Medals

[Pudcat]

why is it when you watch the D Day memory programme some old soldiers wear some medals n the left brest and others on the right, are the old family ones

[Buenchico]

The RBL's rules are that medals are normally worn on the left side but "the medals awarded to a deceased Service/exService person may be worn on the right breast by a near relative":
https://support.britishlegion.org.uk/ci/fattach/get/3395/0/filename/Members%27+etiquette+-+dress+code+medals+and+badges+-+full+article.pdf

[Mamyalynne]

You've answered your own query - yes.

[MrsLadyBug]

Just wondering did men serving in the merchant navy during the war get anything like a service medal

[TonyV]

Yes Ladybug merchant seamen were awarded medals aswell.

[MrsLadyBug]

I thought I remembered seeing a couple of them as a child, and being allowed hold them. I wonder where they went.

[Buenchico]

^^^ Those who served in the Merchant Navy during WWII were entitled to receive the War Medal 1939-45, in the same way as those who served in the armed forces were:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Medal_1939%E2%80%931945

Additionally, no more than 20 people per year are entitled to receive the Merchant Navy Medal (as it used to be called) or the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service (as it's been called since 2005, when it became part of the state Honours system). See here for details:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Navy_Medal_for_Meritorious_Service

[MrsLadyBug]

I often wish that I had more interest as a child and asked questions.
Too busy just being a child and doing childish things.
Sadly too late now, Dad and Mum long gone.