During WWII (and possibly other wars), soldiers from the UK and Canada were sometimes “mentioned in the dispatches”. This phrase turns up fairly frequently in obituaries.
What does “being mentioned in the dispatches” actually mean.
Who determined if you’d be mentioned?
Thanks!
The commander of the fighting unit sends a report to headquarters after a battle, which is “dispatched” to the rear. If a particular soldier does something that stands out during that battle, the commander will mention him. Usually only a small number of soldiers get mentioned in any dispatch, so it’s an honor and a sign of bravery.
Thanks.
Is/was it a strictly UK/Canadian thing?
Did the dispatches appear in the newspapers (for all to see)?
I believe it dates back to the U.K. originally, and was adopted by Commonwealth armed forces, since they relied heavily on the precedents set by the imperial forces.
One notable Canadian who was twice “mentioned in dispatches” in the Normandy campaign was the young Brian Dickson, who lost a leg in battle. He went on to become a highly respected puisne justice of the Supreme Court of Canada (1973-1984), and then Chief Justice of Canada (1984-1990).
If you are mentioned in dispatches, you get a rather natty little leaf to wear on your medal ribbon.
It’s one down from an actual medal citation.
This page gives more details.