coldstream

Andy That may indeed be the case but I was under the impression that RAD units were stationed at vaious points throughout the Reich and occupied territories on construction projects and this may explain why he is wearing the sleeveband. Are there any markings on the rear of the photo to suggest date or location? Simon

I agree an excellent and informative thread. Just one observation is that the patch or perhaps blazer badge in post 3 bears the later Queen Elizabeth crown and not the earlier crown worn during the Great War. Perhaps a later acquisition worn proudly by the recipient. Simon

Andy My reference for the 'Saar' identification came from JR Angolia and David Littlejohn's 'Labour Organizations of the Reich' published by RJ Bender. 'SLEEVEBANDS (Armelstreifen) Special identification letters were worn on a sleeveband on the lower left sleeve of the service tunic and greatcoat. An order dated 4th January 1939 introduced cuff bands with a single letter to be worn by RAD personnel assigned to work on the Siegfried Line. Yet another order dated 15th March 1939 introduced the letters M, N, O and P. The black band measured 25mm wide and displayed the designation in a machine woven Gothic letter (approximately 20mm high) and with a 5 mm wide and 60 mm long white, silver or gold bar (depending on rank of wearer)on the right and left. These increased by four (H, R, S and T) formed in the western Arbeitsgaue. These cuff bands were cancelled by an order dated 29th April 1941 which refers to them as Armbands with special letters (Armelstreifen mit den Sonderbuchstaben). Known sleevebands are H, M, N, O, P, R(Rhein), S(Saar), T(Trier) and W. These single letter sleevebands appear to have been worn only by RAD units employed on defensive construction.By April 1941 Hitler had no need to think in terms of defence. therefore their use after that was terminated.' Best regards Simon :cheers:

Andy I believe that the 'S' sleeveband refers to the 'Saar' region and not 'Sud'. Cheers Simon

Here is a link (hopefully) to a similar helmet which has appeared on the UK ebay site.Helmet

Will Looking forward to seeing the rest of your helmet collection. Glad to see its not just me that has been 'influenced' by Peter and Stuart!

Alex Regarding the first photo, my understanding is that a portmanteau is or was a form of leather travelling trunk. I cannot imagine a regular soldier being in possession of one so perhaps a Commanding Officers or used for storing Battalion documents. Another excellent piece from your collection by the way, please keep them coming. Simon :cheers:

Oswald Any markings inside at all and can you tell us what the lining is made of? Simon

I'll volunteer to look after all your collection if you want Alex :cheers:

Patrick A superb collection and hopefully you forgive my initial prompting! All the Yeomanry books come up for sale on ebay and go cheaply so fingers crossed for a copy soon Hope you enjoy this forum as much as I do Simon

Patrick Here is the scan of Lt Mitchell from 'The Yeomanry Force at the 1911 Coronation' by R J Smith and R G Harris. If this breaches any copyright I apologise and will remove the image. Although the Officer appears to wear his helmet pushed back the plume still appears longer than those worn by other Officers in the photograph.

Stuart Lt Mitchell is shown as the righthand seated figure on page 17 marked out as figure 29. I'll scan the image in the morning and post it as you suggest. Simon

Snoopy Just found this thread, In the past I have had some luck researching Merchant Navy men by contacting the shipping line they served with. I have just done a quick seach and found that the Fenwick line was formed in 1901 and obviously served on throughout the wars. I'm not saying its a definate but all shipping lines have kept records and some are very helpful if you can track down a contact address. Good luck Simon

Didn't want this thread to pass by. Another fantastic example from your collection, thanks. The only other one I've seen is the one on Peter's helmet site. Simon :cheers:

Patrick, Managed to find my copy of 'The Yeomanry Force at the 1911 Coronation' by RJ Smith and RG Harris which describes your Fife Light Horse helmet as 'Helmet of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry' Royal Dragoon pattern, white metal with Windsor star plate with brass St Andrews Cross, with the regimental badge. The Thane of Fife in white metal upon it, the letter FLH below the star and in the centre of a scroll carrying the motto 'Pro Aris et Focis'. white horsehair plume. No length is given for the plume however the photograph in the book showing the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry detachment commander, Lieutenant S Mitchell shows him wearing this helmet with the plume almost touching the collar. The other Officers plumes are more in keeping with Regular Army units and so for me the plume on your helmet is as it should be. Not sure if a scan of this photo can be posted due to copyright(anyone?) Look forward to seeing the rest of your collection Simon

Patrick. Another three excellent examples from your collection, I'm away from my books at the moment re the Fife helmet plume. I'll take a look when I return home. Looking forward to the rest of your collection Simon

Clive Thanks for posting these,do you have an approximate date of manufacture for the Sergeant Majors cap. The reason I ask is that from the scan the capband appears to be made of material, ours have been replaced with a manmade plastic like substance. I know the cap worn by both my Grandfather and Father had material bands but obviously these were issued years ago?

Thats the one's I'm after...Coldstream Guards of Canada?

Excellent Clive, could I put in a request for the Guards caps for close ups please. Thanks Simon :cheers:

Leigh. Very useful little booklet, many thanks for posting it. Simon :cheers:

Now, now Leigh!!! No emoticon is suitable for me to reply to such a slanderous comment...... :cheers:

Just a thought but what a very odd order of precedence for the illustration of the Foot Guards in post 5!!! :speechless1:

Did'nt Warlord also produce famous battle and regiment postcards?

Well done and congratulations on two superb helmets. Please persevere and keep trying with the rest of your collection. Simon

Patrick.....'I've only got a dozen helmets'!!!!!! lets see them please, start your own collection thread and post them :cheers: