bigjarofwasps

Okey guys, cast your minds back to the 1970s, we all played with this lot, but can anyone tell me the company that used to make them?

If you think that's bad go look at this

http://bfbs.com/news...tion-51951.html

It was in the Times today. Dutch scrap gypos are using craned claws to rip the ships apart to get to the metal. Almost 1500 lives were lost on these WW1 torpedoed ships and it seems the Dutch police are having trouble stopping them. Anyone gotta boat, I'll bloody stop em

OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

Whose idea was it to put so much silver on board one ship anyway, and send it right into the wolves den!!!. As for the salvage, speaks volumes really, especially when you consider all the legal ramblings over the salvage of the gold on the Edinburgh!!

A French couple have found a hoard of gold coins worth at least 100,000 euros (£89,000; $140,000) in the cellar of their home in the town of Millau.

They were working on their drains when they dug up the 34 coins in a little clay pot, French media said.

The coins date from 1595 to the French Revolution, which began in 1789, said a local coin expert who evaluated them.

The most valuable is a double louis from 1640, during the reign of Louis XIII, worth 6,500 euros.

The coin expert, Marc Aigouy, told AFP news agency that he offered either to buy the coins from the couple or to organise an auction on their behalf.

He said if American and Japanese buyers participated, the coins could fetch at least 100,000 euros.

Mr Aigouy said the couple wish to remain anonymous but they live on rue Droite, an old Roman road which is the oldest street in Millau, in southern France.

Under French law, the couple are allowed to keep the treasure because it was found on their own property, Mr Aigouy said.

Thanks Peter, that makes interesting reading, Gordon.

http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/8248.aspx

Hi Guys,

Have recently bought a medal to 1549 Sepoy Hazrat Shah 107th Pioneers. I know that researching Sepoys is next to impossible, but was wondering if anyone on the forum has any knowledge of his unit and there involvement in the 3rd Afgan War. I`ve checked for a medal index card for him, and he doesn`t appear to served during the Great War. So I am assuming he was a new recruit.

Many thanks in advance.

Gordon.

In 1936, a revolt broke put in Waziristan, a mountainous region inhabited by warlike tribes, an area that is today part of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. A Muslim holy man, Mirza Ali Khan - the Faqir of Ipi [Faqeer of Ipi], led the Wazirs against the occupying British-Indian regime for many years, and the revolt remains one of the greatest twentieth-century South Asian insurgencies. After the demise of Haji Saheb Taurangzai and Mullah Powinds, the lone un-purchaseable mujahid left in the field was Faqir Ipi. Ipi, the village of the legendary freedom fighter Faqir of Ipi, is sited between Mir Ali and Thall in North Waziristan.

A fakir (fäker`, fa`k?r), [Arab.,=poverty], in Islam, is usually an initiate in a Sufi order. The title fakir is borne with the understanding that poverty is the need to be in relation to God. This term, along with its Persian equivalent, dervish, was extended in Western usage to Indian ascetics and yogis, and incorrectly used generally for itinerant magicians and wonder-workers. The term has come to be specially applied to the Hindu devotees and ascetics of India. There were two classes of these Indian Fakirs, (1) the religious orders, and (2) the nomad rogues who infest the country. The ascetic orders resemble the Franciscans of Christianity. The bulk lead really excellent lives in monasteries, which are centres of education and poor-relief; while others go out to visit the poor as Gurus or teachers.

The second class of Fakirs are simply disreputable beggars who wander round extorting, under the guise of religion, alms from the charitable and practising on the superstitions of the villagers. As a rule they make no real pretence of leading a religious life. They were said to number nearly a million [as of 1911]. Many of them are known as "Jogi," and lay claim to miraculous powers which they declare have become theirs by the practice of abstinence and extreme austerities. The tortures which some of these wretches will inflict upon themselves are almost incredible. They will hold their arms over their heads until the muscles atrophy, will keep their fists clenched till the nails grow through the palms, will lie on beds of nails, cut and stab themselves, drag, week after week, enormous chains loaded with masses of iron, or hang themselves before a fire near enough to scorch. Most of them are inexpressibly filthy and verminous.

In 1936, a Tori Khel Wazir named Mira Ali Khan began an anti-government campaign in Waziristan that continually menaced the British until their departure from India in 1947. More commonly known as the Faqir of Ipi, he first gained British attention when he tried to disrupt a trial in Bannu. The British had little success in capturing or killing important fugitives in Waziristan. The Mullah Powindah and the Faqir of Ipi eluded British pursuit for decades. The Pashtun tenant of melmastia, the complex terrain of Waziristan, and their religious status helped ensured Powindah and the Faqir never were killed or captured by the British.

The Faqir of Ipi's anti-government rhetoric prompted a two column British show of force through northern Waziristan. In contrast to other punitive expeditions, the British operated under restrictive rules of engagement which forbade troops to shoot until shot at. Every military rule for effective Frontier warfare was in conflict with political rules all of which the tribesmen knew very well and took every advantage. During the 1933-37 operations by the British against the Fakir of Ipi in North Waziristan, the Mahsuds from South Waziristan, Ahmed Wazirs from Bannu, Bhittanis and Bakka Khels from Bannu FR, operated under Ipi's flag.

The show of force, intended to demonstrate British strength, ended in disaster as tribesmen continually attacked the columns and inflicted heavy casualties. The failure of the columns elevated the Faqir of Ipis prestige and incited the Wazirs, Mahsuds, Bhittanis, and even Afghans across the border to rally to his cause. The British responded by sending four more brigades to Razmak in 1937. Though the British hoped to catch the Faqir of Ipi in a fixed engagement, he never made a stand and eluded capture. In April 1937, tribesmen ambushed a British convoy traveling to Wana and killed or wounded 92 officers and soldiers.

The challenges of the elusive enemy and broken terrain in Waziristan forced the British to operate in a very deliberate and set piece manner that ultimately inhibited flexibility and initiative. The British responded to their failure to subdue the Faqir of Ipi by destroying villages but achieved nothing conclusive. By late 1937, the heavy destruction eventually dampened support for the Faqir. The British consequently decided that a large presence inside Waziristan was counterproductive and reduced troop levels to pre-crisis levels. Fighting flared up again in 1938-9, albeit on a smaller scale. The Faqir managed to raid Bannu, at further expense to British prestige.

During the war (1939-1945) the Axis tried to stir a tribal rising in the NWFP against the British. Their main purpose was to engage the British Indian army in the tribal belt to prevent Indian armed forces from being sent to the Mediterranean. After the war it was revealed at the Nueremberg Trials that the Italians had planned, with the support of the Germans, to induce Mirza Ali Khan (Faqir of lpi), the legendary anti-British Pashtoon religious warrior, to carry pro-Axis propaganda and to create troubles in the NWFP. The Faqir of Ipi, as reported by the Intelligence Diary dated 10 November 1941 is said to be very much displeased at the Afghan Government's decision in expelling the Germans and Italians, and is now spreading propaganda against the Yahya Khan regime among his followers in the Southern Province'. The Faqir of Ipi consented to the Axis proposal of establishing a radio transmitter station in the tribal belt to intensify the anti-British propaganda.

The Faqir continued menacing the British until their departure in 1947, but violence did not reach the same levels it did during the 1930s. The first major incident took place in July 1948, when Faqir of Ipi, supported by Afghanistan, attacked the Dattakhel and Boya posts in North Waziristan and set them on fire. His Lashkar (fighters) even surrounded Razmak, Dosalli and Thal areas inside Pakistan. But the Pakistani scouts and loyal tribesmen fought them back.

The British left India without ever capturing or killing the Faqir of Ipi. He later died of natural causes in 1960. Central Waziristan (North & South Waziristan) was the hunting ground of the Faqir of Ipi and presently, Niaz Ali, his nephew. The Frontier Corps moved into the old and historic cantonment and posts and by end 1976, a Cadet College had been conceived at Razmak something totally unthought of.

The parallels between the hunt for the Faqir of Ipi and bin Laden are obvious.

BigJar

The IGS 1936-39, instituted in 1938, replaced the IGS 1908. Two versions were struck, the plainer of the two at the Calcutta Mint - plain shoulders to the suspender, poorer relief work on the tiger. It is also somewhat thicker than the Royal Mint version. The award dates were 24th Nov 1936 to 16th/17th Jan 1937 and/or 16th/17th Jan 1937 to 15th/16th Dec 1937

The 1936-37 campaign was a massive attempt to kill or capture the Faqir of Ipi, a Sufi religious leader who was mobilizing the tribes of Waziristan against British rule. A massive force invaded Waziristan and spent 13-14 months raiding and destroying villages and pursuing the faqir and his men unsuccessfully. There were 10 British units involved, some in large numbers; 20 plus Indian units including elements of 6 Gurkha regiments and some Mountain Batteries and sorties by 9 RAF squadrons.

My source for all this is Major L.L. Gordon's British Battles and Medals, 4th editon [1971]. He mentions the 4/8th Punjab Reg't but not the 2nd. However, he also says of the 4th/8th and some other units "The following units and others that one cannot trace, also received the award." [op cit, 338]

Michael Johnson, a member of this forum, compiled a list of units Gordon omitted from various Indian campaigns and it was published in or added to a later edition of Gordon. [Gordon was notoriously incomplete in his listing of Indian units, possibily as a result of poor sources.] Michael may be able to tell you more.

Hope this helps a little. The nasty little campaign, notorious at the time, has faded into the mists of history. The British Army used such cross-border campaigns as, among other things, advanced battle training for units stationed in India but they represent the bulk of the soldiering done by many Indian soldiers and units throughout the period of the Raj. I've just located a fairly good synopsis at this site: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/nwfp-1937.htm

Cheers

Peter

Many thanks for this Peter, its been a great help to my research. Interesting that my guys name suggests he was a muslim, and the campaign was waged againest muslims! I suppose not dissimilar to the war be waged againest the Taliban today by the ANA?

Thanks also for the info re the medal itself.

Gordon. The 2/1 Punjabis (Pre 1922 66 Punjabis) was one of the units selected for Indianisation in February 1923. They served on the NWF between the wars and during WWII they served in both India and Burma and they were the highest decorated Indian Battalion during the war with 1 VC, 4 DSOs, 22 MCs, 6 IOMS, 27 MMs, 1 GM and 12 IDSMs.

As a Sepoy it is most unlikely that he would be researchable, If he was promoted to a VCO prior to Independence he would appear in the Indian Army list but I suspect that is unlikely

Still a nice buy.

All the best,

Paul

Thanks Paul thats been a great help.

Hi Guys,

Has anyone got any knowledge of this regiment between these dates? There seems to be very little information available on the net?

I recently bought an IGS with clasp NWP 1936-37 to 10252 Sepoy Mohd.Akabar 2-1 Punjab Regiment, and would very much like to find out what this regiment was involved in. Has anyone ever researched a Sepoy, are there service papers available?

Gordon.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/06/06/queen-s-diamond-jubilee-medal-could-be-made-abroad-to-save-money-115875-23182452/

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/06/06/queen-s-diamond-jubilee-medal-could-be-made-abroad-to-save-money-115875-23182452/

I drug out my book and looked them up.

10 Kopeks- 1.8000g. 0.500silver, .0289 oz. ASW

15 Kopeks-2.7000g. 0.500 silver, .0434 oz ASW

20 Kopeks-3.6000g. 0.500 silver, .0578 oz ASW

50 Kopeks-.9.9980g. .900 silver, .2893 oz. ASW

1 Rouble-.19.9960g. .900 silver, .5876 oz. ASW

Bob

Russian coins of that era with this much silver content, it would be very interesting to see if they kept that amount, during the whole CCCP era. I may well try and obtain a 1 Rouble, as it a lovely looking coin!

Nice coins, would be interested to learn the silver content of them?

Thanks guys thats been of great help, and has answered several questions I had. But as always with research its asked more! It appears that the 70th was one of several battalions formed with men, who were old enough to serve but not old enough to be deployed overseas, as the lads came of age the battalions were dispanded. I assume that the lads were thus sent to, deployable units. Which beggers the question, as the lads came of age, where there not lads who weren`t of age to take there places, thus keeping the battalion up to strength?

Hi Guys,

Anyone interested in the Northumberland Fusiliers? Can you tell me anything about the 70th battalion, I have been unable to find anything on the net, so am assuming that they were some sort of training battalion or perhaps a home guard unit? I also believe they may have been station in or near Gateshead in 1942. Any assistance would be a great help.

Gordon.

An update from the Chairman

MEETING WITH THE ARMED FORCES MINISTER TO DISCUSS THE COALITION GOVERNMENT’S (MoD) MEDAL REVIEW

On Tuesday 26 April 2011, as the co-Chairman of the UK National Defence Medal campaign, I had a discussion with the Armed Forces Minister in the Ministry of Defence, at his request.

I had expected to be briefed on the final report of the Medal Review. You will recall that the Coalition Government’s medal review was held in secrecy. The terms of reference were not promulgated nor were the dates of commencement or date for reporting its findings to the Veteran’s Minister, Andrew Robathan MP. The review lacked transparency, openness and no veterans were consulted.

It transpired that the Medal Review report, which was sent to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on the 16 February for endorsement is still waiting to be signed off due to other commitments. All I got to see was a statement saying the NDM is unlikely to be approved because it does not meet the rules and the Palace would not support a medal awarded by Her Majesty being funded privately.

We now have a situation were a flawed review, with flawed findings is in the Prime Minister’s office to be considered prior to final endorsement. But we are informed the NDM will not be instituted with the MoD trying to swing a lot of the blame for this on to the Palace because of their stance on how medals are funded.

Research shows the reasons given for not instituting the NDM hold no water. I have written a report, which at the end of my meeting I presented to the Armed Forces Minister. He has kindly undertaken to review its contents and get back to me.

Click Here to see a copy of that report. Regardless of what views may be held on recognising veterans by the award of a National Defence Medal, most reasonably minded people are unlikely to accept that in a democracy, such a sensitive matter as a Medal Review, which was supposed to address injustice to former servicemen and women spanning over 60 years, could be carried out in such a shameful manner.

The Medal Review should be revisited and open to proper consultation.

Your comments would be most welcome

Best wishes

Terry Scriven, Colonel (retd)

Co-Chairman, UK National Defence Medal Campaign

Hi Guys,

Can anyone assist me?

I`m trying to ascertain whether the `Tunic, M-1969 Tropical "Syriyka"`, were they worn loose fitting (almost like a combat jacket of the modern British army), or were they worn along the same lines of the old WW2 style British battledress, ie tight/close fitting?

Gordon.

Latest Statement From Minister

"In the light of a number of campaigns conducted by veterans groups and others, we are

considering whether there is a case for change, given the underpinning principles that

we adhere to. In doing so, appropriate consideration will be given to proposals to

institute a National Defence Medal.

The background and arguments on the case for certain medals, such as the institution of

a National Defence Medal, are well known and understood by Ministers and officials

and will be fully considered. At this time, I do not believe there is a requirement for

further consultation during this review."

"The Government and I pay the highest tribute to them (Veterans), but I am not sure that most of them would want that tribute recognised by the receipt of a material object such as a medal simply for having been there. Medals should be earned not expected."

Andrew Robathan MP

"I can confirm that the review of the rules governing the award of medals is complete, and the results will be released before Easter."

Dr Liam Fox

Guys,

Can anyone explain to me why the UK deployed forces to the DROC in 2003, for which an OSM was awarded?

Gordon.

Interesting that Canada has announced theirs, but yet Britain hasn`t.............

Hi Guys,

Anyone got an recent information about whether is medal has been approved or not yet?

Gordon.

Well, spot silver is hovering around $29. - $30./oz at the moment, so I figure the coins are going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $35. USD for the UNC examples. Haven't been to any shows yet this year but will post a follow-up once I know what is being asked around here.

Tim

Hi Tim, your looking at that in Pounds, this side of the pond, hence me holding off from buying one yet. Gordon.

I have one 1887 Jubilee Medal in my collection, with a tenuous Jack the Ripper connection......

Police Constable Joseph Daniels Metropolitan Police.

Joined 17th May 1886, posted to C Div PC 387 (St James), 10th August 1888, posted to J Div PC 223/PC 502 (Bethnal Green) 20 days before the murder of Polly Nichols, at Bucks Row. 15th August 1890 posted to E Div PC259 (Holborn). He received a pay increase on the 23rd May 1891. Then on the 23rd May 1892, he died on duty, from choking to death on his own false teeth, whilst effecting an arrest. A local paper, The Holborn and Finsbury Guardian ran the following story??.

The Danger of false Teeth

On Wednesday evening at St Clement Danes Vestry-hall, Strand, Mr John Troutbeck, the coroner for Westminster, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Police Constable Joseph Daniels 259E aged 27 years who was killed early on Sunday morning whilst taking a prisoner to Bow Street Police Station. Superintendent Steggles of the E Division, was present, Joseph Daniels a registration agent of 9 Meeting House Lane, Peckham. Identified the deceased as his son, lately resided at Jubilee Buildings, Waterloo Road. Sometime ago he had erysipelas in the face, and the divisional surgeon ordered him to have some of his teeth extracted and replaced by false ones. These he was wearing at the time of his death, PC 379E Alfred Smith, said that on Sunday morning at about 12:20 he was in Kemble Street, Clare market, taking a prisoner to Bow Street Police Station. A crowd of several hundred persons had assembled and an attempt to rescue the man was made. Witness blew his whistle and in response the deceased came running up. He took hold of the prisoners other arm and they had only proceeded a few yards, when the witness missed the deceased, and on looking round saw him lying on the pavement. Another constable came up and witness went oh his way. PC350E William Stewart said that he was on duty in Newcastle Street when he heard the whistle blow, and on going to Kemble Street saw the two Constables with a man in custody. Witness broke through the crowd, and then he saw the deceased lying on the ground. He immediately undid his collar and sent for an ambulance, on which he conveyed the unfortunate man to the hospital. By the Coroner: the deceased was not knocked down, kicked or otherwise assaulted. Dr Eric Law Pritchard, house physician at Kings College Hospital, said that the deceased was dead when he was admitted. He made the post-mortem examination, which revealed that the deceased, was an exceedingly healthy man. Just about the larynx witness found a set of false teeth impacted, which had produced suffocation, the cause of death. The teeth were of a very inferior make, no doubt they became loosened through the deceased running, and an inspiration drew them down his throat. The jury returned a verdict of ?Accidental Death? and added that they thought the deceased was over anxious to do his duty.

Entitled to the 1887 Jubilee Medal.