bigjarofwasps
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Posts posted by bigjarofwasps
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Eye of the Storm, by Peter Radcliffe DCM.
P244 & p245
The pay sergeant major also issued each man with twenty gold sovereigns. The sovereigns were intended to be used to bribe Iraqi citizens or military personel if the need should arise. Since gold sovereigns are an internationally accepted currency, and since each one is worth, not its nominal ?1 face value, but around ?80, they are extremely useful and a compact way of carrying a large sum of money.
The sovereigns had to be handed back after the war unless you could prove to have had a legitimate use for them. No one did use them. We tended to steal or hijack what we needed, rather than barter for it.
I might add that, contrary to what has been said in several accounts of the SAS in the Gulf War, most of the sovereigns were accounted for after the war.
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The British GSM 1918 to 1962, also comes with clasp `Southern Desert Iraq`
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New Zealand Medal, for service in Iraq.
About this medal
This medal was instituted in 2004 to recognise New Zealand personnel (both military and non military) who have served in Iraq since 27 May 2003. The initial New Zealand Defence Force contribution consisted of two personnel who served with the United Nations Mine Action Service?s Mine Action Coordination Team based in Basrah. Military engineers and support personnel were subsequently deployed to Iraq under United Nations Resolution 1483, to work on humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
The qualifying period for the medal starts from 27 May 2003 for mine clearance operations, and 17 September 2003 for service with the British led Multi-National Division in (Southeast) Iraq undertaking humanitarian, rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
More than 120 New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have served in Iraq since 27 May 2003 have qualified for this medal. Further information on service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq can be found in the media statements listed below, on the Current Missions page of the NZDF website (see section 16), and on the Medals Listed by Campaign table.
Service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq prior to 27 May 2003 with the United Nations missions UNSCOM or UNMOVIC is recognised by the New Zealand General Service Medal 1994 (Clasp Iraq) and the United Nations Special Service Medal.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is comprised of stripes of black, light green, white, and red. These colours have been used as the basic colours of various Iraqi national flags since 1919. Red (blood), black (oppression), and white (shining future) have been used as the basis of Arabic liberation flags of a number of Arabic countries. Green alludes to the Islamic faith and hope. Black and white are also regarded as national colours of New Zealand.
Royal Warrant
The Royal Warrant for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 can be viewed here.
Medal Regulations
The Regulations for the New Zealand General Service Medal 2002 (Iraq 2003) can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
There are no clasps or bars for this medal.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Order of Wear Table can be viewed here.
Media Statement concerning the NZGSM 2002 (Iraq 2003)
16 September 2004 - New Medals for Service in Iraq and Solomon Islands
Media statements concerning service by New Zealand personnel in Iraq:
23 September 2004 - Minister Congratulates NZ Defence Force Personnel on Reconstruction Work in Iraq
23 September 2004 - NZAID in Iraq
23 September 2004 - Defence Force Personnel Come Home from Iraq
9 March 2004 - Defence Force Personnel Return from Iraq
4 March 2004 - More Defence Personnel Head for Iraq
4 March 2004 - Iraqi Blast Officer back at Work
1 March 2004 - Helping Hands: Kiwis in Iraq
27 February 2004 - Iraq Charitable Freight
23 December 2003 - Kiwi Soldiers Bring Water to 200,000 in Iraq
11 August 2003 - NZDF Deployment to Iraq
11 August 2003 - Questions and Answers on the Iraq Deployment
9 June 2003 - Chief of Defence Forces Announces Deployment to Iraq
9 June 2003 - Government Assistance to Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq
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I think I`m right in thinking that the only thing that has taken out a Chally 2, is another Chally 2!!!!!!!
Warrior has been defeated, but I`d still rather be in one of those bad boys, than a Snatch!!!!!!
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I think the only vehicle that hasn`t been had by anything out here is the Challanger 2 tank.
Do the US have ECM?
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Hi,
Can anyone tell me anything about the campaign in Oman, in the 70`s?
How long did it last? Other than the SAS, what other units were involved?
Was a medal awarded for it?
BJOW
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And this........
US general: Insurgents using more lethal bombs
General Carter admits Iraqi insurgents have adapted to increased armour protection on US military vehicles by changing techniques, building more lethal bombs.
WASHINGTON - Insurgents are using more powerful, armour penetrating bombs in attacks like those this week that killed 21 US marines in western Iraq, a top general said Wednesday.
It was unclear what kind of device was used to kill 14 marines and an interpreter in an armoured amphibious assault vehicle Wednesday in the town of Haditha.
But Brigadier General Carter Ham of the US Joint Staff said insurgents have adapted to increased armour protection on US military vehicles by changing techniques and building more lethal bombs.
The changing insurgent techniques have proven a challenge for US forces, he said.
"We are seeing larger amounts of explosives," Ham said.
"We are seeing different techniques that are being used in an effort to counter the efforts of coalition and Iraqi security forces to protect folks while they are moving -- different types of penetrators, different techniques of triggering the events."
"I mean, again, this is a very brutal, lethal and adaptive enemy," he said.
The marines killed in Wednesday's attack were in an amphibious assault vehicle, which carries less armour protection than a tank, he said.
They were in the same area where six marine snipers were ambushed and killed on Monday, he said.
In that attack, the marines were dismounted, apparently moving on foot through Haditha, when they were killed. One of their bodies was found some distance away.
"This was a unit that was properly prepared, trained and equipped for their operation. They came under attack and, as we know today, the six US Marines were killed in that attack," he said.
Ham shed little light on their deaths, saying the incident was under investigation.
But he denied rumours the marine snipers were betrayed by ostensibly friendly Iraqi forces, or that some were beheaded and mutilated, and he said there were no indication that any marines were still unaccounted for.
Ansar al-Sunna, an insurgent group linked to al-Qaeda, claimed earlier in an Internet statement that its forces killed eight marines and captured a ninth on Monday in Haditha.
Ham said US forces have been conducting simultaneous operations in towns along the Euphrates river valley that are used to funnel foreign fighters and weapons into Baghdad from the Syrian border.
US commanders were concerned about the insurgent presence in the area and brought in additional troops from outside the marine's sector for the operation, he said.
In past campaigns in the area, insurgents have simply moved elsewhere. But Ham said the simultaneous operations have disrupted their ability to move.
"I think that's one of the contributing causes to these number of direct contacts that are occurring," he said.
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The obvious anti war message aside, I thought the info on the `hillbilly armour` most interesting, what do you guys think?
Support our troops' ? bring them home alive
Plain Talk By Al Neuharth
USA TODAY Founder
They're burying young Marine reservists in Ohio this week. Fourteen of them, ages 19 and up, were killed last week when their amphibious landing vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
President Bush won't be at any of the Ohio funerals. He has not attended any funeral for any of the 1,840 servicemen and women killed in Iraq, although he has met with some groups of families who lost loved ones.
Bush simply called this latest tragedy a ?grim reminder? that we are at war. It also should remind anyone who knows anything about war that lightly-armored amphibious vehicles never were meant to transport troops on bomb-laden roads. They were designed for sandy beaches.
?Support our troops? has been an appropriate rallying cry for every war president. Nearly all civilians nearly always respond, supporting not just troops but also the commander in chief. Now, that's changing. Results of a nationwide poll this week by USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup:
?54% say Bush's war in Iraq was a mistake.
?33% say we should withdraw all troops from there.
?Support our troops? has become a sad, empty slogan for Bush.
Public support for the troops still is there, with candy, cookies and yellow ribbons. But government support sadly is lacking. No effective overall war plan. Inadequate or outdated equipment. No exit strategy.
That's why the best way to support our troops in Iraq is to insist that Bush bring them all home. Alive. Sooner rather than later.
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Well its been a few months now, and can confirm that I still haven`t seen any military dogs.
I can however confirm that the stray dogs are not all the same colour, I`ve seen a wide varity of colours, shapes and sizes, now. A few cats and birds. One of the guys claimed to have seen a desert hedgehog the other morning, but this report is yet to be confirmed.
There seems to be no shortage of dead horses either, especially on the way into Basrah.
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Yes I thought the t shirts were bolloxs!!!!
Quote,
I wonder will Iran, be next who knows? I also wonder how long its going to take to sort out Iraq?
Get a load of this kiddies t shirt, whats all that about. Talk about enflicting your opinions onto your kids!!!!!
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I appreciate, that technically, given the fact that this couple where not British, and that I have not been listing all the fatalities suffered by the Iraqi people and other Coalition forces serving in Iraq, that maybe I shouldn`t been posting these details on this thread, however, given the fact that this incident occurred in the British Area of Operations, I feel that it merits being added to this thread. However, if anyone feels that it is not appropriate, to list it here, then I will move it.
US journalist shot dead in Iraq
Vincent reported that Shia militants had infiltrated Basra police
A US freelance reporter, Steven Vincent, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Basra, southern Iraq, police have said.
Mr Vincent was abducted with his female Iraqi translator at gun point by men in a police car on Tuesday.
His bullet-riddled body was found on the side of a highway south of the city a few hours later.
He had been writing a book about the city, where insurgents have recently stepped up their attacks.
Bundled into car
The pair were kidnapped by five gunmen in a police car as they left a currency exchange shop, Lt Col Karim al-Zaidi said.
"Both were later shot, but Vincent was killed, while the girl [translator] is alive," said Mr Zaidi.
Mr Vincent was shot several times in the head and body, said Mr Zaidi. The translator, Nour Weidi, was seriously wounded.
Mr Vincent's relatives have been informed and US officials are working with the UK military and Iraqi authorities to identify the killers.
"I can confirm to you that officials in Basra have recovered the body of journalist Steven Vincent," said embassy spokesman Pete Mitchell. "Our condolences go out to the family."
Mr Vincent had been in Basra in recent months working for the Christian Science Monitor and the New York Times.
In a recent New York Times article, Mr Vincent wrote that Basra's police force had been infiltrated by Shia militants.
He quoted a senior Iraqi police lieutenant saying some officers were behind many of the killings of former Baath party members in Basra.
Mr Vincent also criticised the UK forces, who are responsible for security in Basra, for ignoring abuses of power by Shia extremists.
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Lodge-Craft is very proud to present:-
A well crafted two sided Enamel and Antique Pewter finish Masonic Coin or Token.
"Brothers In Harm's Way"
It measures 1 7/8"
Beautifully Designed and handpainted in Canada.
Complete with Leatherette and Velour Case as shown in the Photograph.
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Cheers Geoff, I think that answers my question perfectly, many thanks indeed.
You might be interested in a research project i did a few years back about Capt John Martin MC Gordon Highlanders, he won his MC for a trench raid he organised, on the Somme, but later at Arras he took out a machine gun out post, off his own back that was stopping his company advance, he was killed, and got no award for it?
Its on the WW1 thread, under..A few soldiers that I`ve researched....., Might be of interest to someone......
I`d very much like to hear you views on this case.
Gordon.
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Wounded soldier to be flown home
Two military vehicles were hit by a suspected roadside bomb
A British soldier critically injured by a roadside bomb in Basra is to be flown home for more treatment, the Army said.
He suffered upper body injuries and remained "very seriously ill", after Saturday's explosion in the Gzeiza area, an Army spokesman in Iraq said.
"We can confirm it was an improvised explosive device, or roadside bomb, and there were no other injuries," he said.
Three British troops and two British security guards have died in attacks in Basra since mid-July.
The injured soldier had emergency surgery in Iraq on Saturday, and would be returned to the UK in the next couple of days for further treatment, the Army spokesman said.
The investigation into the incident is continuing.
BRIT TROOPS HIT BY BOMB (Sky News 06/08/05)
Up to three British soldiers have been wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq, according to Iraqi police.
The blast hit near a British military convoy north of Basra.
Witnesses reported three soldiers were injured and airlifted from the scene.
The British military confirmed "an incident" occurred but gave no details.
The attack took place in the Gzeiza area on the northern outskirts of Iraq's second largest city, said Iraqi Lieutenant Colonel Karma al-Zaidi.
Some 8,500 British troops are deployed in southern Iraq.
The region has been mostly calm since US and British forces invaded more than two years ago.
But today's attack is the third in the last three weeks.
On July 30, two British security contractors were killed when a roadside bomb exploded alongside a British consulate convoy in Basra.
On July 16, a roadside bomb in Amarah, 100 miles north of Basra, killed three British soldiers and wounded two others.
Mike Wooldridge, BBC world affairs correspondent, said the incident came in a "difficult period" in the south of Iraq, which was generally regarded as much calmer than the north.
Security guards
Britain has about 8,500 troops in Iraq, mostly based in the south of the country.
Saturday's attack is the third in the region in three weeks.
Three British troops died in a roadside bomb attack in Amarah, north of Basra on 16 July, taking the total number killed in action to 92.
On 31 July, two civilian security guards were killed in attack on a British Embassy convoy on a road near Basra.
At least 21 British civilians have been killed in Iraq since March 2004, according to the Foreign Office website.
The Iraqi Defence Ministry says an estimated 2,700 Iraqis, around half of them civilians, have been killed in insurgency-related incidents since April.
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Blast kills two Britons in Iraq
The bomb exploded on the outskirts of Basra
Two British security guards have been killed in an attack on a convoy in Basra, southern Iraq.
A bomb blew up near a convoy of British Embassy four-wheel drive vehicles south-west of the city on Saturday, UK officials said.
The Foreign Office said the attack, using a home-made bomb, had happened at 0630 BST on the outskirts of Basra.
The pair worked for Control Risks Group, which provides security for the consulate in Iraq.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "A British Embassy convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. Two security contractors have been killed."
A spokeswoman for Control Risks Group, which employs about 500 people in Iraq, said the company could not comment further on the guards' identity until next of kin had been informed.
Troops secured the area following the blast
One contractor working for the company was killed in an attack in Iraq about 15 months ago, she added.
Britain has about 8,500 troops in Iraq, mostly based in the south of the country.
At least 21 British civilians have been killed in Iraq since March 2004, according to the Foreign Office website.
It says: "The security situation is dangerous. The threat to British nationals remains high."
Basra is home to the British military headquarters and also the consulate general's office, which has about 20 employees.
BBC world affairs editor John Simpson said the convoy was heading through the south western edge of Basra when a roadside bomb went off in which two contractors, essentially bodyguards, were killed outright.
"We are told local people rushed out to help, including a couple of children who we are told were injured," he said.
Caroline Hawley, BBC News correspondent in Baghdad, said a second explosion, five minutes after the first, seriously injured two Iraqi boys. They were part of a crowd that had gathered around the scene of the blast.
She said the Foreign Office do not believe anyone else in the convoy was injured, but they would not comment on its role in the area.
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I saw it on ebay, but was out. Howver, I`ve managed to track down a copy from a second hand book shop online. I would vey much like to hear from anyone who was read it.
There are two books that I believe no Freemason should be without and this is one of them. Freemasons Guide and Compendium, by Bernard E Jones. A very respected and eminent Masonic author, especially in the field of Masonic instruction. I have used my copy many times in the past when compiling instructional presentations and wouldn't be without it.
This book published in 1950, is in good condition and is split into six sections, there are 557 pages in total and this book has a dust jacket which is a bit scruffy, hence not shown in the photograph.
Book One: Operative Masonry and the London company.
Book Two: Speculative Masonry.
Book Three: The Grand Lodges.
Book Four: The Craft Degrees and Other Matters.
Book Five: The Lodge and Many Related Subjects.
Book Six: The Royal Arch, Mark Masonry and Additional Degrees.
Within each of the sections are several chapters, jam packed full of useful instruction. 31 black and white photographs and countless illustrations.
An extremely useful book for any Freemason and would be invaluable to the newer Brother, or even an experienced Mentor to help him to answer some of the many questions put by junior Brethren.
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Has anyone read this book? Do you recommend it?
Harry Carr revised by Frederick Smyth
This is one of the most successful Masonic Publications in recent times due to the immense knowledge of the late Harry Carr and his entertaining writing style.
If you enjoy your masonry then this book will bring a new delight to all that you see and hear in lodge.
When Harry Carr became secretary and editor of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge of Research, the answering of lodge questions became a major part of his duties. In a style that became a hall mark of all his masonic writing, he always answered a little more than the original question. In response to hundreds of requests from all over the world, the answers he gave to questions during his twelve years office as editor of Quatuor Coronati Transactions have been collected together in this book. Only the best and most interesting subjects are included and every question will be relevant to most brethren in the course of their work in the lodge ? hence the title The Freemason at Work
This book was substantially revised by Frederick Smyth, the eminent Masonic author and Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, in 1992; brining the text right up-to-date for much had change since the book was first published in 1976.
This is a book to be treasured, one that will provide a wealth of knowledge in an easy to read style.
A collection of more than 200 questions with comprehensive answers to all manner of masonic subjects. 390 pages, hardback
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Well guys, we`ve been lucky enough to get a seperate forum, for Masonic threads, lets make the most of it. The worlds our oyster as they say.
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Cheers WD, i wonder can you tell me anything about the Rose of Denmark Lodge?
With regards to your idea of a Masonic Thread Forum, that sounds like a smashing idea, i`ll run it via Chris see what he thinks.
Gordon.
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I`ve managed to pick one up off ebay.......
a sterling silver hallmarked MASONIC JEWEL. with dates on the front 1914 - 1918. the rear is inscribed with BRO. J.E.STILES lodge No 975. this is the ROSE OF DENMARK LODGE as i have ALL his other jewels which i must say are absolutley FANTASTIC . .ribbon and top bar attachment complete. made by J.R.GAUNT london.
Information from the seller, points in the direction that he was quite hign up in the order, but I`ll have to look into this to confirm it. I wonder if he was in the Chair at some point, can anyone confirm this for me?
I was happy with the price too, at ?39.50 not the cheapest one I`ve seen, but certainly not the dearest either, another one sold a few minutes before for ?51.00.
The other five I`ve seen to date went for ?36, ?39.50, ?51, ?49.50 & ?56.
I have since bought another for ?29, so there appears to be no hard and fast ruling as to the values of thses jewels. I wonder if the Lodge that the Brother belonged to has anything to do with the value, maybe? has anyone got any thoughts on this?
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Soon after the end of the First World War, the United Grand Lodge of England decided to establish a memorial to the Brethren who made the supreme sacrifice during that terrible conflict. It was further decided that this memorial should be the erection of a new headquarters for the Craft and an appeal was made to every member for contributions to a fund which became known as the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Members' contributions to this fund were entirely voluntary and were recognised by three special commemorative jewels.
The first of these jewels was a personal breast jewel to be worn by any member of a Lodge under the English Constitution who contributed ten guineas (?10.50) or more.Over 53,000 individual jewels were issued. For any
Lodge contributing an average of ten guineas per member. A second jewel, a gold medal on a light blue collarette, was presented to be worn by successive Masters, such Lodges to be known as Hall Stone Lodges, thus giving the jewel its name.1,321 Lodges were thus qualified and their names and numbers are inscribed at Freemasons' Hall in London. In addition, the Province of Buckinghamshire and the Districts of Japan (now defunct) and Burma (in abeyance) had the distinction that every one of their Lodges - 40 in Buckinghamshire - contributed an average in excess of five hundred guineas (?525.00). In recognition of this achievement, a third jewel, a gold and coloured enamel jewel on a dark blue collarette, was presented to be worn by successive Provincial and District Grand Masters.
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Check this out, on ebay 7702259154.
Looks smashing, but a bit out of my price range!!!
Blackpool Police and Masonic Medal Group
A job lot of genuine medals etc to a Blackpool Policeman.The Police Medal is a Blackpool Special Constabulary medal fully hallmarked 9ct Gold. This has a top bar for the dates 1914 - 18 and has engraved on the reverse CONSTABLE 415 FOR SERVICES RENDERED E.W.HOUGH. Also has his original Blackpool Special Constable enamelled badge dated 1914 (maker marked Thomas Fattorini Skipton & Bolton).There is a photo showing a large group of Constables taken by Lords , Church St, South Shore, and his metropolitan whistle (in noisy working order) and chain.
Accompanying the police items are his 4 masonic medals. ( 3 are hallmarked silver ). 1 is dated 1914 - 18 and an ornately enamelled one dated 1920. This has a top bar saying FOUNDER 1920 PROGRESS LODGE No 4120. This has a lovely enamelled scene of a Bi Plane flying over an oxen pulling a caravan.(Both are named to Bro E W HOUGH).The enamelled one is in box of issue from Kenning and Son Masonic Jewellers.
There is also an old pocket watch and brass tin showing a scene of Blackpool Tower and its Big Wheel. And last but not least is a 9ct Gold fully hallmarked medal or fob from Sheffield Hippodrome, this is named on the reverse PRESENTED BY MR THOS BARRASFORD AND DIRECTORS TO ERNEST W HOUGH FOR GOOD SERVICE DURING THE ERECTION DEC 23 1907.
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Pte Hewett
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Pte Spicer
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Medals for service in Iraq
in Modern Campaigns and Conflicts
Posted
Gulf War 1 medal with different clasp & Gulf War 2 medal with clasp.