Nick

Jim I am afraid to say that this section has been slow to get off the ground. Do stick around and pass the word as I would really like to get this section moving along a bit and your knowledge is needed ! Nick

Nice crosses Jim I do like EKs that still have their frosting in tact.

I am looking for pictures of a Royal Navy Oficers sword circa 1812 anyone assist or know of any dealers selling reproduction swords of this type ? Thanks

Thanks for the update it is good to list the individual names to prevent people who gave their lives just becoming more statistics.

Jim What other forums do you frequent ? I mainly operate here and I moderate on Marcus Wendels Forum. Welcome aboard, we are a small friendly forum that is slowly expanding, all new members most welcome. Nick :food-smiley-004:

Mr Brown If you do not have anything worth while to contribute to posts could you not bother in the first place. Your posts are getting a little tiresome.

I agree certainly worthy of a gallantry award i.e. CGC or MC, but not to decry the mans courage in any way awarding a VC ?? It is harder and harder to in this modern age to be actually considered for any type of gallantry award both civilian or military, this dirty war comes along and suddenly a VC. Read the citation as provided by BJOW. In WW2 RAF pilots were never considered for VC awards for bringing home crippled planes despite suffering multiple injuries and saving their colleugues. Why ? Because there is an element of self preservation. This reads the same to me an element of self preservation in Pte Beharrys actions which given the circumstances is perfectly understandable. So where is the hopless expectation of death in this scenario, putting his own life after the lives of his colleagues in the expectation of self sacrifice. Well it doesn't stand out to me in that citation or am I missing something. Its a bloody shame as all they have done is taint a bloody brave act by in my mind giving an inappropriate award for political reasons. After all the army needs a boost (as well as the government) after all the negative press. When you read WW1 and WW2 citations for the VC it is a bloody different ball game.

Another clue (a giveaway really)

Guess you didn't look hard enough.

Served in both wars actually

The term "on the fiddle" is another one that ties in to the square meal. Around the edge of the square plate was a piece of piping called the fiddle. All meals had to be served on the plate within the fiddle, if the food when rationed out went over the edge of the fiddle it meant the sailor had more than his fair ration share. Those that where caught stealing where said to be "on the fiddle" as they were having more than they were entitled to as in food being "on the fiddle" mark or over their fair share. Woe betide anyone doing such a thing as it meant a flogging if caught by an officer or a good kicking if caught by their ship mates. :violent-smiley-017:

Another one is the derogatory term "tow rag" to describe someone of dubious character. This comes from the rag tied to a length of rope that was constantly dangling in the water at the head of the ship where the ships toilets or "heads" were situated. This was pulled up to be used.... you guessed it...... as the communal toilet paper.

Here one for you Navy buffs

I see that the Mau Mau Campaign has been in the press this week. More compensation claims it seems.

Poor chap, a bad way to go and a pretty awful way of being remembered But it makes an interesting story

I am looking for a good picture of the regulation 1812 officers uniform button. Anyone help ?

Ian I presume this list relates to the 1911 visit to Ireland medal as opposed to the 1911 Coronation ? Nick

Ian Interesting info on the Scottish Police. I will have to remember that for future. As regards the figures in the medal year book they are way out on a few of the police jubilee & corontation numbers. As for the 280 figure this was changed in this years book to 2800 issued for the Scottish Police ? I have been trying to research RIC medals to find out if there are any rolls for the Visit to Ireland medals with little luck so far. The 1900 1903 were named and only given to select officers who policed the route of the Royal Visit. The 1911 was unamed, but I have found an interesting document at the PRO with regards to the numbers issued.

I have been reliably informed that the badge in question on the collar is a crown. All dockyard Constables and Sergeants had the fouled anchor and crown next to each other. Mystery solved.

I have continued this topic on the new medal forum http://www.medalforum.com/index.php?showtopic=14

I am doing some research into the nazi banner known as the blood banner or blutfahne. This became a symbol of the NSDAP and was covered in the blood of Andreas Bauriedl one of the nazi martyrs from 9 November Putsch. If anyone can tell me anything about this item please post here !!!

Didem Thanks for the informative update. I am afraid the little I know about the US civil war has been gleaned from novels like Copperhead by Bernard Cornwall.

Yes the medals seem a little poor when you consider that they are pretty hard earnt awards. I imagine that they will be unamed. I agree that for a Brit to be awarded one they would have to be attached directly to US forces and then they may qualify. As menioed already I am also sure there are a few Brits attached so someone will get one.

Welcome to the forum ! I would be interested to hear any of your experiences with the Mau Mau. Have you done any research into your family history with the RIC ? This is another area I am very interested in. Nick

The Blutorden or Ehrenzeichen vom 9. November 1923 was originally instituted shortly after Hitler came to power and awarded to those members of the party who actively participated in the putsch attempt of 1923. In May 1938 in recognition of special merit in the battle to unify Germany, other party members who were not originally eligable under the first regulations, now qualified and were issued the Blood Order. These medals are pretty rare, especially the first issue medals and they demand high premiums. Here is a link to a picture: http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=1829