medal.
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paul croxson
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Hells Bells Ernie. If I wear those I will need to get my jacket re-inforced!
On the other hand when I go to a posh dinner (dream on) and it says 'medals will be worn' at least I would have something to show. By the way what is 'GOM' apart from 'grand old man'?
Do I get them at Millets? That's about the last place left having anything to do with tents and living in one is about the only reason for me to be walking around with a couple of milk bottle tops on my chest. There was a Crimean War VC holder who lost (probably sold) his VC and cut one out of cardboard and wore it for years. Probably kept him in free beer.
I don't think medals are for me somehow, do you, Ernie?
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