Hello everyone

Since we have an invitation by Sir David to come forward, here is a first attempt :

This British War Medal (World War I) is a very common award, since it was issued (named) to over 6.000.000 men and women who served with the British and Commonwealth Forces between 1914 and 1920.


Every one of these medals is named on its edge to the recipient.

In this case, the name is : G. MONTARDIER

without any further indentification, neither rank or unit. And the name is distinctly french...

Chances are that it was given to one of a few hundred French men and women who, during WW1, helped British soldiers to escape and gave information on the ennemy to British Headquaters. They were known as "Allied Agents" and their names are properly registered in the British Intelligence registers for this medal.

More later. Regards to everyone
Veteran

Dear Vétéran,

On the website of the British National Archives they have a medal index card for a Germaine Mortadier, French agent. For 3,50 £ you can download a pdf copy of this card. Apart from her hometown, there will probably not be much extra information on this card. Although, in Belgium some of these agents actually got some more british medals, even some orders, so it might be worth the while to check it out.

Description
Medal card of Montardier, Germaine
CorpsRegiment NoRank: French Agents

Date 1914-1920
Catalogue reference WO 372/23

Dept Records created or inherited by the War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General, and related bodies

Series War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index, First World War
Piece Women's Services, Distinguished Conduct Medals and Military Medals
Image contains 1 medal card of many for this collection



Link: HERE!!!!

Best regards
Jan

Hello Jan

Thank you for this very useful link. It confirms the fact that this was a French "demoiselle" who obviously made herself useful to the British behind ennemy lines.
I have the worst problems trying to get a printable copy for my files. The British Archives sent me a notice how to do this, and I am a complete failure.
These agents were all recorded on the same register which can be seen at Kew, near London, where the Archives have their consultation site. I researched the first such medal I ever found, which turned out to be given to a Belgian gentleman living in Ath. There was his full adress, as well as an other member of the family who also received the medal.
Approximately 4.500 Belgians were agents and received the medal, much less French (263 I am told).
Very best regards

Vétéran