62


Entry
19
DACKOMBE
(and variants)
Forces War Records
A H DACOMBE
1917


Below is the information for A H DACOMBE

First Name: A H 
Surname: Dacombe 
Nationality: British 
Rank: Corporal 
Service Number: T250584 
Gallantry Awards: Mentioned in Despatches

This is the lowest form of recognition that was announced. The Mention in Despatches (M.I.D.) for a Soldier is not an award of a medal, but is a commendation of an act of gallantry or service. A H Dacombe’s name would appear in the official report written by a Superior Officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the Soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy. This despatch is published in the London Gazette newspaper of the State, which has existed since 1665 and is still published today.
The phrase “Mentioned in Despatches” was used for the first time in a newspaper article by Winston Churchill on 6th October 1898. From the time of the Boer War, the Despatches were published in full or in part.
During World War One the citations published in the London Gazette did not usually give details of the place and date of the action for which awarded for security reasons. For most of these you need details from the War Office copy of the gazette. This can enable a search of the unit War Diary which will give a broader picture of the action for which A H Dacombe was awarded the M.I.D. In general no recommendations for Mention in Despatches survive for the army during WW1.
A soldier could be mentioned in despatches more than once and in 1919 Army Order 166/1919 confirmed that individuals mentioned would receive a certificate, this included all British forces and Commonwealth Countries.
In 1920 the Army Order authorised the issue of an oak leaf emblem decoration to be pinned or sewn diagonally on to the ‘Victory’ medal ribbon. If no campaign medal is awarded, the oak leaf is worn on the left breast of the dress uniform. This would signify that A H Dacombe had been ‘Mentioned in Despatches’. 
Gazette Info: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37184/supplements/3736 
Gazette Date: 19/07/1945 
Gazette Page: 3736 
Duty Location: Italy (including Monte Cassino, Anzio, Salerno, San Marino etc) 
Campaign Medals: War Medal 1939-1945

As with most Armed Forces Serving Personal during the conflict of World War Two, A H Dacombe was entitled to the War Medal 1939-1945. This medal was awarded to all full time service personnel who had completed 28 days service between 3rd September 1939 and the 2nd September 1945. Eligible personnel who had been “Mentioned In Despatches” during the War were entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf emblem on the ribbon. Those eligible for a campaign star, yet who had their service cut short by death, wounds or capture by the enemy, still qualified for this medal. 

1939-45 Star
Given the information available to us it is likely that A H Dacombe was awarded the 1939-45 Star for operational Service in the Second World War between 3rd September 1939, and 2nd September 1945.
A H Dacombe would have been awarded this star if their service period was terminated by their death or disability due to service. Also the award of a gallantry medal or “Mention In Despatches” also produced the award of this medal, regardless of their service duration.
Fighter Aircraft Crew who took part in the Battle of Britain (10 July to 31 October 1940) were awarded the "Battle of Britain" bar to this medal. In undress uniform, a silver-gilt rosette was worn on the medal ribbon to denote the award of this clasp. 

Italy Star
The Italy Star was a campaign medal awarded to A H Dacombe and soldiers of the British Commonwealth for service in World War Two. This medal was awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy during the period 11th June 1943 to 8th May 1945. 

Service: British Army 
Collection: Gazetted Awards and Mentions in Despatches 

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