Nick

The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military expeditions to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom is the prime operation the medal may be awarded for. Personnel assigned to operations in Afghanistan and the Philippines are examples of service members who will receive the award. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military operations to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Operation Noble Eagle is an example of the type of operation the medal may be awarded for.

Its nice to see the sharing of knowledge. It is exactly what this forum is for !! Thanks to you both Nick

I saw this article on another forum and thought it may interest a few people here. Personally I think it is a very bad idea. It should be down to individuals what they do with their medals. Obviously form a collectors point of view it would not be good, but it is all seems a bit late now for WW2 veterans and would this proposal only apply to current serving soldiers? My grandfather like many men returning home from WW2 felt sold down the river by the government and subsequently never collected his medals. He didn't give two hoots about them for the rest of his life and never thought of getting them even decades later. I managed to get them many years after he died direct from the medal office. He probably would never have approved of me doing this, but I am proud of what he did and wanted something to remember his contribution and keep within my family. His feelings were exactly the opposite of what this veteran feels, so who is he to speak on behalf of veterans? Keith Doucette Canadian Press Wednesday, December 22, 2004 HALIFAX -- It's been almost 60 years since Second World War veteran Reid Myers felt the heat of combat. But his voice breaks with emotion when he tries to explain what the row of carefully polished war medals on his chest means to him. "I carry a lot of respect. . . . I know that I'll always remember my fallen comrades," he said. Myers, 82, of Fall River, N.S., was among 13 war veterans who turned out Wednesday to support Halifax-area MP Peter Stoffer's quest to make the sale of war decorations illegal. Myers, who served in Europe with the 4th Armoured Division, said his medals mean more to him now than they did when he was younger. "It seems to affect you more later in life because you were too busy back then to think about it - being young and vibrant," he said. Stoffer, a New Democrat, plans to introduce a private member's bill in the House of Commons in February to coincide with the Year of the Veteran. He said the move was inspired by a recent public campaign to prevent the sale of a Victoria Cross to a British collector. Canadians raised $300,000 to keep the medal at home. Stoffer said preventing the sale of symbols is a matter of respect for veterans and their service to Canada. "The medals that the men and women wear are not currency," he said at a news conference. While private members' bills rarely succeed in becoming legislation, Stoffer said he's optimistic this one will gain the support of all MPs. "There's nothing wrong with the idea being taken by the government and have them run with it, which is something I would encourage," he said. George Atwood, 84, also a veteran of action overseas with the 4th Armoured Division, knows it's an uphill battle to get a new law in place. "Canadians are more aware than they were even six months ago, but I think it's still going to take a lot of education," said Atwood, of Sackville, N.S. Under current legislation, veterans are not permitted to sell their medals, but they can be sold by family members who inherit them. ? Canadian Press 2004

Many of the Old Fighters saw some service in various Friekorps Units. I have a list somewhere of some of the main players let me dig it out.

The press as we all know seem to be the ones that decide most things in the Western World and have so much influence on social, political and economic trends that they have decided a veteran is anyone that serves in a combat zone whether in a combatant or non combatant support role. The term veteran is very much a US influence and when watching US television you will see many references to the word from long serving sports personalities being veterans to police officers with a few year service being called " a veteran with 4 years service" on COPS. To my mind the term in military terms would be very much dependant on the casualty rate. A very high casualty rate would determine that a soldier who survived a number of weeks may be termed a veteran as opposed to a low casualty rate where it may be years which determins veteran status. To me veteran implies a very experienced soldier. But in the US the terms applies to anyone who has served their country. So anyone that has served in Iraq from the start of the current conflict until today would be seen in the eyes of the media as a Gulf War veteran.

I can understand why they were so unhappy. The Alamo is a a holy shrine in Texas, one thing you don't do is disrespect the Alamo within earshot of a Texan. Very bad idea !

Many Victorian and Edwardian Police Helmets had divisional numbers on the helmet plate including the Metropolitan Police. As has been pointed out the City of London Police I believe are the only force that have continued this practice. As for the originality of helmet plates I am sure there are a few restrikes around but as to identifying good from bad it is not my area so can't help sorry !

Just a thought but is it possible that the armband has been left displayed in sunlight for a long time and the dye has faded ?

I have seen the new Iraq medal. It is proposed that those that were involved with the original OP Telic will get a bar with dates on. Those involved in Iraq since the alleged end of the war will be awarded it without a bar. As for the OSM from a collectors point of view I agree it will be open to abuse as changing a ribbon is easy, but it also means anyone parting with their hard earned cash needs to have more than just the medal to ensure the provenance.

The OSM is being awarded for Afghanistan. Not sure about a NATO though ?

Thanks for the Input. I have some input I will add on the 1911 Visit to Ireland medal which I have dug out of the PRO soon.

Bob A photo would probably help and may jog a memory. Nick

Barney is your man on this one I think.

I have seen several 1887/97 medals that have been silvered and I once had a 1897. The 1887/97 were never issued in solid silver only bronze to all ranks. The silvering is a poor plating which I believe was a period trend with officers silvering them for asthetic reasons. You sometimes see them gilded as well. Why they did it I am not sure.

Bob I am out on the road at the moment so I do not have access to my reference books. I will see if I can identify it when I get back, but it does not sound familiar. Nick

Having recently visited the Alamo I though some of you would be interested to know that there were quite a few British amongst the names of the dead defenders. Interesting (but I guess no suprise) to know that a few English, Scotts, Welsh and Irish Immigrants played a part in this famous historical action. Have a look at the official website: http://www.thealamo.org/defend.html Anyone seen the new film version of The Alamo ?

Rupert Nice website shame my German is so poor but the google translator works well. Nick

What is the exact naming on the medal please ?

Unfortunately as with a lot of records when forces where amalgamated records were lost or destroyed. Your problem also lies in the fact that the records to this officer relate to the 1950s and are not that old so there may be problems releasing the information if you did find it. Kilmarnock is now under Strathclyde Police The Museum is housed within Strathclyde Police Headquarters at 173 Pitt Street, Glasgow G2 4JS. Museum Curator, 0141 532 2822 or museum@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk Also try the Glasgow Police Museum it may be able to help: http://www.policemuseum.org.uk/

Can't help you with the ribbon it is a mystery to me ?

Squadron Leader (Major) is one higher than Flight Lt (Captain).

I have not seen the article any pictures ?

I told you it wasn't cheap flame

I think Dixons sell replacement bars. But they are not cheap ! Nick

The badge on his collar (behind the anchor) I am sure denotes what division he is from. Unfortunately I have no reference to what Division, had what badge. Anyone else help