GROUP OF FOUR. Conductor R. Rees. M.S.M.Indian Military Works Service

Code: 11008

A rather interesting group of four awarded to Conductor R Rees of the Indian Military Works Service stationed in India. Army Long Service & Good Conduct (EDVII) (SGT. R. REES. MILTY W.S.), Meritorious Service Medal (GeoV) (CONDR: R. REES. I.M.WKS: SERV:), British War Medal (CONDR. R. REES. M.W.S.) & Defence Medal 1939-45. This rare group includes a Long Service & Good Conduct (EDVII) which he was awarded for 18 years service whilst serving as Conductor (Sergeant) in the Military Works Service of the Indian Army. It is probably for overseeing the supplies to Indian regiments during the Boer War and later service during the First World War that he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (GeoV). He was also awarded the British War Medal for services during First World War. Also included in this group is the Defence Medal 1939-45 which was probably awarded during World War II whilst serving with the Home Guard. The MWS at this time was a kind of amalgamated Army Service Corps and Royal Engineers. The Conductor would have overseen works on defences, saps moving ammunition and stores basically anything that would have been done by both of these regiments using native troops. The Royal Indian Engineers and Royal Indian Army Service Corps didn’t materialize until the 1920’s. His Meritorious Service Medal confirmed India Home Service and British War Medal was his only medal entitlement during WWI. An interesting group that requires further research. For further research for service records these are kept at the National Archives at Kew under Indian Army, Military Works Services, Indian Remount Depot, Corps of Guides. (with copy M.S.M Roll, British War Medal Confirmation Roll & Research/Service Notes).