Hiya,

I've had this information (from Arthur Radburn) for some time:

VPS Gallantry Cross (CPV) – Gold (1985-1996)

VPS Gallantry Cross (CPF) - Silver (1985-1996)

VPS Distinguished Service Medal: Gold (SPO) (1985-1996)

VPS Distinguished Service Medal: Silver (SPM) (1985-1996)

However, lately I found information (+ photo's) from 2 different sources concerning VPS Gallantry Cross - silver.

2nd. photo = (Add. info said that it has the correct ribbon !!) (The listing said SILVER, but looking at the picture it could also be the GOLD version)

As both sources show the same ribbon (+ the add. info) I'm wondering if it is indeed the correct ribbon - does anyone know if I'm correct in my conclusion.

And do the other ribbons then belong to the DSM (gold and silver).

With thanks, Marcon1.

Oeps, I did a Sweden search but nothing came up - this will teach me to stick to what I know 🤐

Hi Megan,

Some info for you.

Transkei Police Decoration for Distinguished Service (c1985-1995)

Insignia: A five-pointed rayed gold star displaying the Transkei arms on a blue roundel (obverse) and the words "Inkonzo eQaqambilileyo - For Distinguished Service - Vir Voortreflike Diens" (reverse).

KwaNdebele Police Order for Distinguished Leadership (1987-1995) --- Never awarded.

Presumably a.k.a. 'Medal for Most Distinguished Service'.

Insignia: A circular gold medal displaying the KwaNdebele coat of arms (obverse) and the words 'Umsebenzi Weqophelo Elingavamile' (reverse).

LP Star for Distinguished Leadership (1990-1995)

Apparently never awarded.

Insignia: A silver-gilt circular medal with an engrailed edge tipped with ten balls, enamelled green and displaying a ten-pointed star with a gold flame on a white roundel (obverse), and the Lebowa coat of arms (reverse).

it's not much, but better than nothing.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

The crown and central stripes on the ribbon would suggest Belgium.

Which one it is, I don't know.

regards, Marcon1.

For Megan,

Just noticed your listing of Republic of South Africa: Venda Defence Force Distinguished Service Medal.

 (As listed by Megan's Medals of the World)

You have the 'wrong' medal - the correct one is as shown below the gold version.

Distinguished Service Medal: Gold (1985-94)
For exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty.

Insignia: A circular gold medal displaying the letter V and two interlaced rings (obverse) and "For Distinguished Service - Kha u Fulufhedzea Mushumeni" (reverse).

Distinguished Service Medal: Silver (1985-94)
For outstanding service and devotion to duty.

Insignia: Same design as the gold medal, but in silver.

 rough surface.

 smooth surface.

Notice the different text on back compared with your photo.

As for your photo - I have from 3 different sources that it is a Prisons Service DSM - but I'm not 100% convinced about that.

So I have listed it for myself as UNKNOWN with the following photo's:

Notice different position of suspender - what's reverse and what's is obverse ??

The reason why I think it may be a Prison Service DSM is because of the following info and Photo that I have in my listings.

Full Size Venda Department of Prisons Distinguished Service Medal Gold (NOT Real Gold)

Named to BRIG. T. T. NDITWANE.

Numbered @ 12 o'clock 0100010

Numbered @ 6 o'clock 01.

If anyone knows more/better - please let me/us know.

With regards,

Marcon1.

Hi all,

Just noticed Megan's latest listings of South Africa & Homelands (keep them coming 😄).

I have this information concerning Ciskei Decoration for Merit: 

Ciskei Decoration for Merit (CDM) (1987-94)
For exceptionally distinguished service to Ciskei.

Insignia: A circular gold medal depicting the head of President Lennox Sebe (obverse) and Ntaba kaNdoda mountain (reverse). It is worn on a neck ribbon.

 Type: 1

A SCARCE CISKEI MEDAL FOR MERIT FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE REPUBLIC OF CISKEI. FRONT SHOWS PORTRAIT OF CISKEI PRESIDENT LENNOX SEBE -THE LATER MEDALS HAD A MOUNTAIN ON THE REAR - THE EARLY ONES WERE LEFT BLANK FOR A NAME TO BE INSCRIBED.

 Type: 2

 Type: 2

No idea how many type 1 there are, but can't be many.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

The dealer (SteveMilitaria) told me that it was a American friend of his who was working on this publication, but he did not give me any further information.

So I/m still in the dark about it.

Marcon1.

Farkas, I do have the 2 publications mentioned above plus a few others.

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me from which publication these 2 pages are ??

They were part of the description of 2 medals by an American dealer on Ebay.

Don't know who Archie Meyer is, could be the writer or just the owner of this copy.

With thanks, Marcon1.

Hiya,

See Government Gazette vol. 477 Pretoria 11 March 2005 No. 27376 - Government notice No. 202.

Here you will find the CONSOLIDATED OFFICIAL TABLE OF PRECEDENCE : ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS (Incorporating awards of the Union of South Africa until 1961, the Republic of South Africa since 1961, the former Independent and National States and those instituted for the Non-Statutory Forces, up to 2 December 2003).

Even they do not give all the information - so I can't tell you if it has any meaning.

Marcon1.

Hi Megan,

BP Star for Merit (c1983-95/1977-1995)
Awarded for (i) particularly meritorious or exemplary service, or (ii) 30 years service.

Insignia: A circular gold medal displaying a gold emblem on a green roundel (obverse) and the BP badge (reverse).

The ribbon is correct.

regards, Marcon1.

More Medal News,

Hi,

When I typed in the 6th. Royal Regiment in Google search this came up: The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, previously titled the 6th Regiment of Foot.

6th Regiment, the Royal Warwickshire did put down the Morant Bay Rebellion/Jamaican Rebellion in 1865.

So, there is a good chance you will have to bid 😁

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

Some more info on new medals. (From Medal News, a great and interesting magazine)

Marcon1.

Hi,

I found this using the 'home guard' info.

Front row: Lt. F.J. Brackett, Major A.D. Dawson, Major S.C. SMth, T.D., Capt. J.J. Marshall, Major, N.C, Yates, Major H.E.J. Morris, Major W.W, Vasey, T.D. (Second in Command), Lt-Col. W.R.G. Bye, D.S.O., M.C., (C.O.), Capt. W.E. Jones, M.M. (Admin officer), Major W.C. Long (Battalion M.O.), Major S.T. Rew, Major E. Field, Major R. Jeffrey, Major E.H. Pease-Watkin, D.S.O., Lt. W.G. Harris

Second row: Lt. W.S. Garrett, Lt. S.C. Tomlinson, D.C.M., Lt. L.C. Jeeves, 2nd Lt. B.E. Towlson, lt. E.B. Costello, Lt. A.J. Haward, Lt. D. MacNicol, Capt. S.A. Mackenzie, Lt. W. Blake Odgers, Capt. F.H. Taylor, Capt. G. Goldsmith, Lt. A.T. Goulden, Lt. A.W.J. Hicks, Lt. F.R. Philpot, Lt. H.G. Tucker, Capt. A.E. Rice-Oxley, 2nd Lt. J.H. Piper, Lt. C.W. Snazell

Third Row: Lt. D.A.I. Brown, Lt. F.C. Rawson, Lt. E.J. Robson, Lt. C. O'Dell, Lt. R.B. Taylor, Capt. C.W. Turner, M.C., Capt. N.V. Snell, Capt. J.H. Soady, Capt. S.R. Hill, Capt. J. Adams, Capt. E. Turner, Lt. R.G. Butcher, Lt. T. Page, Lt. N. Smith, M.M., Lt. S.H. Rawson, Lt. J.W. Dean, M.C., 2nd Lt. E.A. Bunch.

Back row: Lr. P.A.L. Maplesden, 2nd Lt. E.R. Appleton, Lt. E.C. Tomalin, Lt. D.R. Wagstaff, Lt. T.S. Davis, M.C., Lt. R. Markley, Lt. F.B. Carter, Lt. R.L. Hasler, 2nd Lt. D.O. Scrace, B.E.M. Lt. H.W. Baldwin, Lt. G.E. Austen, Lt. J.E. Brown, 2nd Lt. K.A. Floyde, 2nd Lt. L.F. Pettman, Lt. A.S. Henderson

The Tatler 3rd January 1945

If you type in the tatler 3rd. january 1945 you may be able to find a bigger picture of the photo, that way you may put a face to the name.

King regards,

Marcon1.

PS: tried but can only find W.C. and not his christian names.

Hi John,

I typed in google search - 2nd. "vba" .a. & s.h. regiment

Got a hit in tradeshouselibrary.org - records of the Scottish Volunteer Force 1859-1908

Noticed -  Gordon, Alex., F.S.M., Captain, 3rd V.B. A. & S.H.

Started to read the text until I read this - (see 5th V.B. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders)

And that's how I did it, took me about 15 minutes.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hi, John F.,

Volunteer Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Col.Sergt. = Color Sergeant.

Regards,

Marcon1.

Hi Zaim,

The word INSIGNIA covers all those listed above, no matter what kind of material was used for it. 

As you are using the English language for your publication, you should use the English INSIGNIA and not what is used in Albania/Italy.

Kind regards, Marcon1.

Seeing all these soldiers makes you wonder how many of them made it all the way to the end of the war.

Not many, I think.

The guy on the CDV with the newspaper article on the back did not make it, if that is indeed Hauptmann Emil Regins.

Marcon1.

Hi,

The crown is that used by the British Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.

This Merchant Navy (MN) identification badge was issued to seamen on British ships in January 1940 and to those on New Zealand ships from July 1941.

No idea what the W stands for, maybe issued to someone who saved a life at sea (hence the life buoy) or perhaps a brooch for a loved one (girlfriend ??).

Marcon1.

The 6 known reverses.

Hiya, 

I found this bit of information in the September issue of Medal News.

It's the last few lines that are of interest- reverses different depending on Province !

There are 10 provinces and 3 territories - does that make 10 or 13 different medals ??

Here is a nice chance to start and complete a mini collection.

Regards, Marcon1.

Hiya,

Although my eyesight might not be what it ones was I do seem to see that the Coat of Arms is divided into 4 quarters.

top left and bottom right blue with some image while the other 2 quarters look like gold with some image.

Also, that dark blob in the middle, could that be another image ??

Could this therefor be one of those German states (pre 1914) crosses ??

Marcon1.