Thank you very much for the information about the medals Brett; greatly appreciated! The book is available through Amazon.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chiazzari-Mario-Berruti/dp/1446650294/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1306162122&sr=8-11 it is in Italian and English as it was primarily targeted at Italians living in the Ligurian region. The book traces the family back to 1545 but the name goes back to at least 1383. A lawyer Mario Berruti, who is from the area, kindly helped with the Italian research. The book cover is of Joseph Angelo Chiazzari taken at a studio during the Boer War. Have you read the book published by the SA Navy titled SAS Inkonkoni, written by Captain S.H.C. Payne? It gives quite an interesting history of the Naval Volunteers. I tried to obtain a photograph of Nicholas Chiazzari's DSO from one of his descendants in the 1990's but got a very frosty reception. Possibly the medal had been sold and they did not want to own up to it? I think my Grandfather's 1906 medal may still be in my father's possession; he is 92 years of age now and rather confused so it will be some time before I can make a thorough search. I would really appreciate it if you can confirm any medals awarded to the Chiazzaris during the 1906 rebellion.
Thinking about medals, my father published a book on his Uncle, Leonard Slatter last year who was an Air Marshal in the RAF. They were for sale at Sotherbys but we managed to acquire them from the Slatter family eventually. Unfortunately I have not photographed them but copied the Sotherbys listing. I seem to be unable to insert the photograph of them into this message.
Regards
Keith
