Nick

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

You don't say what force he is with. If he is Met I don't think he is entitled to the 1935, are you sure on the spelling of the name ? Although the Met Museum has recently closed they did not have a list of whom the 1935 Jubilee medal was awarded to. But the National Records at Kew do have, so you can check there. For your info I am suprised he is not entiltled as it was awarded to those coming up for retirement so you would have thought he would have ?

I agree the legislation is a total mess with bona fide firearms owners the ones who have suffered and criminality and gun crime higher than ever. flame With regards the antique element it is strange that if you possess an item and it falls within the legislation as an antique possessed "as a curiosity or ornament" no licence is needed. However if you take the same firearm and decide you want to play with it i.e. a smooth bore musket that sat on a wall for the last 10 years and put black powder in it to see how it works, you then require a licence !! But to answer your question on obsolete calibres Here is the link http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs/policeguide.pdf Go to Annex 5 for the list.

Anyone out there collect tinnies ? I have started collecting them steadily and intend to concentrate on them a lot more. I would like to hear from any one out there who specialises in them ?