medals

[phantompiper]

Hi I would like to know if it would be okay if I wore my fathers W11 medals at ceremonies and other things (like armistice day ) and any other occasions, my father has passed on now and I am the oldest of the family.Thanks

[Stu Dent]

There is nothing legally to prevent you wearing your late father's medals, but I would advise against you doing so.

The medals were given to your father in recognition of the services HE gave to his nation and if you wore them, it could give the appearance that somehow, you were trying to create the illusion that you won them. There was a story recently of a man who wore lots of medals to the remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph. A neighbour recognised him, told a newspaper, and he was then widely ridiculed. He'd never been anywhere near a war and had bought the medals on ebay.

So you can wear them if you want to, but you might upset a few people.

[monkeyeyes]

I believe that the convention is that you wear the medals on the right.........
With all due respect to Stu Dent, I don't believe that any old soldier would take offence at you proudly wearing your fathers medals. Those old campaigners will be well aware that your age would exclude you from having participated in WWII, and I think they would recognise your evident pride in being the son of a brave man. Far better his contribution is recognised than left to moulder in a drawer somewhere.

[daffy654]

Why don't you contact the Royal British Legion and ask their opinion.
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

[Stu Dent]

Yes it will be obvious that the questioner didn't serve in WWII, but veterans of the Falklands or the 1st Gulf war will be of the questioner's age, perhaps?

But I take no offence Monkeyeyes, as I said, it's a matter of personal choice and there is nothing legally to prevent someone from wearing service medals. I'm just concerned that veterans might take offence or other members of the public might feel it seems dishonest if our friend has no military service despite all the intentions being honest.

I take your point about the medals being stuck in a drawer. That would be a shame, but perhaps they could be stored in a display case where they can rightly be displayed.

[daffy654]

There is a medal consultant at the link above,i'm sure he would be happy to advise.

[Stu Dent]

Yep, i'd go along with Daffy. Personally I don't see any harm, but maybe others might and that's my concern.

[4GS]

You can wear them, when you do, please ensure that you wear them on your right breast, only the recipients (your father) is allowed to wear them on the left breast.

[4GS]

PS, Wear them with pride!! it's because of people like your father that we enjoy the freedoms that we have today

[Stu Dent]

Assuming he's not German, of course. ;-)

[monkeyeyes]

All the medals and ribbons are very individual and distinctive, Stu Dent, and immediately recognisable to anyone with an interest.

Wearing the medals on the right is an indication that they are being worn by someone other than the recepient.

I really don't believe that anyone would take offence, phantompiper, I think they would recognise the bravery exhibited in the winning of these medals.

[monkeyeyes]

;o) LOL, Stu Dent

[Stu Dent]

Seriously, I think it would be great and very fitting to remember those who helped keep this country free and liberated others. Others on here seem pretty sure of the correct protocol so the very best of luck to you, phantompiper.

[monkeyeyes]

And, as an afterthought..............

You may meet some of your Dads comrades. So make sure you are fully appraised of where, when, why and how he got the medals...........I bet you get involved in a conversation with someone who recognises one or more of the medals..........and old (and not so old) soldiers do like to reminisce :o)

[4GS]

My eldest boy wants my medals when I'm no longer here, he saw his friend wearing his grandad's WW2 medals at last years Rememberance Day in Leicester and was quite impressed by them

[The_Earl_Of_Fulham]

You are allowed to wear your Dads medals ( and with pride! ) but you should wear them on the right breast not on the left, this is reserved only for medals that you have been awarded yourself!... They should be in a specific order and you will find details on this website

>> http://www.petergh.f2s.com/medals.htm <<

Hope this clears up any doubts you may have.