Archer

Thanks Gordon. I was in Budapest in 2003 and had a whale of a time. I remember a very pleasent medal dealership near the museum, where I put down a Forint note and said to the dealer, "cover that with medals until my money runs out." Eventually I had to tell him to stop because it was becoming unfair. It was more fun than I'd had in ages. I also got a copy of the beautiful Kereszt, Érem, Csillag

Mine is indeed beautifully stippled. The mounting is a post hoc display - I didn't have my great-uncle's medals, and had to assemble his group [verified by paperwork] - but I like my medals on "clean" riboons and I like them mounted for display. William

Thanks Elmar - much appreciated! Sorry Tim, cannot tell you - it has been well and truly mounted with nylon thread and I cannot lift or turn it now. Does it make a difference? William

I have just seen this remark It's not for me to argue, but my great-uncle - a Reserve Chief Electrician (Stabselektrowärter)- was awarded the Iron Cross of Merit (Eiserne Verdienst-kreuz), with Crown, for loyally dutiful service in the face of the enemy (per 14 Corps Order 345) on 7 December 1916. Does that mean "at the front" or "on active service"?

Dear Forumites I am thinking of visiting Vienna and Prague in the not too-distant future, and wondered whether you can recommend any dealers in (moderately priced) ODM. Thank you William

I am extremely happy to say that this did not cost me anything like $200!

Among a lot of other items recently acquired came the Republic of Uganda Medal bearing the effigy of the dictator, Idi Amin Dada. Any information about this one? Cheers William

Dear Megan and other enthusiasts Can anyone give me the name and address of a supplier of replacement medal ribbons for Lesotho medals? I have three nice medals but, alas, unmounted and missing their ribbons. Many thanks William

Er ... this one ...

Ahhhh! Now I understand what is depicted on this bust of Ataturk in the Military Museum in Istanbul. Thank you. William

Interesting, Chris His index card is way too big to attach here, but I have cropped out the bit that interests you. At the top (not seen here) it states: Capt Erasmus Intelligence Scouts What you can see here ... Dates of pay: 23.9.14 to 1.8.15. Rank: Pte Remarks: Captured in G.S.W.A. 26.9.14 Released between 3rd & 7th July 1915 Discharged: 2.8.15 Demobilized But adds Dates of pay: "23.9.14 To 3.11.15 Intel agent. also shown Pte" Remarks: "Star issued 8th Intelligence 1914-1915 STAR stamped Pte" STAR Despatched 9.4/21. A little mystery ? William

Hi Chris Can we go back to Sandfontein, please? I have the medals of Thomas Martin BOLTON who was taken prisoner on 26 September 1914. He was NOT a member of the 1/SAMR. He is listed as an Intelligence Agent in Special Intelligence, but he must have been wearing uniform when captured because he was not shot as a spy. He was also shown as an attested Private in Erasmus's Intelligence Scouts or 8th Intelligence. Clearly he wasn't with Colonel Grant on or near the koppie. He must have been one of the screen of scouts sent out on Lukin's orders to find out what the firing was about. Can you add any more information from your sources? William