SemperParatus

The first man's sleeve insignia appears to me to be Overseas Service Chevrons with a "Driver" Proficiency Badge above it, which would be consisted with his mounted uniform.

A little more information on where these men lived around the time of their service would be helpful towards identifying the units based on some visual clues... At first glance the first man's 1903 Leather Bandolier indicates a cavalry, artillery or mounted infantry unit.

Great story. Glad the medals are in good hands.

Fantastic, thanks guys.

Hey folks, Just would like to confirm some information. Connor Rumble, a policeman in Toronto, joined the Canadian Field Artillery in 1916 as an enlisted man. Rumble had previously served 12 years in the Royal Garrison Artillery prior to emigrating to Canada. While in England with the CFA in 1917, he was granted an "imperial commission" and transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery. Am i correct to interpret this MIC as Rumble having served in England only (due to the award of the BWM but nothing else, and Theatre of War left blank)? Also what does "E.F.G. Ret'd 30.10.26" mean? Are any other markings on the card of any important significance? Cheers

I have found some other Edoardo Barberis' Birth Certificate: Edoardo Francesco Antonio BARBERIS, born 7 July 1889 in Savona, Italy. Military Casualties of WW1 Albo Oro: Edoardo BARBERIS, born 11 September 1896 at Cavaglia, Vercelli, Italy. Died of Wounds on 28 July 1916 Perhaps it is not as rare of a name as we first thought.

Yes good point, I'd say you're correct here. I guess I've come used to seeing the 1939-45 Star and Defence Medal through a Canadian lens (the DM having a shorter qualifying period I believe) . For example many of the POWs captured at Dieppe qualified for the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 Star. I believe the same is true for other raids/operations earlier in the war.

Or in captivity...

An interesting WW1 naval group. Don't see too many where I am. The WW2 group also nice points to service in the early ground campaigns (absence of other campaign stars) to a regular army soldier.

Thanks for the list!

Would the Balkan theater not be Salonika? Or is that "Asia" on the cards? Not well versed in the MICs

Here is a template for you to mail an information request (which I have used successfully - in my case they pointed me to the locale comune (municipality) whose archive held the information I needed): ***************** Mailing Address: Centro Documentale di Caserta Viale Douhet 1 81100 CASERTA CE ITALY ***************** A sample template in Italian for a full request should be : Centro Documentale di (ADD CITY NAME) Esercito Italiano (ADDRESS OF THE DOCUMENTATION CENTER) Egregi signori, il sottoscritto (YOUR NAME), residente in (YOUR ADDRESS), nella qualità di discendente diretto, richiede il rilascio di copia (dello stato di servizio FOR OFFICERS, OR del foglio matricolare FOR OTHER RANKS, CHOSE THE PROPER ONE) di (NAME OF THE RELATIVE), nato il (BIRTH DATE) a (NAME OF THE BIRTH TOWN) provincia di (NAME OF THE DISTRICT), che ha prestato servizio nel (NAME OF THE UNIT) durante la (NAME OF CONFLICT ie Primera Guerra Mondiale OR Seconda Guerra Mondiale). Cordiali Saluti (YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND SIGNATURE) ************ Translation in english : Dear sirs, the requestant (YOUR NAME), living in (YOUR ADDRESS), as a direct relative, requests a copy of (the "stato di servizio" FOR OFFICERS, OR the "foglio matricolare" FOR OTHER RANKS, CHOSE THE PEOPER ONE) " of (NAME OF THE RELATIVE). born on (BIRTH DATE) in (NAME OF THE BIRTH TOWN) district of (NAME OF THE DISTRICT), who served in the (NAME OF THE UNIT) during (NAME OF CONFLICT ie. World War 1 or World War 2). INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS with your return address in your letter!

Peter, thanks for your input on this, I was hoping you would make an appearance in this thread as I know you are an authority on the topic. As for RCMP files held in the archives, here is what Library and Archives Canada has to say on the topic: So no record found for CM Wood in the archives does not necessarily mean Cpl CM Wood did not exist. As for his purported Regimental Number 1788, it was in use from 1885 to 1887 by a James Mason who died of medical complications. My "hunch" when I purchased this medal was that the man was on some sort of exchange in a training capacity. The two agencies being similar in nature. A Corporal in the RNWMP was a NCO rank after all.

Glad to hear about the credible sources, thanks Peter!

Not yet, I don't currently have access and was hoping someone who does may help me in that regard. Cheers

I'm happy to help. I've done a lot of research from Canada on my Italian great grandfather and grandfather who fought in WW1 and WW2 respectively as well as their brothers, with barely being able to speak the language. It's taken me years but I more or less have their entire service history. I'm at work right now but will be happy to provide you with wh8ch archives to contact in Italy for help on this. As for the 7th Infantry... The Italian army had compulsory military service, and to help forge a national identity (modern Italy was confederated in the 1860s) typically filled line regiments with men from two different regions, gave the brigade a name of a region and then headquartered it an a different region from both it's name and from where the men were from. For example my great-grandfather from Molise was in the Parma Brigade and stationed in Genoa. The powers that be thought that would help their countrymen stop thinking as regional peoples (Calabrian, Genovese, etc) and start thinking as Italians. (In my personal opinion, units with regional or local identities have a higher esprit de corps and perhaps this explained some of Italys poor reputation on the battlefield... But I digress) Due to the above reasons I found it very difficult to find out where my relatives served but I eventually accomplished it, so there's hope for you yet.

Hey Gents, A few months back I acquired a 1911 Visit to Ireland Medal named to "1788 Cpl. C.M. Wood R.N.W.M.P. CANADA". From what I can tell it was first sold by DNW Auctions in 2001 and then from Tanya Ursual Antiques. I find it very unusual and perhaps unique that a 1911 Visit to Ireland Medal was named to a Royal North West Mounted Police corporal - The RNWMP is the precursor to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of today. The medals were issued unnamed and recipients typically had them named privately. The naming on this medal is consistent with others of the period. There are also contact marks suggesting it may have been mounted with other medals. Taken from the Royal Irish Constabulary forum: Based on Royal Mint records (MINT 20/468) the actual distribution of the medals was as follows: Royal Irish Constabulary - 1022 RIC Office Staff - 24 Dublin Metropolitan Police - 1314 DMP Office Staff - 4 St John Ambulance Brigade - 92 Kingstown Harbour Police - 11 Phoenix Park and St Stephens Green Police - 10 TOTAL - 2477 Unfortunately CM Wood does not show up in Library and Archives Canada’s NWMP Personnel Files 1873-1904 collection so I presume he would have joined after 1904. There is no record I could find in their spotty collection of 1904-1920 RNWMP records. A few CM Woods show up in the CEF Personnel Files but none with the occupation of policeman (this was a theory due to the contact marks indicating other medals). Does anyone know of a medal register of the RCMP LS&GC medal? I emailed the RCMP Historical Section four months ago and have yet to receive a reply. A few questions for the forum: Is anyone aware of the RNWMP sending any personnel to Ireland? Did the RNWMP provide Consulate/Embassy security? Did the RNWMP send members on exchange or training with Irish police forces such as the Royal Irish Constabulary? Are there any lists of the 1911 RNWMP Coronation delegations? Does CM Wood show up in any Irish censuses or RIC/DMP files? Is there anywhere else I can look for a service file for Cpl Wood?

I imagine the same. Does anyone know of a medal roll or other way to see which organization he belonged to? Were students of the University of Edinburgh known for any specific civil defence/aid organization? Does anyone have an orbat for RADFORCE or know of a way I could determine which unit Smelt was posted to in Aden?

This doesn't exactly make sense. If he immigrated to the USA in 1912 then he would have been processed at Ellis Island in 1912, not 5 years later when the US entered the war in 1917. Furthermore he would not have been interned due to the war since he was from an Allied country. Remember, the Kingdom of Italy fought on the Allied side against the Austro-Hungarian Empire and to a lesser extent, the Germans. An American Expeditionary Force was sent to Italy in support and they took part in battles in 1918 together with their Italian allies.

Hey brother, Not sure if this is your man because it doesnt entirely match up with the story you have so far provided, but it is interesting nonetheless. I found this in a 1912 Bolletion Ufficiale (see post above). Tenente Edoardo BARBERIS of La Morra (Cuneo province), of the 7° Reggimento Fanteria (7th Infantry Regiment) was awarded the Medaglia d'Argento al Valore Militare, the 2nd highest gallantry award, for an action in the Italo-Libyan War of 1911. My Italian is sketchy at best but here is my rough translation of his citation: While withdrawing under enemy fire, was a constant example of courage and fortitude. While wounded, attempted to salvage the equipment of the machine-gun detachment under his command, carrying out one of the pieces on his shoulders while being fired upon by Bedouins. During this glorious action under overwhelming fire, he ultimately laid down his life on the battlefield. Derna, 27 December 1911. I was able to find this thanks to the Istituto del Nastro Azzurro http://decoratialvalormilitare.istitutonastroazzurro.org

Hey everyone, I managed to pick up this interesting little group at a local antique market in Toronto this past weekend. It is a group to named to Wing Commander C.M.E.(sic) Smelt RAF (the Defence Medal is unnamed as issued, and the GSM with Radfan Clasp is named). It is paired with miniatures. This is a couple of firsts for me - my first British GSM, my first RAF medals, and my first medals to an officer. Officers, thankfully, are much easier to research. I'd be happy to learn how he earned his Defence Medal and of more details related to his service during the Radfan Campaign (role, unit, location, etc). Here are some photos (click to enlarge): What I have so far: Charles Michael Casterton Smelt was born around 1923. Son of Captain William Anthony Casterton Smelt O.B.E., a first war pilot of the Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Air Force and late Captain of the Essex Regiment. While Charles was growing up, his father William served in high level financial positions with the British North Borneo Company in British Borneo. During the Second World War, Charles attended medical school at the University of Edinburgh, and qualified for the Defence Medal. His father William, interned by the Japanese Occupation of British Borneo, survived and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services during internment. Charles Smelt graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor in Medicine (M.B.). Smelt was granted an emergency commission into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and on 26 May 1949, was made a Lieutenant on a short service commission. On 8 May 1950 Smelt was promoted Captain. Smelt retired on 28 July 1953, but remained on strength of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers. On 25 Sept 1954, Smelt was appointed to the Royal Air Force Medical Branch, and made a Flight Lieutenant. Smelt by now was also a Bachelor of Surgery (Ch.B.). Smelt was again promoted on 5 July 1955 to Squadron Leader. Seven years later, Smelt, now alson a Doctor of Public Health (D.P.H.) was promoted to Wing Commander on 5 July 1962. In 1964, Smelt served in the Radfan Campaign and the beginning of the Aden Emergency. Upon leaving the military in the late 70's, Smelt emigrated to Ontario, Canada, where he became a staff doctor in the Emergency Department of the Cornwall General Hospital. Smelt also worked as a Civilian Medical Officer in the Canadian Forces and as a physician for a company named Modern Industries. Smelt died in 1999. From to the London Gazette: Appointments to Short Service Commissions. R.A.M.C. From Emerg. Commn. to be Lts: C.M.C. Smelt, M.B. 26 May 1949. - L.G. 1949.06.09 Extract from the RAMC Journal. Royal Army Medical Corps. Promotions. To be Capts. (Short Serv. Commns.): Lt. CMC Smelt M.B. 8 May 1950. - L.G. Extract from the RAMC Journal. Royal Army Medical Corps. Short Service Commission. Capt. CMC SMELT, M.B (402282), retires with a gratuity, 28th July 1953. - L.G.4114 1953.07.28 Royal Army Medical Corps. Regular Army Reserve of Officers. Capt. CMC SMELT, M.B. (402282), ceases to belong to Reg. Army Res. of Offrs., 25th Sept 1954, on appt. to RAF (Medical Branch). - L.G. 696 1955.02.04 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Notification amended. 14th Dec 194 (p. 7063, col 2) concerning Charles Michael Casterton SMELT, M.B., Ch. B. (503951) for (Seniority 1st May 1948) read (seniority 5th Apr 1948). - L.G. 1533 1955.03.15 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Promotion. Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader. CMC SMELT, M.B., Ch.B. (503951). 5th July 1955. - L.G. 4114 1955.07.26 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Appointment to commission (Permanent). As Squadron Leader: - Charles Michael Casteron SMELT, M.B, Ch. B. (503951) 5th Apr 1957. - L.G. 3170 1957.05.28 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. Promotion. Squadron Leader to Wing Commander. CMC SMELT, M.B., Ch.B. (503951). 5th July 1962. - L.G. 5478 1962.07.10 Royal Air Force. Medical Branch. The seniority of Wing Commander C.M.C. SMELT, M.B, Ch.B., D.P.H. (503951), is adjusted to 1st Apr 1962. - L.G. 8809 1962.11.13 And the below information is from the "Deaths" section of the Canadian Medical Association Journal dated 22 February 2000: Smelt, Charles M., Cornwall, Ont.; University of Edinburgh (Scotland), 1946; DPH; Royal Air Force; former staff, Emergency Department, Cornwall General Hospital; civilian medical officer, Canadian Forces; physician, Modern Industries. Died Sept. 23, 1999, aged 76. His obituary, quoting an earlier interview, explained his reasons for moving to Canada: "After retiring from the air force at age 55, I was facing a life of genteel poverty and I thought, 'To heck with that.'"

When keeping in mind that the George Cross honour was created in 1940, it makes perfect sense for it (and the Defence Medal) to be shinier then the First World War pair. The WW1 miniature pair is not only 20 years older but may have been worn more frequently by the young veteran who may have had a more active social life then when he was older. We can only guess how long the recipient lived after receiving the GC and Defence Medal which may also explain the lack of wear.

Not sure how you got that from what I said, I was merely quoting a contemporary book on medals. Thanks for the additional information though.

Here is my first US Victory Medal, which I recently won at auction. I wanted one from the Italian Front as it is a particular area of interest for me (unfortunately I also bid on a Vittorio-Veneto/Defensive Sector medal but didn't win). My thanks to previous to johnnymac for the below posts showing who would be entitled to the Italy clasp. As for the Navy/Marine Corps, the regulations for those entitled are: "Italy. - Personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps who sailed from the United States prior to 11 November 1918, regardless of the date of arrival in that country, or the fact that the returned to the United States without disembarking, are eligible for the Service Clasp of that country. (Approved SevNav 5 October 1940)" Source: Decorations, Medals Ribbons, Badges of the United States Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard (1948). Does any one have a list of which ships and/or Marine Corps units would be entitled? .