coldstream

The Cemetery and Monument. Notice, the obvious differences, the grave markers are in the shape of a cross and no obvious reference to Regiment or Corps. The centre of this area is surmounted with a bronze American eagle which overlooks the whole grave area.

The American section. Firstly a plaque.

An interesting Memorial panel showing British forces killed in action in Russia during both World Wars.

The Royal Air Force Memorial.

Another view.

More British graves, all display the relevant insignia and are placed side by side or individually. There does not appear to be any family or Regimental connection and may be just down to space available.

A view from inside this Memorial.

A close up of the Inscription

The British Forces Memorial to the Missing and those KIA on Commando Raids or in Norway. Notice the blue wreath for the Special Air Service.

The Plaque

Whilst on a recent visit to the wonderfully kept and serene Brookwood Military Cemetery it struck me how differently styled the various momuments to the Allied war dead of World War 2 are.

I will start by posting the British area of the Cemetery and continue with the Allies as time permits.

Firstly the entrance gates and plaque.

It is a small internal shelf on which the museum has mounted a small description of the shelter.

I can only imagine that these would have been in use during the V1 and V2 attacks later in the war when there would have been little or no notice of the attack and the threat would have been over quickly.

I still wouldn't fancy a stay in one of these though!!!!

Not far away from me is the Amberley Open Air museum which concentrates on the history of industry in general but has a few Military related exhibits.

Alongside the more common World War 2 Anderson shelter provided to civilians for air raid protection was this exhibit.

It is made from steel and stands about 6 feet tall and as can be seen has two small seats attached to the inner walls.

The exhibit notes state that these were placed on street corners for use during air raids by ARP personnel.

All I can say is that people were made of sterner stuff then, I know its not much of a choice but sitting inside this whilst the Luftwaffe rained bombs all around must have been bloody terrifying.

Worth a visit if your in the Sussex area, the museum also has other ARP items, Military trains from the Hythe and Lydd ramges aswell as a number of Luftwaffe radios from crashed aircraft and a Lancaster bomber mock up showing the radio operators posistion and equipment.

Thank you Rick. I am currently looking at Lithuanian units which assisted the German forces. There are similarities with the uniforms but nothing definate yet.

Thanks for the information Joe, much appreciated.

Thanks Rick, I agree about the German, a fine specimen compared to the rest. Maybe the others are Eastern European?

Anyone?

Got me stumped I'm afraid, any Police experts with a suggestion please.

The second

Wanted to share these two new Police photos.

I particularly like the schellenbaum ( I think thats spelt right ) photo which I found on ebay.

The other is also interesting, would anyone have any opinions as to the unit. My initial thought is that the enlisted men are foreign auxiliaries in German service. Unfortunately the arm eagles can not be made out but to my eyes it has an Eastern European feel.

Thanks Tiger Pie, an interesting character who, as you say lasted longer than I bet he thought he would.

Thats brilliant CAS thanks again.

Hey Cas thats great , thanks.

Unfortunately its a reprint and plain on the back.

Can you let me know the book titles this man appears in please.

Leigh, thanks again for answering another one of my seemingly endless questions.

I have to say I have never encountered these units before and the general feel of the photo was almost Victorian or Edwardian to my eyes.

Would you or anyone have an example of the badge you mention please?

All superb photos, thanks for showing them.

This photographic card obviously shows a man in uniform who for all intents and purposes appears to be either British or Commonwealth forces.

It was produced at the 'Curzon Studios' Stratford. East London and Kilburn. North London.'

The man shown wears a mixture of uniform items with various insignia which I wonder if anyone has seen before. The capbadge is indistinct and the badge on his right cuff appears to be a shell or bullet through a stylised 'M'.

He wears no other visible insignia, his collar and shoulder straps being plain and his belt looks to be of a civilian pattern.

The beard also makes me wonder as does the way in which his puttees are worn. ( A bit slovenly in my ex Guards opinion!)

A search on the net for Curzon studios shows both a Photographers studio operating in the late Victorian era and also a Film makers which makes me wonder if this could have been a publicity shot of an actor for the latter.

Any ideas Leigh? anyone?