Megan

Awarded: To members of the Fire Service for sustained and dedicated service of a high order. Post Nominal Letters: MSM. Date of institution unknown, possibly 1970. Obverse:

Within the Commonwealth, several nations have chosen to incorporate the Victoria Cross into their own Honours System, generally to be awarded by HM The Queen in her role as their Queen. Australia - incorporated the VC into the Australian Honours System on 15 January 1991. Canada - instituted the 'Victoria Cross of Canada' on 2 February 1993, prior to that Canadians were eligible for the UK version. New Zealand - instituted the 'Victoria Cross for New Zealand' in September 1999, again before that date New Zealand citizens received the UK one. The Canadians have modified the design - so the scroll reads 'Pro Valore' rather than 'For Valour' - but I think Australia and New Zealand have retained the original design.

Both were established 15 May 1972 and replaced (by the Fiji Police Medal and Fiji Police Long Service Medal respectively) on 8 March 1995. Unfortunately although I know the ribbon colours I have no pictures of these :(

From The Hindu (Indian newspaper), November 26 1953: "The Damascus correspondent of the Khilafat of Bombay reported that Syria's President Adib Shiskali was to present personally the Family Medal of Distinguished Degree to a Syrian father who had 17 living children. The presentation was part of that country's campaign to boost population. A total of 150 medals belonging to five degrees were to be awarded to prolific parents. The Government had created the Order of the Syrian family to promote the concept of prolific parenthood. Families raising numerous children were to be given free travel facilities and educational privileges throughout Syria."

Order of the Syrian Family Instituted: 18 March 1952, and awarded to mothers for bearing set numbers of children in 5 classes. This is the 3rd Class (9 children): The picture arrived from my good friend Emmanuel Halleux this morning. He says that the 4th Class is the same, but all silver; and the 4th Class all bronze.

You receive a framed certificate, usually at a formal parade. There is no wearable component.

Oh, it's YOU! :beer:

I just received notification of a new book on UK police helmet and cap badges, so I thought to mention it here for those who might be interested. Website: http://helmetscaps.co.uk/

Thank you, I shall! May I have your name for the acknowledgements, please?

In place of the ??? - I knew I'd seen that ribbon recently and found it last night - I'd say Portugal Order of Merit.

Commander, 1st Type, with swords:

Thanks, Ed... and you are always welcome with your thoughtful and erudite contributions :D

Nice... er, would you be prepared to permit the use of the pictures (properly attributed of course) on my website, please?

I mean the extra gold edge... the regular ribbon is light blue with silver central stripe & edges, then for wartime awards an extra gold edge is added.

And its reverse: Interestingly it appears to be on a war ribbon even though it's without swords.

Now for the 1st Type, a Knight (without swords). Obverse:

Thank you - for information and for good wishes.

And the reverse:

2nd Type Knight with swords, obverse:

Carol I - thanks for your input... this is how the picture arrived. I'm still finding my way around this Order so additional information is always welcome. Even if it shouldn't have bars, is it an officer's cross? It does seem to have a nice 'war' ribbon, though (extra gold edge stripes).

Oh, Dragomir - how sweet of you I have been around, but I am currently job-hunting having been made 'redundant' - at my level each application requires a young essay honed to the position and institution AND I am a judge for a major international competition in my other hobby (role-playing games), and it's all been getting in the way of the medals! 2 interviews lined up (aargh, got to write presentations for them!), fingers crossed.

(Reverse):

Ordinul "Virtutea Aeronauticã" Instituted: 31 July 1930. Awarded: For acts of bravery or valour in the air. Grades: 4 (Commander, Officer, Knight and Golden Cross), with or without swords. It exists in 2 types, each with or without swords. This is the Second Type with Swords, an Officer with swords. (Obverse):

Ahem. Can we keep this civilised, please, GENTLEMEN.

Your contributions are, as ever, extremely welcome Ed!!! (contemplates scuttling off to update India section on website).