servicepub

So a government worker shouldn't get the medal but the privately hired mechanic working for a DND contractor can? As a Public Servant who spent 9 months in Haiti working as a UN Police I did everything that the other Canadian police officers did (but without the tax break) and earned my UN medal and my Cdn Peacekeeping Service Medal. As a Public Servant I was also scheduled to travel to Afghanistan where I would have qualified for the Operational Service Medal. Are you suggesting that I am "dust sweeper and paper pusher" and shouldn't? I would also like to point out the DFAIT has lost one senior diplomat and have had several seriously wounded because they take many of the same risks as the soldiers there by travelling to and from the PRT - yet are not allowed to be armed. They are also in country for much longer than the normal 6-month tour. These Public Servants do not pretend to be soldiers and do not qualify for the Campaign Star but awarding them the Campaign Medal is a small enough reward. Clive

I am coming to this very late but here are my two cents worth. The pattern forage cap shown (with large crown) was introduced into Canadian service in 1899 and was originally known as the Staff Pattern or Naval Pattern. By 1902 it had virtually relaced the previous model (pill box style). By 1907 the white summer cover had been ordered out of wear. The Blue field service cap (wedge cap) worn by the Other Ranks was popular from about 1890 to 1905. In 1903 the Canadian Militia introduced khaki service dress but issues to 'rural' regiments was postponed due to budget so these regiments continued to wear the 'coloured' (read Scarlet/Blue/Green) uniforms. I would put this image at 1900-1905 as the Long Lee-Enfield had not yet been issued throughout the Militia yet. my tuppence worth. Clive

Stuart, Nice cap! Well done that man. Clive

Great resource! Thanks for building it. Any chance of adding 'tour numerals' to the UN medals. 90 days consecutive service earns you the medal and every additional 180 days of consecutive service gets you a numeral, starting with '2'. Details here - http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/chc-tdh/chart-tableau-eng.asp?ref=Numerals Clive

I don't think that anybody need flog themselves over this. As in much research one starts with an assumption and then follows it through to proof for or against. The fact that the initial assumption was that the helmet was a fake and then the gradual discovery of evidence to the contrary shows that the research was done with an open mind and the willingness to alter our points of view depending on the evidence. Well done to all.

At Stuart's urging.. The images below are of a helmet held in the municipal museum of Westminster, British Columbia. It is badged to the British Columbia Garrison Artillery. It is clearly a four-panel helmet. The interior sports a Hobson label. In looking at my inventory of headdress photos which I will be using for an upcoming book I see several other four-panel, white, 'universal pattern' helmets. All share the same style of large, rounded, front brim. One of these helmets displays the WD stamp and is dated 1898. Clive

I meant the helmet....but now that you mention Stuart.....:whistle:

Ugly beast. Should be shot and put out of its misery.

Hard to say that he would be 'due this medal' as it is an unofficial medal which anyone can purchase. Clive

Hehehehehe

If you were to read the citations found in the "Courage & Service" CD you would find many acts of gallantry that would appear, at first glance, to warrant a higher decoration. At the same time, some citations make you wonder at any award at all! A review of the MM and DCM citation cards will often show that the initial recommendation (made at Unit level) was often adjusted up or down as it climbed its way to the Army Commander. Also, there was an official quota for decorations (other than the VC) and this often played its part in the final decision. Cheers, Clive

Not sure why you would say this? Both Montgomery and Patton had their respective Armies and came under the direction of SHAEF. Decorations are based by nationaility of the formation and a quota system for these, as well as 'foreign' awards was established. A number of VC were awarded for Italy to Commonwealth countries and I can think of 2-3 for Canadians. Had the Brits, under whom the SA forces would be organized, believed that it was worthy of a VC they would have politely declined a US recommendation. If, at the time of the action, the SA formation was under US tactical command then it is not surprising that a US award would be recommended. Let's not forget the British policy against double-dipping which would not permit the Brits to also decorate this courageous individual twice for the same event. As to the US not awarding the Medal of Honor to 'foreigners', there are a number of instances where they have. However, with the exception of an exchange of honours with the French and British 'Unknown Soldiers', all of these have been to 'foreigners' serving in US forces. Cheers, Clive

I am looking for brass trim to an Officer's Home Service Helmet in order to restore and example in my collection. Any leads on sources would be appreciated. I would even buy a crushed/destroyed HSH in order to harvest the trim. Clive

Stuart, I wish you would do a book on Home Service Helmets. I think I know a publisher who would be interested. Clive

I note that there are traces of green, probably due to reflection on the brass, as well as a line along the right side of the helmet and the spike. Have you encountered this on all of your photos? Overall, are you pleased with the Chroma process or is it just as well to close-crop using Photoshop? Clive

About time I added another helmet to the gallery. This from the 6th Canadian Cavalry Regiment (Hussars) of Montreal, ca 1879. Unusually for a Hussars regiment this unit adopted a white metal dragoons/yeomanry helmet in lieu of the more typical Busby. The artwork is by Bunnett and dates from ca 1885.

They are good but not uncommon. Expect $30-40 each.

Good thing you didn't try to make a career in software. Oh! Hang on....

Huh??? I don't have the link you cite. I have the actual photo when I look at my post. Try a refresh.

This was only done by a few regiments and the overwhelming majority arranged for purchase from England (in the case of officers) or waited for Militia HQ to complete authorized issues of helmets on the British pattern. The 32nd Bn band is one example that I know of from photographic evidence.

I know that in Canada some regiments opted to buy a 4-seam helmet from the US as delivery was faster and the price cheaper than ordering from England.

Stuart Will you adopt me and make me your sole heir? Clive

Stuart, Some beautiful additions, well done.

Who's been a busy boy then?

It is not as hard as one might think. See the 19th Alberta Dragoons Helmet in "My Canadian Headdress" showcase. In this case the chinstrap consisted of a twisted strand of metal links as all of the leather had disappeared. I found some very thin leather (Tandy Leather Craft in the USA), approximately 1/2oz, and cut this into two strips of the appropriate length (I used a rotary pizza cutter to draw a straight line and then a box cutter to actually make the cut). Taking the advice of a friend I stitched every third link to one piece of leather. The stitch was square in the middle and placed so that the next link would hide the thread. The reason for doing every third link is to allow some flexibility in the chinstrap. Once this was done the second piece of leather was attached to the first to provide a liner. As you can see from the photo I used a yellow thread in order to provide me with a visual reminder that this chinstrap has been refinished. All in all it took an evening in front of the tube. My next project is to do the same for a Blue helmet - I'm just looking for the right type of velvet. I am also looking for some brass to replace a missing edge trim on an officer's helmet - or a good restorer - any ideas?