Investigating a quintessentially Territorial award - the enigmatic Territorial Force War Medal

In this month's episode, Col Andy Taylor and Rev Paul Roberts take a "deep dive" into a scarce and unusual award for the First World War made only to Territorial soldiers 1914-1919.  They investigate the origins and exacting criteria for this WW1 campaign service medal, common misconceptions and the many anomalies caused by it, along with the character of the men and women who were awarded it.  

A fascinating insight into policy of deploying Territorial troops to garrison the British Empire and the willingness of part time soldiers and nurses from Herefordshire - and across the country - to sign up to serve overseas, which they were under no obligation to do under Territorial Force Regulations until May 1916.  One of the illustrations they use is their shared ancestor, Charles Percy Taylor from Ledbury.

Paul and Andy discuss research possibilities for the military and family historian alike of this attractive and enigmatic award, by far the scarcest of all First World War service medals.  And how First World War service medals can still be claimed today, over a century later in certain circumstances.

For more information about the Operation Blackout - last mission of WW2 - at Hereford Town Hall on 17th May 2025 at 6.30pm, click here:

https://herefordshirelightinfantrymuseum.com/events/op-blackout-presentation/