Chris Boonzaier

Hi Glenn, here you go... dont have them in my hands yet..... http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170557223227&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Hi, on the document I am getting he is named Richard on both. There was a major Lockemann KIA in 1914... maybe they are mixed up? Best Chris

Hi, does anyone know how long Major Richard Lockemann commanded the Hessen IR 118? I know he was there in January 1916 as commander.... but since when? and for how long? Thanks Chris

Thats pretty good. I wonder how it is with the British.... usually they are not allowed to wear stuff from foreign Govts. Although as these are individual awards and not dished out en masse, maybe they would OK these as well.

From what I can find, awarding the DN to foreign troops serving with the French is based on a decree from 2004, before that date it was not possible. I am guessing the long term working relationship in Afghanistan was the motive behind this new regulation. Does the US Army have to give an authorisation? Best Chris

WOW! That medal could be the center point of any collection! You lucky man you!!

Hi, and with just cause. I think it is seldom seen. But as medal collectors we need to nail the technicalities of this.... Will for ward the link to Bison, he is in Afghanistan right now and can seldom log in, but he may be able to comment.

You would think a Scottish Spitfire would be the rarest of the rare.... "Ye kannae crash yer bluidy Spitfire Laddie! They cost MONEY!" :whistle:

Looks more like a bondage implement to me.... you sure its not for her to fix his hands behind his head before she has her evil way with him?

From here... http://www.archive.org/stream/ostendzeebruggea00keye/ostendzeebruggea00keye_djvu.txt

KIA he was..... The cutter was made fast to the stem of the motor launch, which went out of the harbour stern first at full speed. Lieutenant Billyard- Leake reports that this motor launch was entirel)' responsible for saving the survivors from the Iphigema. Heavy machine-gun fire was concentrated on her while on passage out, at which time Sub-Lieutenant Maurice C. H. Lloyd, ^ D.S.C. {Dominion), was mortally, and Lieutenant James C. Keith Wright,' R.N.V.R., of M.L. 416, dangerously wounded, and two of the motor launch's crew of four killed. I trust that the Lords Commissioners, who have so many claims to judge, will consider that this recital of the part played by the Ipliigenia well justifies my mention of Lieutenant Billyard-Leake and of Mate (E) Sydney Greville West ^ {Benhow), who throughout the preparations and ojieration worked his department in an admirable manner.

Zeebrugge.... that is enough research potential to keep you going all winter I would imagine!

Rather cool, as these are unique to a company sized unit, the 101 MP company of the 26th Division. So not only the best possible design to find on a helmet, but also a small unit...

As I am a big Verdun "fan" I was happy to pick up these rather scarce helmets.....

I am guessing that is new. It used to be that it could be awarded under exceptional circumstances to someone who did a service to the army, i.e. a civilian saving a soldiers life is an example that comes to mind. I assume that with the closer working together the French realized that they did not have an award to give to allies. During desert storm the US Unit attached to our regiment gave out some Bronze stars to guys in our unit... unfortunately there were no medals on from the French side to even it out. Maybe the Defence National has had a paragraph added to the statute.

Ooooooohhhh!!!!!!! That is fantastic. I suppose we would slit our wrists if we knew what it cost.....

Nice find indeed!

Nice find indeed!

Hi, welcome to the forum! All the best Chris

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes In Iraq The History of the R.A.O.B. in Iraq 1919 to 1953 FOREWORD This very brief history has been compiled from information supplied by Brother Anthony Armstrong, R.O.H., to whom the author is deeply indebted for assistance given, and pays tribute to "Tony's" remarkable memory for names and details of happenings of years ago. "TONY" The Rt. Hon. Sir Anthony Armstrong, or "Tony" as he is known to the many hundreds of members of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes who have attended Lodges in Iraq, was initiated in the Earl of Derby Lodge in 1906, and was raised to the Second Degree in that Lodge in 1915. He was enrolled a Knight Order of Merit In the Garden of Eden Lodge in 1925, and was exalted to the Roll of Honour by the Royal Baghdad Lodge in 1943. Whilst serving in the Army during the First World War, Tony arrived in the country then known as "Mespot", and since renamed Iraq, in 1916, and, except for two years spent in India in the twenties, has been in the country ever since. He was a founder of the Royal Baghdad Lodge, and assisted in the opening of the first Lodge, the Star of Babylon, ever to operate in Iraq, and in the formation of the Baghdad and District Provincial Grand Lodge, which opened in 1921. Elected to the office of Deputy Provincial Grand Primo at the opening meeting, Sir Tony carried out the duties of Provincial Grand Primo for the best part of 1922 in the absence of Knight Sir W. G. Martin. He is a Past President of the Mosul and Dhibban Examining Councils, and today fills the office of Vice President of the Dhibban Sub Certifying Council, which operates at Habbiniya. President of the R.A.O.B. Institute committee, Sir Tony can, without fear of contradiction, be called the "Father" of Buffaloism in this country. He has kept the flag flying through the years in the face of many difficulties, and it is due to his unfailing efforts that we "visitors" to Iraq are able to enjoy our Lodge nights and participate in the activities of this great Order of ours. To "Tony" I dedicate this brief history of the R.A.O.B. in Iraq, which in the main is a story of his own great work in the cause of Buffaloism. D.W.K. Habbaniya September, 1953. 1919 "Will anyone interested in opening a R.A.O.B. Lodge in Baghdad please communicate with W. G. Martin at the Railway Mess". This advertisement which appeared in the "Times of Mesopotamia" early in 1919, heralded the birth of Buffaloism in the country now know as Iraq, for as a result of the meeting of gentlemen who answered the call, the first lodge, the "Star of Babylon", was opened in November of this year. The founders were Bros. W. G. Martin, K.O.M., and J. West and Keene, both the latter being Primos. The lodge met at first in the Askinsian School, Baghdad, but later was forced to move from place to place. At one time it held its meetings in a bedroom at the Imperial Hotel. At last, however, a permanent home was found in a disused stable which was converted into a lodge room. The roof of this building was covered only by matting, and when the wet weather arrived the City Constable had to carry out his duties under the protection of an umbrella! 1920 Buffaloism flourished in Iraq, and early in 1920 the "Garden of Eden" Lodge was opened at Basra, and later in the same year another Lodge, named the "Sir W. G. Martin" after the founder of the Order in this country, was opened at the Royal Air Force station at Hiniadi, near Baghdad. Towards the end of this year a further lodge, founded by Knight Martin and Primo Armstrong and named the "Royal Baghdad", was opened, with headquarters in the capital city. 1921 With four lodges operating in the country, which in those days was the minimum number required to form a Provincial Grand Lodge, application was made to the Grand Lodge of England for a warrant to open a Governing Authority. This was granted and in November of this year the Baghdad and District Provincial Grand Lodge was duly constituted. The first Provincial Grand Primo was, very fittingly, Brother Sir W. G. Martin, who was installed as such by Primo Tony Armstrong, who was himself elected as Deputy Provincial Grand Primo. Unfortunately, the P.G.P. was prevented from occupying the "top chair" after the first meeting, and Brother Tony carried out his duties of P.G.P. until his departure for India in the middle of 1922 after handing over the reins of office to Brother Scott, K.O.M., who was the P.G.P. for 1923. 1923 This might be considered a bad year for the brethren in Iraq, as, owing to the scarcity of brothers of the higher degrees, the Provincial Grand Lodge was forced to close down. Knight Scott had returned to England in August, and his place had been taken by Brother Harper, K.O.M., whose melancholy duty it was to bring to an end the brief life of the only Governing Authority to function in this country. Ever since this year the lodges have been under the direct control of the Grand Lodge of England. However, the four lodges continued to operate, and in the main flourished. 1924 During this year Brother Tony returned from India, and became a member of the Garden of Eden Lodge in which lodge he was raised to the Third Degree in 1925. 1927 It was in this year that the Garden of Eden Lodge moved from the town of Basra to the Royal Air Force station at Shaibah. 1928 In this year the original lodge, the Star of Babylon, sailed into stormy waters and was eventually amalgamated with the Royal Baghdad. This setback was offset by the opening, in Baghdad, of the "Civic" Lodge, and the Order continued as strong as ever. It was in this year that the news was first spread abroad that the Royal Air Force, the sole representative of Britain's armed forces in the country, was to move to a new camp which was to be built at Habbaniya. The brethren of the R.A.0.B., looking far ahead, began to collect funds with which to build an institute to be used by the lodges when the move was completed. During this year a tragic fate overtook a member of the Order. Brother Elliott, who was acting as engineer to Sir Alan Cobham during a flight round the world, was killed by a stray shot from the rifle of a wandering Arab whilst flying from Basra to Nazaria. Brother Elliott was accorded the last Buffalo rites at his funeral, and in his memory a brother of the Garden of Eden Lodge designed the Iraq jewel. The original drawing of this jewel has been preserved, and it now occupies a place of honour in the Institute at Habbaniya. The jewel which resulted from this splendid drawing is now worn with pride by many of our Order who are members of the lodges which have operated in this country. 1930 A further step forward in this year, was the opening of the "Palm Tree" Lodge at the Royal Air Force station at Mosul. This lodge is still operating today, and occupies the Institute at Habbaniya, in company with the Royal Baghdad Lodge. However, a setback occurred in that, the Civic Lodge, opened two years earlier, fell into disrepute and a number of the brethren from Hinaidi were forced to take possession of the dispensation and return it to Grand Lodge with a recommendation that the lodge be closed. Grand Lodge acted upon the recommendation and the Civic Lodge disappeared from the directory of lodges of the G.L.E. Nothing of outstanding interest happened until 1937 Early in this year the Garden of Eden Lodge, the second one to be opened in Iraq, was forced, through lack of support, to close down. It was in 1937 that the move of Royal Air Force units to Habbaniya was started, and about the middle of the year the Palm Tree Lodge was removed from Mosul to the new camp and occupied a temporary lodge room pending the opening of the institute, which was then in course of construction. 1938 This was a red-letter year for the R.A.0.B. in Iraq, for it saw the completion of the splendid institute at Habbaniya. The cost of building the institute was £2,000, and the whole of this sum, with the exception of a grant of £100 from the Grand Lodge of England, had been subscribed by the members of the lodges in the country in only ten years. In January the Sir W. G. Martin and Royal Baghdad Lodges moved in from Hinaidi and Baghdad respectively, but one month later fate struck a cruel blow, for during a particularly violent storm the roof of the institute was blown off. The cost of replacement was £80, and again the money was found by the members of the lodges. There appears to be no limit to a Buff's capacity to give! The Order was further strengthened in the country when Primo Driver, a brother from Habbaniya, was posted to the R.A.F. at Shaibah. and finding no lodge in the neighbourhood, decided to rectify matters. As the result of his efforts the Shatt El Arab lodge was opened at Margil. 1940 War had come to the world and the Royal Air Force had reopened its station at Mosul, so to cater for the needs of brethren in that district the Palm Tree lodge moved back to its original home. Unfortunately, during this year an epidemic of cholera struck the town of Basra and the nearby R.A.F. camp at Shaibah was barred to civilians from the town. The outcome of this was that the attendances at the Shatt El Arab lodge dwindled and finally the lodge was closed. 1941 The Second World War, which had been raging since 1939, hit Habbaniya in this year. Raschid Ali, a rabid Iraqi Nationalist who was aided by the Germans, attacked the station and held it in siege for some months. The institute was loaned to the R.A.F., who used it as an operations room, and for about three months no lodges were able to meet. After that period of time the brothers were given the use of a room in the Education Centre, and they held their meetings there for about fifteen months. During this time the furniture of the institute was held in safe storage by the N.A.A.F.I. and as the bank was unable to function, the funds of the lodges were placed in the N.A.A.F.I. strong room for safe custody. Sad to relate, Knight Bishop, one of the leading brothers of the day, was killed during Raschid Ali's attack when a shell exploded on the doorstep of his room in the Station Sergeants' Mess. Whilst I have not attempted to give any details of the many acts of benevolence performed by the lodges in Iraq but have devoted myself to "history", at this stage I would like to digress and tell of one of the numberless good works done by the brethren during the 34 years that lodges of our Order have been operating in this country. It came to the notice of the brothers that Knight Bishop had a daughter who was studying for a degree at one of the English universities and, through lack of funds after the death of her father would have to give up her studies. This, decided the Buffs, was not to be allowed, and a gift of £100 was immediately sent to Mrs. Bishop to enable her to pay for the remainder of her daughter's stay at the university. There is a happy sequel to this sad story, for a few months later the brethren heard from Miss Bishop that she had passed the examinations for her degree and was all set for a brilliant career in her chosen profession. 1942 In this year the Institute having been thoroughly redecorated by the Royal Air Force, was returned to the brethren, having played its part in the war effort, and the Royal Baghdad and Sir W. G. Martin Lodges moved back into their old meeting place which they have occupied ever since. 1943 "Tony's" long and sustained efforts on behalf of Buffaloism were recognised during this year for he was exalted to the Fourth Degree by the Royal Baghdad Lodge, of which he was a founder. His exaltation had been approved by Grand Lodge two years earlier, but, owing to there being no brother of the necessary degree in the country to carry out the ceremony, he had to wait until this year before receiving the honour he had so richly deserved. Life flowed on, and brethren came and went, but the lodges kept going until 1950 This year saw the demise of the Sir W. G. Martin Lodge, the lodge which had brought Buffaloism to life in Iraq. It was found that even so large a camp as Habbaniya could not sustain three lodges, and the Sir W. G. Martin was amalgamated with the Palm Tree Lodge which, earlier in the year, had returned to Habbaniya from Mosul and occupied the Institute with the Royal Baghdad Lodge. These were the only two lodges operating in Iraq until in 1952 The Order was further advanced by the opening, at the R.A.F. station at Shaibah, of a new lodge which took its name from that of the station. This was the first lodge to operate in that area since the Shatt El Arab closed in 1940 and has proved to be a lusty and thriving child. 1953 So we come to the present year, and it finds the three lodges, the Royal Baghdad, the Palm Tree, and the Shaibah, still keeping the flag of Buffaloism flying in Iraq. All are flourishing, and despite many difficulties such as having very few brothers of the higher degrees to occupy the Royal Chair, continue to bring many hours of pleasure to those members of our brotherhood who are called upon to serve so far from the Mother Country. Perhaps, in some distant year, some brother will continue this history from where I have left off, for I am sure that there will be things to write of then, and so long as Britishers live in Iraq there will be found the R.A.O.B. For any omissions or errors in the foregoing I most humbly apologise, and would say to my critics "NEMO MORTALIUM OMNIBUS HORIS SAPIT".

Try here.... http://www.nerger.info/familie_nerger/wie_alles_begann.html

yup, I remember the EK, it was a nice find. My main find was this... http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=46094 and a couple of single EK docs. Best Chris

Nice find Claudio!

Hah! We are slowly agreeing... more or less...! OK... have a few posts above as to why I dont think the peace of 1945 would have fitted... shoot my points down at your leisure... I need to go take my weekly shower....

So... who does the author suggest took over? Call the king back? wave the wand and create a democratic hero? There was no charismatic democratic, rational, wise and good leader to step up and fill the void. Dont think that can be blamed on the allies. best Chris