Medals The Researcher's Guide

The authoritative guide by The National Archives' renowned medal expert and best-selling author, covering military and civil awards, orders, decorations and medals – from 1793 to 1990.

This unique approach to researching medals focuses upon tracing individuals and actions through the medal roll. Ranging from Java to New Orleans, Copenhagen to Egypt, it explores both campaign and commemorative medals to show how the awards system helps research into an ancestor, regiment, medal or campaign.

Structured geographically for ease of use, the guide draws together information from the National Archives and the India Office, as well as associated records at the British Library. It advises on the best online access and places to visit, as well as strategies for extending research into sources such as the census and the War Diaries. Combining detailed descriptions – far fuller than those in online catalogues – with an insider’s knowledge on imminent record releases, this is the perfect, time-saving tool for family historians, military enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Reviews:
'An excellent reference work ... unreservedly recommended.' - The Orders and Medals Research Society Journal
'An absolute must for anyone who wants to know more about the men behind the medals.' - Token Publishing (publishers of Medal News)

Contents:
• Introduction
• Campaign medals
• Awards for gallantry and meritorious service
• The London Gazette
• Awards for long service
• Coronation and Jubilee medals
• Commemorative and Miscellaneous medals
• Research techniques
• Online information
• Published sources
• Where to see medals
• Societies
• Further reading

Author:
William Spencer has been a medal collector for over 30 years. He served in the Royal Navy before joining The National Archives in 1993, where he has been Military Specialist since 1996. He holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College, London. He is the author of the best-selling Army Service Records of the First World War (now in its 3rd edition) and Family History in the Wars.