Military Monday - Two Brothers, Two Armies.. Two sets of medals?

If you read my blog, you already know that I went through a very long, red-tape-filled process to get replacement medals for my Grandfather who fought and was wounded fighting with the US Army Air Force during WWII.  If you are a regular reader then you also know that my Grandfather came to the US with his family, who had to make the most difficult decision to leave his youngest at the time brother behind in England.    His brother was another reason my Grandfather joined the war, wanting to "Avenge his death".  His younger brother John was killed and buried in France while in the British Army. 

While speaking with  my Uncle recently he asked if records were available for this younger brother related to his military time.  Honestly I hadn't yet looked into getting John's military records, and I decided that I would indeed seek information on his military service and possibly any medals that may have been awarded to him.   I went to the Ministry of Defence Medal Office website, where it states that many vets from WWII never claimed their medals, and applications are still being filed by them today.  Additionally, next of kin of those personnel can apply for medals as well.   Turns out that my Mom qualifies as a next of kin in this case, being the daughter of a full-blooded sibling to the soldier.  He has no other surviving siblings.  It is unlikely that anyone claimed any medals that were due to him.

After finding the necessary forms on their website, we have submitted documentation to the Ministry of Defence Medal Office in England and are awaiting word from them on John's records and medals.   It would be wonderful for our family to have the medals from two brothers who fought in the same war for two different armies.    Wish us luck!