Untraceables and Other Unissued Australian War Medals Project

Untraceables Last Post
Following a query about any future steps in the project, it would be remiss of us not to explain to you all where things currently lie.

As predicted 2023 and 2024 were tumultuous life changing times for us. By the end of 2022 and after the years before that, our efforts to have the Missing and Blood Medals investigated had left us completely burnt out. We decided that 2023 would be one of recovery for us. However, as it does, life stepped in and our plans were forced to change.

During this time of relocating and resetting, we reflected deeply on the efforts we had made. We sit comfortably knowing that in all our efforts, we left no stone unturned.

Those who have followed the site will know after trying to deal with DH&A we contacted politicians of both sides (when in opposition or government). This included our local member, both Defence and DVA ministers and shadow ministers, independents who have shown regard for ex service issues and all to no avail. If any reply was received it was the same gobbledy g**k that we have had from DH&A for all these years, as that is the only source they sought advice from to validate our claims,

So we hoped to bring the story to the public attention and had no doubt it would be received with the same outrage expressed by most who follow this site.

We tried Australian Federal Police (Blood Medals) National Archives of Australia, journalists from print and TV, current affair shows on TV and radio. We had two journalists who saw the story we had. Unfortunately, one was posted overseas and the other relocated choosing another career path, before their stories were fulfilled.

Imagine our relief when the AFP put us in touch with the Defence Department Integrity Division Fraud Control and Investigation Branch. At last we thought, someone who could properly investigate our claims and at the very least disprove them with hard evidence or who might just shake the tree enough to get action looking for the medals.

We forwarded all the evidence we had collected. We gave them the name of the medal assessor who was part of the process (who BTW was only ever interviewed by the print journalist). We gave them the anecdotes received from people who had contacted us with their treatment at the hands of DH&A incompetence. That resulted in a lengthy in-depth interview with two FCIB investigators and an assurance they would get to the bottom of the story.

Needless to say within 3 weeks they declared an in-depth investigation completed. Despite our assertion that only hard evidence from them would satisfy us after all we had provided, we received the same regurgitation we had seen so many times straight from the mouths of DH&A. Needless to say our disappointment was immeasurable. It seems they only spoke to DH&A (and not the medal assessor) despite our insistence they look for themselves.

Unfortunately, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back and our hearts. We were left bereft of new ideas and contacts. Our time of reflection has made us aware that with no horizon in sight, just how much of life we have been missing in this pursuit.

Sadly, we must now announce that our pursuit of the medals must end. However, we are happy to provide information and support where we can, to anyone who wants to take up the challenge or who wishes to contact a media representative on our behalf.

At 103 years old Mary Watkins who helped Alan Turing crack the Enigma Code during World War II has received medals for her service. 🏅🇬🇧

In 1939, at the age of 19, Mary enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her aptitude for puzzle-solving led to her selection for special MI8 duties.

“She is delighted with these medals now."
Congratulations, Mary! ❤️

Source: The Argus

With ANZAC Day approaching, this useful illustration shows the correct wearing of medals.

Medals awarded to the wearer should be worn on the left breast.

The diagram shows Unit Citations on the right, which is correct for Army and Airforce, however Navy citations are worn on the left, under the medals.

Medals of a family member should be worn on the right breast to show that the wearer is not the original recipient.

State-issued medals, such as medals for service and bravery for emergency service personnel, are also worn on the right.