How do you track down info on OBE

Phil Waterman · #1 18-04-10, 17:26

Hi All

Though not a direct relative I would like to track down information on Walter B. Beardesford-Redmann as I understand it he was awarded an OBE for his service in managing shipping out of the port of New York during the WWII.

I've tried over the years to track this information without success but with more information available through the web it is time to try again.

When I say not a direct relative Mr Redmann owned my HUP from 1946 until 1978 some 32 years. In talking with his daughter it seems the truck was always a part of the family as she was growing up, she learned to drive in it. I've now owned it for 31 years and the HUP has definitely been a member of my family. So related by or through a HUP.

More on the history I have http://www.canadianmilitarypattern.c...STHISTORY.html

Cheers Phil

Rick W · #2 18-04-10, 22:33

Have you tried doing a search online in the National Archives? Or using something like Ancestry? A great forum to use for researching relatives is Familytreeforum , very useful and usually very quick answers. Another place to try is the Mercantilemarine forum. Not a busy place but very useful.
Hope that helps.
Rick

servicepub (RIP) · #3 19-04-10, 06:00

The London Gazette is available on-line although I am told the search engine is challenging. However, the name is probably unique and may not pose any problem.
All official awards are published in the LG - there may even be a citation.

Clive_Dakers · #4 19-04-10, 19:11

If you still get stuck try asking on the British Medal Forum

Rick W · #5 20-04-10, 23:01

British medal forum is excellent. London Gazette is a nightmare to use, to put it mildly. I still cant work it out. There are a couple of experts on the BMF who will look up for you.

Phil Waterman · #6 21-04-10, 18:11

Hi All

Thanks for the suggestions I'll try all of them as soon as I have a moment and will let you know if I have luck or not.

Cheers Phil