Thanks so much, Bernhard, for continuing our education on this world-renowned force.  

Best,

Hugh

I know less than nothing about the Legion except for what I learn from Bernhard and others on this forum, but I do wonder about the dragon.  Perhaps it is really an alligator, symbol of amphibious forces in the USA and other countries.  Was this unit part of an amphibious force?  

Interesting.  I don't find it in Juan Luis Calvo's Condecoraciones de España 1849-1975.  I noticed that the style of crown shown is used more frequently in the Franco and post-Franco years.  The suspension is unusual for a government-issued medal.  What does the other side look like?

H

As you say, Bernhard, HMS Himalaya was among a number of R. N. ships awarded the Ashantee Medal.  278 medals were awarded to Himalaya personnel.  In addition to naval actions in the river, naval personnel fought ashore with infantry formations.  The same medal was also issued as the East and West Africa Medal (1887-1900) with 21 different bars, most of which seem to be West Africa.  

The ribbon of the Africa General Service Medal (1902) is very similar (the center stripes are blue rather than black), but the medal is completely different.  45 bars were awarded with the AGSM, up through the Mau Mau insurrection in the mid '50's.    See a well-worn example below.

Well done, Dante, and thanks for the rest of the story.  

Best,

Hugh

I'll offer 21 Euros, sight unseen.  

Hugh

The one with the anchor appears to be the emblem of the Pakistani Navy.  Any chance of seeing the obverse?

Hugh

​

Alas, no, but I can put you in contact with the dealer if he is still using the same email address.  Just let me know. 

H

Interesting.  I don't think of the eagle as an emblem typical of the Belgians (or the French after Napoleon).  Let's see what the knowledgeable think. 

Hugh

OK, it's confession time (and the purists are going to go bonkers).  When I got the sash, the rosette was very badly faded - to the point where the colors could no longer be distinguished.  Thanks to a dealer who shall remain nameless for his own protection, I was able to buy a length of ribbon from a Danish order which almost exactly matches the Brazilian Rose and fabricate a new rosette.  I carefully removed the old rosette and saved it, replacing it with the new version.  If I (or more likely, my heirs) sell the piece, they'll have the old rosette to accompany it, so all that has been lost is the stitching to attach it.   

My rationale is that, as a career officer with thirty years service, I would never have appeared with the faded rosette on my uniform.  I would certainly have replaced it to assure that the order appeared "as issued".  Just as we replace old faded, or torn flags, we maintain ODM making the minimum changes to keep them in good order and appearance.    

I'll now stand back to receive the blasts of those who think otherwise.

Hugh

I first became aware of the Rose when we visited a museum in St. Augustine, Florida.  They were working the floral motif, with examples of the British Order of the Indian  Empire, Finland's Order of the White Rose and our very own Brazilian Rose, all of which use a rose as the central motif.  My wife, who has indulged me in these foibles for over 50 years, was captivated, and decided that we had to have one and about 10 years later, we did.  There may be other roses out there, but I don't know about them.  Any thoughts?

Hugh  

I've shown this elsewhere on the forum, but couldn't resist another chance to show off my baby.  I just love this piece.  As you can see, I got it at the OMSA show in Jacksonville, Florida in 2008.  It was outrageously expensive and worth every penny.  I used to travel regularly to Brasil for business, but never saw anything like this.  Any comments on whether this is likely to be an efetivo or onorario or are the insignia the same?

BRAZIL – Imperial Order of the Rose (Ordem Imperial da Rosa) – Grand Cross set with sash badge, silver gilt, medallions gold, both sides enameled, roses painted.  Size 48 x 78 mm without ring, two roses on reverse chipped – VF

Star – 64 x 84 mm, both exquisite detail.  Sash is faded. 

You'll see that the dimensions differ from Lambert's data above.  Variant from a different manufacturer, I suppose. Or perhaps it's really a Grao Dignitario. Unfortunately, I didn't look for a maker's mark before framing it.  

For some time now, I've been following an interesting blog - World War II Today, which has provided a day-by-day commentary on the war.  I suspect many of you already know of it.  I was struck by today's entry on a diary entry by Captain Leah of the Cameron Highlanders, and especially by the blogger's end comment:  At present we have little more information about Captain R. Leah whose short diary was deposited with the War Office sometime after the war.  I'd be very surprised if someone on this forum couldn't unearth "the rest of the story" and provide it to the blogger.  Unfortunately, I don't have access to the material, but several of you have been most helpful in the past.  Let's help spread this brave soldier's story.  

Best,

Hugh

2nd Lieutenant David Callander in the full dress uniform of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders at his graduation from Sandhurst in 1939. He won the Military Cross at La Bassee, near Dunkirk, as commander of the 1st Battalion's anti-tank platoon. Their three two pounder guns accounted for 21 German tanks.

A working party of the 1st Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders at Aix in France, November 1939.

Men of the 1st Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders digging trenches at Aix, France, November 1939.

Captain Leah’s remarkable diary of just eighteen days in the movements of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in France 1940 is representative of many in the British Expeditionary Force. The move forward from France into Belgium, the attempt to establish new positions and then the confusing and exhausting retreat as they sought to avoid being outflanked. The transition from peacetime army to experiencing shellfire for the first time and then rapidly on to full scale murderous battle, with the loss of many friends and colleagues.

In just one respect the The 1st Battalion the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were different, they were members of the Highland Brigade in France 1940, the last unit of the the British Army to fight in kilts.

There were many examples of successful British actions like the counterattack at Escaut that might well have have led to further successes had the whole British force not been completely outflanked by the German breakthrough to the coast. They were not a beaten army. Captain Leah’s diary reveals just how lucky some were to get away to Dunkirk and how only slightly less luck led to long years as a prisoner of war:

From the Diary of Captain R. Leah, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders :

28th May

Floundering about in mud and water and crossing last wire fences. Kilt badly torn. However we covered about 7 1/2 miles and dawn found us on outskirts of Laventie. By this time we were more or less clear of enemy except for odd motor cyclists but very tired and hungry. Here made unfortunate mistake of deciding to lay up for another day until dark. Poured with rain and had to take to houses – for a few hours but got out again about 8 a.m. Spoke to Frenchman and family who had seen no enemy and then took cover in orchard. In afternoon surrounded by Coy of enemy. Half of us asleep at this time. Henderson hit and several enemy. Kerr’s platoon got clear away and are home.

[Captain Leah was taken prisoner by the Germans]

Taken to H.Q. either of Bde or Division. Asked if we told troops that Germans shot all English and French prisoners. Pr. civilians. Given a plate of noodle which I badly needed. Searched by probably Intelligence Officer and left with equipment. Raining hard all afternoon and spent unpleasant hour on motor bike before getting into truck, soaked to the skin and troops not much better. Travelled back along column to Reception Camp.

[space] police – given bread and three bars of chocolate amongst us. Three Royal Scots and several French here. Buchanan threw a fit. Embussed again and taken on to Bethune. Still soaked but fire of sorts going and got dry by following morning. Extremely hungry this evening and went to sleep at 8 p.m.

Here separated from troops but still in same camp.

[added note] Turner and Nicholson hit on 27th in field outside La Bassee. Henderson hit Laventie.

28th. 8 miles [marching].

[Entry No.19, for the first entry see 10th May 1940]

See TNA WO 217/15

At present we have little more information about Captain R. Leah whose short diary was deposited with the War Office sometime after the war.

- See more at: http://ww2today.com/captain-leah-is-captured-near-la-bassee?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WorldWarIIToday+(World+War+II+Today*+)#sthash.4aUGAyMR.dpuf

Welcome, Samantha,  

You make a welcome change to the fossils here.  Perhaps you could post a link to some of your music.  

Best,

Hugh

Looks good to me.  Any hallmarks?

Hugh

Might have been more effective had it been written in Hindi or Urdu.

H

Hi, Somerset,  

I got interested in the Emergency when I lived in Singapore (1984-91).  As you can see, I wasn't overwhelmed by the responses, so the piece never got finished.  Still, it's fun to see your picture.  Got any good stories to tell?

Thanks,

Hugh

Belated thanks to Emmanuel who has once again brought us a treasure trove of information from another obscure corner of the world.  How do you do it?

In admiration, 

Hugh

Thanks to all. I think my estimate of 100 who'd know must have been low. And thanks to Bernhard for making me feel better in my ignorance

Hugh

That was my impression as well.  Thanks for looking 

Hugh

Thanks, for this, Dan.  I knew I'd get a quick answer on this one.  It appears that it was in service for many years, hence, I assume large numbers must have been issued.  Strange that I've never noticed it in pictures before now.  

This photo was posted today on the World War II website with the following caption:  

Vickers machine gunners of the 1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment, 15th (Scottish) Division, lay down harassing fire in support of forward elements during the battle for Goch, 20 February 1945. - See more at: http://ww2today.com/17-february-1945-the-only-way-out-for-an-infantryman?

I'm unfamiliar with the helmet on the machine gunner.  I suspect at least 100 of you will know it instantly.  

Hugh

Delighted to see members of the McNair family reading these posts, and I'm delighted to hear that the family medals are at Fort McNair.  I've sent a fair bit of time there over the years.  As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm also delighted to see that Elise will be sharing the family's talents with the Navy.  

I hope that Curtis and Hallie have been able to connect via the Private Messaging function of this forum.  (I wasn't aware it existed for months.)

Thanks for joining us.  

Hugh

Count on Dave for the definitive word.  

Thanks,

Hugh