How to claim WW2 medals for a relative

You can claim WW2 medals for a relative who has died if the Ministry of Defence recognises you as his next of kin. Apply to the MOD Medal Office online through GOV.UK, or by post. You will need his service details and, usually, a copy of his death certificate. GOV.UK says it processes applications within 16 weeks.

Plenty of families have no medals at all. Some were lost; some were never issued. GOV.UK says medals can be claimed retrospectively and by next of kin. So an empty medal box is not a sign he didn’t earn them.

Who can claim WW2 medals?

GOV.UK sets the order. The person with the best claim is:

1. the spouse or civil partner
2. the eldest child
3. the eldest grandchild, if there is no spouse or child

If there is no spouse, child or grandchild, the eldest living relative in this order applies: parent, sibling, niece or nephew, half-brother or half-sister, half-niece or half-nephew, grandparent, aunt or uncle, cousin, half-aunt or half-uncle, half-cousin.

Not the eldest grandchild? Talk to whoever is. They can apply and pass the medals on.

Someone with a lasting power of attorney for a living veteran can also apply. GOV.UK asks for a scan or photo of the LPA.

Which services does the MOD cover?

The MOD Medal Office handles medals for regular or reserve service in:

• the Royal Navy or Royal Marines
• the British Army
• the Royal Air Force
• the Home Guard
• the Ministry of Defence

Merchant seamen are different. Their medals go through a separate GOV.UK application. See Merchant Navy WW2 records.

What do you need to claim WW2 medals?

For a relative who has died, GOV.UK asks for:

• a copy of his death certificate, unless he died in service or was born more than 116 years ago
• details of his career, including service dates
• proof you are next of kin, as the MOD recognises it

For RAF campaign medals, you may also need evidence such as flight logs. If he worked in support of the forces, for example as an MOD civilian, you need his National Insurance number.

A service number is not listed as essential, but it helps. Our guide to finding a WW2 service number lists ten places to look.

How to apply

Online. GOV.UK says it takes about 15 minutes. You prove your identity with GOV.UK One Login, using an email address and photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.

By post. Download the medal application form from GOV.UK and send it in.

Need help? GOV.UK gives the Medal Office email as dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk. Veterans UK helps people who don’t use computers or lack internet access.

How long does it take?

GOV.UK says applications are processed within 16 weeks and medals usually arrive in that time. Some take longer, depending on the information you provide. You will be asked to confirm you’ve received them.

What will he be entitled to?

The Medal Office decides from his record. It helps to know the rules so you can check what arrives.

No one gets more than five stars. Extra entitlement comes as a clasp. Our guide on identifying WW2 medals explains the clasp rules.

Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp

Both came long after the war; the Arctic Star was introduced in 2012. GOV.UK says medals can be claimed retrospectively and by next of kin. The Bomber Command Clasp goes on the 1939 to 1945 Star ribbon. It needs 60 days’ service, or a completed tour, on a Bomber Command operational unit, and at least one operational sortie. Men cut short by death, wounds, capture or a gallantry award also qualify.

If his family already has the star, they apply for the clasp alone.

What will arrive?

Unnamed medals. GOV.UK’s guidance says WW2 campaign medals were issued unnamed. They will look like any others, so keep the covering letter with them. It is your proof of provenance.

Gallantry awards are different. They were awarded individually and usually announced in the London Gazette. See our gallantry awards guide.

Lost, stolen or damaged medals

GOV.UK is blunt: you cannot get a replacement if you’ve lost your medal. You can buy replicas from a medal maker or dealer.

Stolen, damaged or destroyed medals can be replaced, if they were awarded for service after the First World War. You need a police crime report, or a successful insurance claim that lists the medals. You will have to pay, and the price depends on the medal. For a relative who has died, you must be his next of kin.

GOV.UK also offers a separate request for information about a medal: details of what was awarded. Useful if you’re unsure what he had.

Common problems

“He was Merchant Navy, not Navy.” Use the Merchant Navy route, not the MOD form.

“He served in a Commonwealth force.” The MOD service covers the UK armed forces listed above. For other forces, start with that country’s own defence department.

“The medals in his tin don’t match the letter.” Medals get mixed up over the decades. Trust his service record over the tin. Start with our guide to WW2 army service records.

FAQ: claiming WW2 medals

Can I still claim my grandfather's WW2 medals?

Yes, if the MOD recognises you as his next of kin. The order is spouse or civil partner, then eldest child, then eldest grandchild, then a longer list of relatives. Apply online through GOV.UK or by post with the medal application form.

How long does it take to get WW2 medals from the MOD?

GOV.UK says applications are processed within 16 weeks, and medals usually arrive in that time. Some take longer, depending on the information you give.

Do I need his service record to claim his medals?

No. You need details of his career, including service dates. A service number helps. For RAF campaign medals you may need extra evidence, such as flight logs.

Can I get replacement WW2 medals if they were lost?

Not from the MOD. GOV.UK says lost medals cannot be replaced, though you can buy replicas. Medals that were stolen, damaged or destroyed can be replaced, for a charge, with a police report or insurance claim.

Will the medals have his name on them?

No. GOV.UK guidance says Second World War campaign medals were issued unnamed. That applies to stars and medals sent out today.

How do I claim Merchant Navy WW2 medals?

Through GOV.UK's separate application for UK Merchant Navy medals, not the MOD form. See our Merchant Navy records guide for the documents needed.

Sources

Checked 31 October 2026.

1. GOV.UK: Apply for a medal
2. GOV.UK: Replace a medal
3. GOV.UK: Apply for a UK Merchant Navy medal
4. GOV.UK: Medals, campaigns, descriptions and eligibility (archived 2015)
5. GOV.UK: Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility
6. The National Archives: Merchant seamen's campaign medal records 1939-1945