Hi Maureen, in most cases the medals were sent out automatically, and if deceased, they were sent to the next of kin.
The Government does not issue original WW1 medals anymore, but a relative may contact Award Productions at tel: 01952 510053 to receive a replica (not really the same though is it.)
http://www.veterans-uk.info/medals/claiming.htmlhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defen ... ns/Medals/Have you looked on Ancestry, maybe the soldier’s war records are on line? Sometimes these include an MOD letter stating the medals were sent out.
Some info about the Victory medal.
The Victory Medal 1914-1919 was also authorised in 1919 and was awarded to all eligible personnel who served on the establishment of a unit in an operational theatre.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/docu ... medals.asp