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    dpast32

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    Everything posted by dpast32

    1. THANK YOU Dave, I appreciate your prompt reply. I had always surmised that an Superintendent would have been from amongst the ranks of the regular Police Force, not the Special Constabulary, hence the reason for my question. I just picked up the Geo. V ( Coronation Robes & Crown) SC Medal recently. I was fortunate to obtain it for what I believe to be a very fair price of $55.00 USD with postage paid. ( $45 + $10 Shipping ) Based upon the recipient's Superintendent Rank, I felt I shouldn't pass it up. Hopefully it may research out to prove an interesting addition to my collection ? Best regards, dpast32
    2. Hello Gents, I'm curious as to the noted rank of Supt., as stamped prior to the recipients name of William Lang. If the recipient was a 'Special' so to speak, how was he a volunteer ? Wouldn't an Superintendent designate an upper level Law Enforcement Officer ? Any comments will be most appreciated. THANK YOU dpast32
    3. I THANK YOU very much for your kind reply. I too agree that it's highly unlikely that it's 'my' William Wilson. You do have to admit though, it was an plausible assumption, based upon all the contributing factors. Too bad, as it would have made a very nice addition to Wilson's 'Met.' Group. Take care my Friend, Best regards, dpast32
    4. Good Morning Gents, I have a brief Question pertaining to an potential addition to my Collection, but there's a question or two I wish to clarify prior to deciding. THE MEDAL IN QUESTION IS; 'CUMBERLAND & WESTMORELAND CONSTABULARY', GEO. V / WW1 ISSUE, officially named to: William Wilson. Now, this example either may, or may not be related to 'my' William John WILSON, 1859 - 1917, the subject of this particular Post. He was a London Metropolitan Police Sergeant who Retired in April 1909, but was temporarily reinstated for the 1911 Geo. V Coronation, & I'm 'assuming' that he just may have volunteered for service during the Great War, as he was only in 1914. NOW, MY QUESTION IS; Based upon his address at Retirement, which was; Horn church, Essex, England. Would it have been at all feasible, & or probable that these two individuals were perhaps the same men ? I have initiated a brief search to begin with, but from what I'm finding, both Counties in question appear to be quite a way from London, his reported home of residence at Retirement ? It would indeed be quite a find if this Special Constabulary Medal was actually 'my' William Wilson's, but I fear that may not be the case vin this particular situation ? As ALWAYS, any & all replies, comments, & or input will be deeply appreciated !! THANK YOU Best regards, dpast32
    5. THANK YOU My Friend, you pretty much confirmed my assumption. Based upon the above, 2nd in the list was abbreviated also, that may well be the case with the 3rd example ? As I know have the original documents in hand, I will Post them, rather than have people try to assist me working off somewhat less than legible copies. And yes, he does appear to have been some form of Civil Servant, having served within the City / Town's Administration. [ Also evidenced by his 25 year Service Medal ] I've also been advised that the 'pink' Wehrpass F Notice' was something advising the civilian populace as how to behave / act if & when the enemy forces are nearby, 'I think' ? The 25 year doc, along with the 'Front Fighter's Cross' I'm familiar with, so need no assistance on. Same too with the Genealogical Form. All the rest, unfortunately I could still use some translation help with ? So, here they are, what probably amounts to Heinrich's whole life, or almost all ! PLEASE see below for the Scans. THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH To anyone & everyone who has s very kindly assisted me in deciphering this interesting WW1 / WW2 Group !!! Best, Dom Pastore Jr. / dpast32@aol.com And that My Friends is the whole Group. I apologize for the upside down one, but I retook it twice, but to no avail. It's an envelope of sorts, which was / is permanently attached to the reverse of the 4th photo up from the bottom. All in all an interesting Grouping. I haven't been actively collecting Imperial German items for years now, but just found this one so interesting I couldn't pass it up.
    6. Hey Folks, I just realized that 'my man' received an additional medal / award for his Great War service. His Wehrpass lists 3 specific items, with the first 2 being, E.K. II, & 'Front Fighters Cross', aka Hindenburg Cross. As to the 3rd entry, I'm uncertain other than it's some type / form of Cross ? Does anyone recognize this particular award ? His unit was formed & originated from Hesse, so naturally I thought perhaps it was from there, but after an albeit brief search, I find no such award. ANY information on this 'Cross' will be much appreciated. THANKS AGAIN ! Best, Dom P.
    7. THANK YOU so very much 'Simius Rex', & 'Bayden' too, as always, I truly do appreciate each & every reply ! I admit that my initial Posts were quite lacking in legible details, but now that I've received the actual Grouping, I can improve upon my original Posts. I'm also pleased with that fact that I'm able to confirm with almost 100% certainty as to his E.K. II being an officially authorized decoration, due to it's notation on page 24 of his WW2 issue Wehrpass. And, in reference to his Genealogical Study, it consists of 4 pages, not just the 1st page I Posted. In fact, this particular Document is one of the primary reasons I purchased this Group, as much of the initial research had already been done for me ! [ It appears to be an extremely detailed study, going back through both sides of his lineage & their overall history. Only the 1st page however included any relevant military service data, so I couldn't see including the rest of it, unless of course someone has an particular interest in it ? ] Also, amongst all his paperwork are 2 pieces, both related to what appears to be his late War, pink colored 'Call Up', which I plan on Posting as soon as I get a chance. [ 2 pieces = the Call Up document, dated 02 February 1945, along with its corresponding envelope. ] There's also an aside to this man's story, which is, did he actually survive the final months of WW2 ? Although I've gotten a few 'hits' pertaining to his WW1 WIA information, his 1916 marriage, & what appears to be his wife, Freda's death in 1956, [ Freda, nee' Manker ] I unfortunately haven't found anything on his ultimate demise ? All in all, I'm quite pleased with the Group, & hopefully will be able to dig up some more interesting facts regarding my search subject ! THANKS AGAIN Gentlemen, Best, Dom Pastore Jr. / dpast32@aol.com And Ohh, as a P.S.: I've been attempting to dechiper the proof along the ring of his E.K., & as most of you are probably aware, it's quite a bugger. Based upon what I 'think' it looks like, here are a few 'possibilities' of what I see on the rim. RE: KH 14, KA 14, AH 14, HA 14, or ?? Those possible's were observed with my 30X Loupe, which did appear to be an improvement over the 10X. Maybe I'm getting old, but boy, they're very tough to discern ?
    8. THANK YOU Simius, You're reply is exactly what I was looking for. And, it is specifically noted on one of his documents that his service was performed 'at the Front' There is some additional wording on this same form, but as I unfortunately don't speak or read German, I suspect that's the more to to gleaned from those few sentences. I'm preparing to photograph these particular documents, & hopefully, once Posted here, someone may find a few interesting & informative tidbits within them ? THANKS Best, Dom
    9. Hello Folks, I do have one more question pertaining to this particular Group, & hope someone can assist me in solving it ? The above noted 'Sanitater & Musiker' [ also referred to in some of his documents by his Gefreiter Rank ] was awarded the E.K. II either on 27 January 1916, or for an act performed on that date, but unfortunately when obtained its Ribbon was missing ? So, based upon his unit designation, & or function, which E.K. II Ribbon type would be most appropriate for his decoration, the 'Combatant' version, or the 'Non-Combatant' variety ? Unfortunately it appears as if I'll be forced to obtain a reproduction piece of drape, as I haven't found any gaerenteed original mtg examples available, although many are listed as 'original'. But, at the moment all I'm really interested in is determining exactly v which Ribbon type would be appropriate for my example ? As always, any & all input will be very much appreciated. THANKS AGAIN ! Best, Dom P. / dpast32
    10. Thanks Bayern , I again appreciate your kind reply. My primary purpose was / is to determine if he would have been assigned to the small Medical Section of his particular Infantry Kompanie, or instead would have been attached to an actual Infantry Squad as an Aid Man, or Medic ? Yes, it's an wholly academic question, but I was simply wondering as to his precise location of assignment within his assigned 1st Kompanie ? I do admit that in many cases I tend to over document my respective medal groups, & thereby end up at the proverbial 'dead end', so to speak. Sometimes there's only so deep we can delve into these things, & subsequently have to accept what we've found & be happy with it ! [ Plus, my not reading or writing German doesn't help any either, especially that darn old Germanic script !! ] THANKS AGAIN My Friend, Best, Dom P.
    11. Thanks Bayern , I again appreciate your kind reply. My primary purpose was / is to determine if he would have been assigned to the small Medical Section of his particular Infantry Kompanie, or instead would have been attached to an actual Infantry Squad as an Aid Man, or Medic ? Yes, it's an wholly academic question, but I was simply wondering as to his precise location of assignment within his assigned 1st Kompanie ? I do admit that in many cases I tend to over document my respective medal groups, & thereby end up at the proverbial 'dead end', so to speak. Sometimes there's only so deep we can delve into these things, & subsequently have to accept what we've found & be happy with it ! [ Plus, my not reading or writing German doesn't help any either, especially that darn old Germanic script !! ] THANKS AGAIN My Friend, Best, Dom P.
    12. Hello Gentlemen, Hopefully this is the proper sub-section for this query ? I realize that there were numerous types & duties amongst the WW1 era German medical personnel, but I'm interested in determining the primary duties & functions of someone listed as an, 'Sanitater & Musiker', who was assigned to the 1st Kompanie of Reserve Infantry Regiment Nr. 80 ? [ His actual Rank was listed as an Gefreiter. ] Would he have served as an Stretcher Bearer, an Aid Man / Medic, or perhaps someone who would have been assigned / attached to the Infantry Kompanie's Medical Detachment ? If could advise me regarding the above query, I will be very much appreciative for any & all replies. THANK YOU Best, Dom P. / dpast32
    13. Hello Gentlemen, Could anyone tell me anything regarding the below named Scottish Volunteer, & or his particular unit ? In addtion to serving with the Lanark Rifles, he later emmigrated to the USA where he went of to command an American State Militia unit, the 'United Train of Artillery', of Bristol, Rhode Island. He later passed away & is buried here in Rhode Island. ©>>> PVT. ROBERT BAIN, Enlisted in "76th COMPANY, 1st LANARK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS" { aka PORT DUNDAS CORPS } NOTE: 76th Company was later renamed, & or reorganized as "P Company, 1st Lanark Rifle Volunteers" ( aka 76th, or Port Dundas Corps ) I'll appreciate anything pertaining to this Scottish unit. His Medal is named & engraved as follows: >> 'H. M. Guard / 1st L. R. V.' - Marksman Medal, Named to: Pvt. R. Bain, 1884 - 1889 { '1st Lanark Rifle Volunteers', Company P' } << THANK YOU, Best, Dom P. / dpast32
    14. Seeking Additional Information on WW1 Group to L/Cpl. [ Later Lieutenant ] Alan HOCKLY, WIA at Loos, 25 - 26 September 1915, while serving with 6th Battalion [ Service ] Cameron Highlanders ? I've had this Group for a while now, & although I've been relatively fortunate in researching & documenting his service, I'm still curious as to which German, or Central Powers units the 6th Cameron's were facing, & ultimately were engaged with on 25 / 26 September 1915 ? { Just as an 'aside', I later determined that Hockly was closely related to one of the 'founding families', so to speak, who emigrated & settled South Africa circa the 1820's, IIRC. } After his medical evacuation from Loos, while convelescing, he applied for & received an Officer's Commission to the 11th Bn. York & Lanc's, & was shortly thereafter transferred to the 10th Y &L Bn. From what I've been able to learn, I don't believe he ever returned to France, & or left the U.K. at all after her wounded, & later Commissioned ? Then, IIRC, in 1917 he received his final transfer of WW1, which was to 3rd R.B., Royal Engineers. [ No doubt based upon his being enrolled in the Civil Engineering Program University of Glasgow when he initially enlisted. ] I believe he also served during WW2, albeit in pretty much the same capacity as ever so of his particular Generation, as Lieutenant's assigned to perhaps the R.E., Pioneer units, & or other related Service type units. He has tended to be somewhat of a 'bugger' in regards to the ease of researching him. He appears to have transitioned back & forth between England / Scotland, South Africa, & Canada, where he ultimately passed away & was buried in on 24 May 1973, in British Columbia. So, if anyone amongst our Highland Regiments Scholars would be so kind as to enlighten me regarding the 6th Cameron's particular role, either in or around Loos infamous Hill 70, I would deeply appreciate hearing from them. THANK YOU !! Best regards, Dom P. / dpast32
    15. Hello Gentlemen, I hope everyone here is feeling healthy & well. As I was documenting a particular medal in one of WW1 U.S. 26th 'Yankee Division' Groups, I came across this somewhat brief, yet interesting & informative article pertaining to these French U.N.C. Medals. If interested, see the following Link; https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/union_nationale_des_combattants_unc Best, Dom P. / dpast32
    16. THANKS Uwe !! I just received a pair of those exact Shoulder Boards a few minutes ago in the mail. I figured I should grab a pair in case I wish to create a display some day, & simply due to their being somewhat more difficult to locate as opposed to the basic Volkspolizei Boards. I've also waiting for the matching Strafvollzug Collar Tabs, & also have the correct Schirmuttze in my sights to bid on. All I'll need after those items are a Tunic, & perhaps a Shoulder Patch for display along with the related insignia. Just out of curiosity, have you ever come across any of the Strafvollzug type Shoulder / Tunic patches ? I don't ever recall any being for sale ? Best, Dom
    17. THANKS Uwe, It almost appears as if the VOPO Administration ( Verwaltungs ) was attempting to find their proper place within the overall GDR System. As you've so kindly noted, each particular Document was titled somewhat differently. Initially, I had thought that the Meister rank was similar to an Officer Cadet, but apparently it was somewhere near the top of the Sergeant's grade ? I apologize for my dreaded 'auto correct' feature, for whenever I type any Foreign terms / nomenclature, it attempts to 'correct' me !! I honestly wish I could shut it off !! When I recently obtained these Documents I was led to believe the recipient was indeed your average VOPO, but I can see how the seller was confused, as I initially was. Not that I mind, for from what I've been advised, Strafvollzug Branch items tend to much less found than the basic Volkspolizei Branch ? THANKS AGAIN, Best, Dom
    18. Hello Use, Many THANKS for the above information. Just maybe I'll be able to track him down, but as we both know, it's not at all likely ? I do have one question though, & it may be the result of just the DDR's protocol, but why is he referred to as an "Mister d' Volkspolizei' on one of his Documents, as opposed to say, an 'Mister d' Strafvollzug' or perhaps 'MdI' ? Just curious as to why he had been listed as a member of the VOPO ? Best, Dom P.
    19. Hello Use, I THANK YOU very much for your reply, I truly appreciate it. Up until yesterday I was under the assumption that he was just your basic, Volkspolizei manner, & was starting to look at for a Meister's rank VOPO Tunic to display with the Group. I'm glad that I didn't act too fast in purchasing one, as I know now that it's the Corrections Officer type I really need. The 10 year 'True Service Medal' I received is exactly the Sara's the example visible on the inside cover of that award folder, so I assume it's correct ? I recall years ago that practically any DDR issue uniform was available, & all at pretty decent prices. Well, as you're probably already aware, that's not the case any longer ! But, it appears that with a bit of searching, one can still turn up all but the rarest issue items. As I just recently obtained this, I haven't made very much headway in researching the recipient, Mister d' Volkspolizei Bruno Urban. Hopefully will some investigating, I will at least dig up some cursory information on him. Not knowing the town / city he actually resided in will make it ever more difficult, but I will at least give it a go ! One point has me wondering somewhat, & that's why was he awarded an VOPO 10 year Medal, as opposed to one identified as being from the Penal System, or Corrections ? I'm certain there was a reason for that, but it does make me wonder a bit ? THANKS AGAIN Use I appreciate your kind reply. Best regards, dpast32
    20. Hello Folks, I figured I would share this recent acquisition, as even though I have an idea about it, I would truly appreciate any additional information, based upon a more precise translation of the German terminology, & or nomenclature described within the assorted Documents ? Basically, from what little I've determined, he received the DDR / MdI's '10 Year Loyal & Faithful Service Medal', in Silver, & also that he appears to have been an Instructor, or Teacher of some specific subject or another ! From what I can see, & based on the Documents available, it looks like he served with the Vopo's from approximately 1954 through to 1959, or thereabouts ? If anyone would PLEASE be so kind as to assist me in deciphering / translating these Documents, I will be EXTREMELY APPRECIATIVE !! THANK YOU Folks, any & all replies, comments, and or input will be very much appreciated. Best regards, dpast32
    21. THANKS Trooper D, Yes, I was very happy to receive this Obituary, especially due to it pretty much confirming what we've learned already. Now I'll just pick up a period manufacture RAMC Officer's Service Dress Cap Badge to add to his display, & I'll be able to call him complete. I will say though, it's really nice being Retired, as I now don't have to wait for my days off to fit in my research, in between all the other household duties of course. THANKS AGAIN for all your assistance with this one, I really appreciated it. Take care, Best, Dom Pastore Jr. / dpast32@aol.com
    22. Hello Gents, Just in case anyone happens to be interested, & or following my progress here, I have finally managed to obtain a copy of 1st Lieutenant Raymond's Obituary, which I have to say is quite complete ! Just when think you're all done, there's usually at least one more piece of the puzzle still to be found. THANKS Guys, Best, Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com
    23. I just contacted both of his local Libraries, Brockton where he was born, & Worcester where he worked & resided for much of his life. Hopefully either of them will be able to dig up his Obituary for me ? I have searched long & hard but just can't seem to find it, nor for his wife either. Well, tomorrow is another day so I'll keep at it !! I wish I could Copy & Paste the 118 pages of Awards Roster from 'Lost Legions', but I fear I may have to actually print it out !! Ouch, I see my new ink cuts draining away already ! Oh well, it's better than buying the book. Take care, Best, Dom
    24. THANKS 'Trooper-D' ! Included below are a few interesting article & texts pertaining to U.S. Medical Personnel assigned to U.K. Forces. Although only an 8 page article, it too is well worth the read. And lastly, I have tracked down an older, 1926 pub. concerning over 1,500 American Physician's WW1 service with the RAMC. ("The Lost Legion", by Dr. W. A. R. Chapin ) Unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate a direct LinkI to it, so therefore have to access it via 'Hathi Trust', which I'm honestly not all that pleased about. But, it stil is well worth the added effort to access it !! ( I have attempted to purchase a used copy, but not at $200 USD !! ) Just for the record, the U.S. Army's CMH has published an exhaustive series covering all the assorted operations of the War, everything from overseas transport to medals & decorations. The U.S. 'AMMED' also has a complete Website devoted to Military Medical subjects, & I feel it's definitely well a look. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015039349421&view=1up&seq=11 %22ARTICLE - %22U.K. & U.S. MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS IN WW1%22 ( 8 Pgs, 2018-1-Wood ) .pdf
    25. Hey Gents, Here's a bit of information that I recently happened across, & thought that perhaps someone here may be interested in it. It is relevant to this particular Post, so I figured it would be ok to share here. The data can e found within an article pertaining to U.S. Army Physicians in British service during WW1. It's titled; [ PDF] Yanks in the King's Forces: American Physicians serving with the British Expeditionary Force During World War - (AMEDD) Historyh ( istory.amedd.army.mil › wwi › A... ) . On page 33, it notes that 173 U.S. Army Physicians received the Military Cross for their service with British Forces. I have over the years observed a few varying totals for M.C.'s to Americans in WW1, but I have never encountered this 'Physicians only' total. ( IIRC, Abbott & Tamplin report a grand total of 320 or so awards to U.S. Personnel. ) Even if the M.C. data wasn't included in this 'treatise' of sorts, I believe it's well worth the read. Has anyone ever encountered this U.S. Doctors only' M.C. total ? Any comments will be appreciated. THANKS Guys, Best, Dom P.
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