[Graeme]

The issue of a 'mention' is not quite as clear cut as one might imagine.

From January 1917, the London Gazette carried a nominal list of persons 'brought to notice of the Secretary of State for War for distinguished services in connection with the war'. This award was generally for services on the home front, for services not in the face of the enemy or for services whilst prisoners of war. These were what came to be called "A List" and was the equivalent in all respects to a Mention in Despatches and the people on this list had their names published in the London Gazette.

A similar list, usually shown as 'for valuable service' as opposed to 'distinguished service', was also initiated during the war and was referred to as the "B List" or Press Mentions. Persons on the "B List" had their names published in The London Times only and were not Gazetted.

In May 1919, Army Order 166 authorised the award of a certificate for everyone who was 'mentioned in despatches' or had their 'name brought to notice' (A List). A separate certificate was issued for each A List award or mention and all individuals received a note in their service file. People who had press mentions only (B list) were not issued certificates, but did receive recognition by virtue of an entry in their record of service.

In January 1920, Army Order 3 authorised a bronze oak leaf emblem to be issued to those who had been mentioned in the war between 4 August 1914 and 10 August 1920 and to be worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal or on the ribbon of the War Medal if no Victory Medal had been issued. Only one emblem was to be worn, regardless of the number of ‘mentions’. If no medals had been issued, as in the case of civilians, then the emblem was worn directly on the lapel of the jacket. Those who had their 'names brought to notice' (A List) were also eligible to wear the oak leaf emblem, the A list 'name brought to notice' being equal in all respects to a 'mentioned in despatches'. The B List 'name brought to notice' were not eligible to wear the oak leaf.

As I mentioned, Despatches were reproduced in the London Gazette, these usually being an overview of an operation by the Commander in Chief; some included names of personnel while later Gazettes carried name supplements.

FROM THE SECOND SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE OF FRIDAY, THE 16TH OF OCTOBER, 1914, PUBLISHED ON MONDAY, 19 OCTOBER, 1914

War Office, October 18th, 1914.

THE following despatches have been received by the Secretary of State for War from the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, British Forces in the Field :—

I.

17th September, 1914.
MY LORD, —

In continuation of my despatch of September 7th, I have the honour to report the further progress of the operations of the Forces under my command from August 28th.

Sir David Henderson and the Royal Flying Corps under his command have again proved their incalculable value. Great strides have been made in the development of the use of aircraft in the tactical sphere by establishing effective communication between aircraft and units in action.

It is difficult to describe adequately and accurately the great strain to which officers and men were subjected almost every hour of the day and night throughout this battle.

In my despatch of 7th September I mentioned the name of Brigadier-General Sir David Henderson and his valuable work in command of the Royal Flying Corps; and I have once more to express my deep appreciation of the help he has since rendered me.

I have the honour to be,
Your Lordship's most obedient Servant,
(Signed) J.D.P. FRENCH, Field-Marshal,
Commanding-in-Chief,
The British Army in the Field.

LIST OF NAMES REFERRED TO IN DESPATCH DATED 8 OCTOBER, 1914.

ROYAL FLYING CORPS.

Lieutenant K. P. Atkinson, Royal Field Artillery.
Captain R. A. Boger, Royal Engineers.
Lieutenant I. M. Bonham-Carter, Northumberland Fusiliers.
Captain U. J. D. Bourke, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.
Captain A. B. Burdett, York and Lancaster Regiment.
Brevet Major C. J. Burke, Royal Irish Regiment.
Lieutenant (temporary Captain) G. I. Carmichael, Royal Field Artillery.
Lieutenant A. Christie, Royal Field Artillery.
Lieutenant E. L. Conran, 2nd County of London Yeomanry.
Captain G. W. P. Dawes, Royal Berkshire Regiment.
Lieutenant L. Dawes, Middlesex Regiment.
Captain E. W. Furse, Royal Field Artillery.
Captain H. C. Jackson, Bedford Regiment.
Lieutenant P. B. Joubert de la Ferte, Royal Field Artillery.
Lieutenant D. S. Lewis, Royal Engineers.
Brevet Major C. A. H. Longcroft, Welsh Regiment.
Lieutenant Mapplebeck, Royal Flying Corps.
Lieutenant W. G. S. Mitchell, Highland Light Infantry.
Lieutenant M. W. Noel, Liverpool Regiment.
Lieutenant C. E. C. Rabagliati, Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Brevet Major G. R. Raleigh, Essex Regiment.
Brevet Major J. M. Salmond, Royal Lancashire Regiment.
Lieutenant R. G. D. Small, Leinster Regiment.
Lieutenant (temporary Captain) A. H. L. Soames, 3rd Hussars.
Second Lieutenant N. C. Spratt, Royal Flying Corps (S. R.).
Brevet-Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) F. H. Sykes.
Captain F. F. Waldron, 19th Hussars.
Second Lieutenant C. W. Wilson, Royal Flying Corps (S. R.).
No. 18, Flight-Serjeant C. Cullen, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 25, Flight-Serjeant H. Goodchild, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 30, Serjeant W. Jones, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 346, Serjeant M. Keegan, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 775, Corporal S. Kemp, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 808, Serjeant-Major E. J. Parker, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 3, Serjeant-Major J. Ramsay, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 816, Flight-Serjeant A. M. Saywood, Royal Flying Corps.
No. 151, Serjeant A. Wilson, Royal Flying Corps.

As John has pointed out, the Despatch will rarely indicate the reason for a mention.

Graeme