Simon F

Royal Order of Cambodia (1864-1948) The Royal Order of Cambodia was founded in 1864 by King Norodom I to recognize military and civil contributions to the Protectorate. It was adopted as a French Colonial Order in 1896. It is awarded in five classes (Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight). The insignia is in the form of a gold (silver for Knights) eight-pointed star. At the center is the royal coat-of-arms above a violet enamel background surrounded by a red enamel oval. It is suspended from a crown. When awarded by the King of Cambodia, the ribbon was dark green with two red edge stripes. When awarded by the President of France, the ribbon was white with two orange-yellow side stripes. The reverse is hollow. Shown here with French ribbon.

The order that is being worn is possibly the Royal Order of Cambodia.

Another of the dignitary with the men.

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A couple more shots of the parade.

Second shot.

A frontal shot of the fellow who pinned the award, again I have been unable to ascertain who he is, dignitary, officer, etc?

The Sena Jayasedh Decoration. I have been unable to ascertain why this would have been awarded to this unit?

I believe this is what has been pinned to the unit flag. The Sena Jayasedh Decoration: founded by King Sisowath Monivong in 1928 as a high distinction for military and civil merit. Reformed by King Norodom Sihanouk and thereafter reserved for rewarding exceptional military services. Awarded in one class.

I believe this unit to be the 3 Battalion 13 DBLE which will become apparent in the next couple of posts. Here is a parade in what has been identified as Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Here is an album I was fortunate enough to pick up last year that I would like to share with you. This one is to a Kriegsmarine sailor who joined the FFL, presumably at the wars end or shortly after. The earliest dated photo is from 1947. First up is a picture of the owner.

Same guys..

Soldiers having a lark, I am not certain about the other uniforms here, perhaps some kind of Alpine troops, judging by the headwear?

The guy without the headgear seems to be in a different uniform, i.e. badges. He is the same fellow who is in the 3 parade photos holding the MAT49 (Squad/Class leader). I am not certain whether his is just doing parachute training, changing units, etc? Perhaps someone could shed some light on this?

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Some more from the group..

I finally found the link to my favourite resource, lots of very good info here.. http://perso.modulonet.fr/~tanghedo/debut.htm

Thanks Chris/GRA. I don't have my notes here with me at the moment, but yes my understanding is, that it is the unit badge of the one he was assigned to within G.I.B.P.O.M/1e R.P.I.Ma. Indeed you are correct with the backing for the wings..

This fellow features heavily in the group, this has to be my favourite study.

My thinking is, is that the fellow on the left of picture is a class/squad leader, as he has no jump wings in keeping with the rest of the squad but carries the MAT 49 and has insignia of rank?

Nice shot of MAT 49s. I am assuming that the CR 39 is only being carried for parade purposes at this point in time and not used in actual combat? Perhaps someone can enlighten me on this point?

Three large format prints before and during parade. First one with MAT 49 and CR 39 folding stock rifle.

Freefall.

Capturing a jump that looks to be freefall, I am not sure as to the use of static line?

Another para geared up and waiting to jump.