I appreciate the trust you place in me to handle your family’s medals.

To provide the quickest turnaround, I encourage you to gather the background medal entitlement information before contacting me.

This ensures I can focus on crafting and restoring your medals to perfection.

Step 1: Gather Key Information

To begin, collect the following details about the service person:

Full name including alternate spellings
Date and place of birth
Service number often found on the rim or reverse of original medals

Step 2: Research Australian WWI Medal Entitlements

Search the National Archives

Visit naa.gov.au and click RecordSearch.

Enter the service number or combine it with the surname (account for spelling variations).

Locate the Entitlement Page

Find the digital file icon and open the file.

Go to the last page to check for:

stamps for the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.
"NE" (Not Eligble) markings
issue numbers confirming entitlements
additional awards (eg MM, DSM, MC) near their surname at the top of the page.

Save the Details

Screenshot the page to email it to me.

Step 3: Check for Additional Service (WWII and Beyond)

If they returned from WWI, they may have served in WWII.

Visit the WWII Nominal Roll:

- search by service number (most reliable)
- if needed, try the surname or surname and first initial.

Screenshot the record to send to me.

Step 4: Research Australian WWII Medal Entitlements

Go back to the National Archives and use RecordSearch with the service number and surname.

Locate Medal Entitlement Details

Army: Look for the Proceedings of Discharge form and screenshot to send to me.

RAAF: Check for the most recent letter detailing medal entitlements and screenshot to send to me.

Navy: RAN records require cross-referencing and it's therefore best to apply online via Honours & Awards.

Step 5: Other Wars (Korea, Vietnam)

Use the Nominal Roll for Korea and Vietnam and search by service number or surname.

Collect screenshot to send to me.

Step 6: Application for Medal Entitlement List (Family Members Only)

You can apply for a medal entitlement list through Defence Honours & Awards.

You'll need the service person's Nominal Roll information to complete the application.

You'll need to select Full Assessment of Campaign & Service Awards from the dropdown menu.

Expect a response in 4-12 months.

Step 7: UK WW2 Records

UK WWII records can be harder to trace due to privacy laws and record loss.

Apply via the Ministry of Defence.

Be prepared for delays.

Step 8: Send Your Findings to Jim

Once you’ve gathered the information, send the full name, service number, screenshots, and files to me via Contact Form or by email to info@foxholemedals.com.au.