Rich

And the reverse... 154709 - around 1942/3? The screw fitting is marked with cyrillic script.

Just received this through the post. First one I've bought and would appreciate any comments before committing to getting it researched. The ribbon actually looks a lot older and more faded and seems to be made from silk weave (very much the feel of old British medal ribbons).

Already preparing myself, gents. Booked the padded cell, now off to eBay to look for a comfy straight-jacket.

Cheers guys. I'm actually looking forward to the results - seems to be a late 1944 award.

Thanks Gerd. When it arrives, I'll get in touch with the Russian researcher Ed recommended and post any findings. I'll also keep an eye out for that book. Rich

Just dipped my feet into the water apropos Soviet medals; am awaiting receipt of a Soviet Combat Service Medal/MMM. It is of the type with the grey-yellow ribbon, silver and numbered 1914682 I recall reading somewhere a breakdown of issue numbers to give approx. date of award, but cannot seem to find it when I need it. If anyone could help with this, I'd be much obliged. With regard to the medal type and issue number, is this likely to be very researchable? Cheers Rich

Cheers Doc; fortunately, I know one or two Russian-speaking people so hopefully they'll be able to lend a hand for the price of a beer (or vodka).

Thanks guys. Ed kindly sent me details of a researcher. That's not too bad a price, I suppose, at around ?40 for the lot. Although I suppose a campaign medal document to a guy whose name is the Russian equivalent of "John Smith" may prove trickier to research.

Once again, thanks for the information, Ed, and to Dave for the excellent article. This is all new stuff to me, being more familiar with British/Commonwealth research. I am tempted to dip my feet into the world of Soviet awards...

Intrigued to read that numbered/documented Soviet-era groups are researchable. Is this just true of citations for numbered awards, or is it also possible to research someone using the medal document for a prosaic campaign/service medal? I've looked on many threads, but cannot see details as to what is and what is not researchable, nor any information on Russian researchers who could undertake this task. I'd be most grateful if someone could clarify this and/or provide link to relevant information. Rich

Maybe he's asking what a Tailor's Copy is? (In which case, it's a reproduction of an official medal made by a private company.)

Just about...

I assume no scope for research outside of contacting the Kepi Blanc and hoping for a response?

And a more recent award certificate.

First is dated from 1981. Don't know whether he served in one of the campaigns there - the clasp was authorised in 1979 - or later on.

Thanks, Doc, much appreciated.

Thanks, Chris, much appreciated.

Hello (first post, btw!) Just wondering with what duties French forces stationed in Chad are generally employed, especially with regard to why they continued to receive the Overseas Medal and Bar for this service well into the 1990s (if not to this very day). I ask as I have a couple of diplomas to men of 1REC; one dated from 1981 and one from the 1990s. Any advice appreciated.