gongz

Try these for size, literally! All approx 7cm diameter and 7mm thick. Uniface and very heavy bronze.

No expert....but could be WW II RNZAF, enlisted 1942. These records not yet public, unless you have a name and confirmed death of recipient. Graeme

Patina on a silver medal = silver oxide = RUST (oxidised metal), Would you go to war with a well patinated rifle??? G.

Megan ! I'm flattered that you want my name! What a very public proposal! But I'm already very happily married! I'm always a very private person about putting my name out online.......so you'll have to keep guessing as to what my surname is. Kind regards Graeme McLeod

Megan Feel free....you may even want to standardise the colours....lol Graeme

Please note: all of the blue and gold colours should be the same shade over the whole range - those shown on the St Andrews medal are correct. On some ribbons the edges of a blue ribbon (very thin) appear behind the full width gold ribbon. This is because the ribbon is fabricated with both blue and gold stock. Likewise the gold bar on some ribbons is actually a piece of gold ribbon sewn to the main blue colour so as to appear as a bar. Images taken many years ago, on film, hand held camera - apologies for colour variations etc Here are the images I have, in order of precedence. Knight or Dame of St. Andrew Companion of Honour of Barbados Crown of Merit, Gold grade Barbados Star of Gallantry Crown of Merit, Silver grade Barbados Service Star Barbados Bravery Medal Barbados Service Medal Services Medal of Honour, Police, Fire, Defence, Prisons

Dated July 1980, but was still current as late as 1995, and possibly still so....... Graeme

Here is some information from some years ago. I cannot confirm that it is still current. Note: Most of the actual "discs" are only 30mm in diameter (even the Order of St Andrew !!), and most of the ribbons which are plain blue and/or gold (ie without coloured stripes) are FABRICATED from blue and gold stock. I'll post photos of ALL insignia some time soon when I get around to scanning the photos I have CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF BARBADOS THE ORDER OF BARBADOS 1. (1) The Order of Barbados, hereinafter referred to as the "Order", shall consist of a General Division. (2) Appointments to the Order shall be as - (a) Knight or Dame of St. Andrew: (b) Companion of Honour of Barbados; © holder of The Crown of Merit; (d) holder of The Barbados Service Award. (3) Every citizen of Barbados appointed to the Order shall be a member of the Order, and every other person appointed to the Order shall be an honorary member of the Order. OFFICERS AND COUNCIL OF THE ORDER 2. (1) The Governor-General of Barbados shall be the Chancellor of the Order and the principal Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, as the case may be. (2) In the absence of the Governor-General, the person for the time being performing the functions of the office of Governor-General, shall discharge the functions of Chancellor of the Order. 3. The Chancellor is charged with the administration of the Order. 4. (1) There shall be a National Honours and Decorations Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Council, which shall consist of (a) A Minister of the Cabinet nominated by the Prime Minister, as chairman; (b) the Head of the Civil Service; © three other persons appointed by the Prime Minister of whom one shall be appointed after consultation with the Leader of Opposition. (2) A member of the Advisory Council shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of appointment and is eligible for reappointment. (3) A vacancy in the membership of the Advisory Council shall not preclude the Advisory Council from carrying out its functions. (4) The Advisory Council shall (a) consider nominations of persons for appointment to the Order; (b) make recommendations to the Prime Minister in relation to those nominations; © advise the Governor-General on such matters concerning the Order as the Governor-General may refer to the Advisory Council for consideration. 5. The Advisory Council may consult with such persons or bodies as it thinks necessary for the purpose of discharging its functions. 6. (1) There shall be a Secretary of the Order who shall be appointed by the Governor-General. (2) The Secretary of the Order shall be the Secretary of the Advisory Council. (3) The Secretary shall maintain the records of the Order and of the Advisory Council, and shall perform such other functions in respect of the Order as the Governor-General may direct. 7. The Governor-General may appoint such other officials for the Order as are considered necessary for the purpose. 8. A person is not a member of the Order by reason only of that person being member of the Advisory Council or an official of the Order. APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORDER 9. (1) Appointments to the Order, including appointments of honorary members of the Order, except appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, shall be made with the approval of the Sovereign by instrument signed by the Governor-General on the Sovereign's behalf, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and sealed with the Seal of the Order and shall have effect from the date of the affixing of the Seal or such other date as may be specified in the instrument. (2) Appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew shall be made by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister by instrument signed by the Sovereign and sealed with the Seal of the Order and shall have effect from the date of the affixing of the Seal or such other date as may be specified in the instrument. 10. Nothing in this Constitution limits the right of the Governor-General to exercise all powers and authorities of the Sovereign in respect of the Order. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT 11. (1) Citizens of Barbados are eligible to be appointed as members of the Order. (2) Persons other than citizens of Barbados are eligible to be appointed as honorary members of the Order. CLASSES OF AWARDS Knight or Dame of St. Andrew 12. (1) Appointments of men or women as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew respectively may be made for extra-ordinary and outstanding achievement and merit in service to Barbados or to humanity at large. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed as an honorary Knight or Dame, where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados. 13. Where a person who became the principal Knight or Dame of St. Andrew by virtue of holding the office of Governor-General of Barbados ceases to hold office as Governor-General, he or she shall continue to be a Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, as the case may be. 14. Not more than three persons may be appointed as Knights or Dames of St. Andrew on the coming into force of this Constitution, other than as honorary Knights or Dames, and thereafter, not more than three persons may be appointed within a period of every two years to the rank of Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, other than as honorary Knights or Dames. Companion of Honour of Barbados 15. (1) Appointments as Companion of Honour of Barbados distinguished national achievement and merit. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed as an honorary Companion of Honour of Barbados where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados. 16. Not more than five persons may be appointed as Companions of Honour of Barbados on the coming into force of this Constitution, other than as honorary Companions of Honour of Barbados, and thereafter, not more than two persons may be appointed in any year: Provided that at no time may there be more than fifteen persons, other than honorary Companions, holding appointments as Companions of Honour of Barbados. The Crown of Merit 17. (1) Appointments as holders of the Crown of Merit may be made for highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sport, civic duties or any other endeavour, worthy of national recognition. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed to be the honorary holder of the Crown of Merit where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados. 18. Appointments as holders of the Crown of Merit may be made in either of the grades, in order of preference, of: (a) Gold, or (b) Silver. 19. Not more than four persons, other than honorary holders, may be appointed in each of the two grades in any year. The Barbados Service Award 20. Appointments as holders of the Barbados Service Award shall be made for meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or in any other similar field of endeavour. 21. Appointments as holders of the Barbados Service Award may be made in either of the grades, in order of preference, of: (a) the Star, or (b) the Medal. 22. Not more than five persons may be appointed in each of the two grades in any year. NOMINATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT 23. Any person or organisation may submit to the Secretary of the Order for consideration of the Advisory Council a nomination of a citizen of Barbados for appointment to the Order. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORDER 24. (1) A person does not cease to be a member or honorary member of the Order by reason only of that person ceasing to be eligible to be appointed to the Order. (2) A person ceases to be a member or honorary member of the Order upon (a) the death of the person; (b) the resignation of the person from the Order, signified in writing by that person to the Governor-General; and such resignation shall take effect from the day on which that person is informed of acceptance of the resignation; © the termination of the appointment of that person. (3) An appointment that has been terminated may be restored by regulation. TIME OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORDER 25. (1) Subject to the. provisions of paragraphs 14, 16 and of this paragraph, appointments to the Order, other than honorary appointments, shall be made only once a year in respect of Independence Day. (2) Honorary appointments to the Order may be made at any time in a year. (3) Appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew or as Companion of Honour of Barbados in the Order in the year 1980 may be made twice in respect of that year. Provided that (i) in the case of Knight or Dame of St: Andrew, not more than 3 persons may be appointed on any occasion in that year; (ii) in the case of Companion of Honour of Barbados, not more that 5 persons may be appointed on the first occasion, and not more than 2 persons on the second occasion. DESIGNATIONS AND INSIGNIA 26. (1) A Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, or an honorary Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, is entitled: (a) to have the letters "K.A." or "D.A." as the case may be, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; and (b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for Knights or Dames of St. Andrew as the case may be. (2) A Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, other than an honorary Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, is entitled to the use of the title "Sir" or "Dame", as the case may be, before his or her usually used Christian name immediately on publication of the award. (3) The award of an appointment as a Knight or Dame of St. Andrew may be conferred on the person to appointed by the Governor-General. 27. (1) A Companion of Honour of Barbados is entitled; (a) to have the letters "CHB" placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; - (b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for Companions of (2) A Companion of Honour of Barbados, other than an honorary Companion of Honour of Barbados, is entitled to the use of the title "The Honourable" before his or her name immediately on publication of the award. 28. A holder of the Crown of Merit is entitled: (a) to have the letters "GCM", if appointed to the Gold grade, and the letters "SCM", if appointed to the Silver grade, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of 'letters after a name is customary; and (b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for holders of the Crown of Merit. 29. A holder of the Barbados Service Award is entitled: (a) to have the letters "BSS", if appointed to the Star grade, and the letters "BSM", if appointed to the Medal grade, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; and (b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for holders of the Barbados Service Award. 30. When worn in Barbados, the insignia of the Order shall be worn in the prescribed manner. 31. (1) Except as otherwise provided by regulation the insignia of the Order shall remain the property of the Order. (2) Where a person ceases, otherwise than by death, to be a member, or an honorary member, of the Order, that person shall forthwith return the insignia to the Secretary of the Order. SEAL 32. The Governor-General shall have the custody of the Seal of the Order. 33. The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Constitution, prescribing all matters that are required or permitted by this Constitution to be prescribed or are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Constitution, and, in particular, prescribing matters for or in relation to: (a) the government of the Order; (b) the insignia of the Order; and © investitures. REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF THE SERVICES MEDAL OF HONOUR SHORT TITLE 1. These regulations may be cited as the Services Medal of Honour Regulations, 1980. DESIGN OF MEDAL 2. The design of the Services Medal of Honour and of clasps to the medal shall be as prescribed. CONDITIONS FOR AWARD OF MEDAL 3. The following persons are eligible for the award of the Services Medal of Honour: (a) members of the Barbados Defence Force; (b) members of the Royal Barbados Police Force; © members of the Barbados Fire Service; (d) members of the Prisons Service. 4. (1) The Services Medal of Honour may not be awarded to a person unless, since he or she attained the age of eighteen years (a) he or she has served diligently and has been of exemplary conduct for a continuous period of fifteen years in one of the capacities mentioned in regulation 3; or (b) he or she has served diligently and has been of exemplary conduct in two or more of those capacities for successive periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years. (2) A clasp to the Services Medal of Honour may be awarded after the completion of a further continuous period of service of ten years in any of the capacities mentioned in regulation 3, and an additional clasp may be awarded after the completion of each further period of five years' continuous service. 5. The award of the Services Medal of Honour or a clasp to the medal may be made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of (a) the Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, in the case of a member of the Barbados Defence Force; (b) the Commissioner of Police, in the case of a member of the Royal Barbados Police Force; © the Chief Fire Officer, in the case of a member of the Barbados Fire Service; (d) the Superintendent of Prisons in the case of a member of the Prisons Service. as may be approved by the administrative head of the Ministry of the Government charged with responsibility for the particular service. WEARING OF MEDAL 6. The manner of wearing the Services Medal of Honour shall be as determined by the Governor-General. REGISTER OF AWARDS 7. (1) 'There shall be a Registrar of Awards of the Services Medal of Honour who shall be appointed by the Governor-General and who shall maintain a register of the names and other relevant particulars of persons to whom the medal or clasps to the medal have been awarded. (2) The Registrar shall keep such other records 'relating to the award of the Services Medal of Honour as the Governor-General may direct. CANCELLATION AND REINSTATEMENT 8. (1) The Governor-General may cancel an award of the Services Medal of Honour or of a clasp to the medal, and may restore an award so cancelled. (2) Where an award of the Services Medal of Honour is cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1), the name of the person to whom the award was made shall be erased from the register kept in pursuance of regulation 7. and that person shall return the medal, together with any clasps to the medal, to the Registrar. (3) Where an award of a clasp to the medal is cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1), the entry relating to the award of that clasp shall be erased from the register kept in pursuance of regulation 7, and the person to whom the clasp was awarded shall return the clasp to the Registrar. (4) Where an award that has been cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1) is restored, the Registrar shall restore the entry or entries that had been erased in the register. REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF BARBADOS BRAVERY DECORATIONS SHORT TITLE 1. These regulations may be cited as the Barbados Bravery Decorations Regulations, 1980. INTERPRETATION 2. In these regulations, "decoration" means; (a) the Barbados Star of Gallantry; or (b) the Barbados Bravery Medal. DESIGN OF DECORATIONS 3. The design of each decoration shall be as prescribed. CONDITIONS FOR AWARD OF DECORATIONS 4. (1) The Barbados Star of Gallantry may be awarded only for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril. (2) The Barbados Bravery Medal may be awarded only for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. 5. The decorations may be awarded posthumously. 6. A person shall not be awarded a decoration unless: (a) he or she is a citizen of Barbados; or (b) not being a citizen of Barbados, or she has (i) performed in Barbados an act for which a decoration may be awarded under these regulations; or (ii) performed outside Barbados an act for which a decoration may be awarded under these regulations, being an act that merits recognition by Barbados as an act in the interest of Barbados. NATIONAL HONOURS AND DECORATIONS ADVISORY COUNCIL 7. (1) There shall be a National Honours and Decorations Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Council, which shall consist of: (a) a Minister of the Cabinet nominated by the Prime Minister, as Chairman; (b) the Head of the Civil Service; © three other persons appointed by the Prime Minister of whom one shall be appointed after consultation with the Leader of the opposition. (2) A member of the Advisory Council shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of appointment and is eligible for re-appointment. (3) A vacancy in the membership of the Advisory Council shall not preclude the Advisory Council from carrying out its functions. 8. (1) The Advisory Council shall; (a) consider nominations of persons for the award of a decoration: (b) make recommendations to the Prime Minister in relation to those nominations; © advise the Governor-General on such matters concerning the decorations as the Governor-General may refer to the Advisory Council for consideration. (2) The Advisory Council may consult with such persons or bodies as it thinks necessary for the purpose of discharging its functions. 9. (1) The Secretary of the Order of Barbados shall be the Secretary of the Advisory Council. (2) The Secretary of the Advisory Council shall maintain a register of the names of persons to whom decorations have been awarded and such other records relating to the award of decorations as the Advisory Council considers necessary and perform such other functions in respect of the award of decorations as the Governor-General may direct. AWARDS 10. (1) The award of a decoration may be made with the approval of the Sovereign by an instrument signed by the Governor-General on the Sovereign's behalf, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. (2) Nothing in these regulations limits the right of the Governor-General to exercise all powers and authorities of the Sovereign in respect of the award of decorations. NOMINATIONS 11. Any person or organisation may submit to the Secretary of the Advisory Council for consideration by the Advisory Council a nomination of a person for the award of a decoration. DESIGNATIONS AND WEARING OF DECORATIONS 12. (1) A person to whom the Barbados Star of Gallantry has been awarded is entitled: (a) the have the letters "S.G." placed after his name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; (b) to wear the prescribed decoration in the manner prescribed. (2) A person to whom the Barbados Bravery Medal has been awarded is entitled (a) to have the letters "BM" placed after his name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; (b) to wear the prescribed decoration in the manner prescribed. 4 Order of Precedence of Barbados Honours and Awards In connection with the institution of Barbados Honours and Decorations with effect from 27th July 1980, approval hat been given by Her Majesty The Queen of the following Order of Precedence of the Barbados Honours and Awards: Knight or Dame of St. Andrew Companion of Honour of Barbados Crown of Merit, Gold grade Barbados Star of Gallantry Crown of Merit, Silver grade Barbados Service Star Barbados Bravery Medal Barbados Service Medal Services Medal of Honour Approval has also been given of the following Order of Precedence of Barbados Honours and Decorations in relation to British Honours and Decorations:- Order of Precedence of Barbados Honours and Awards vis-a-vis British Honours and Awards (The Barbados Decorations are indicated in bold type) Victoria Cross George Cross Knight of the Garter Knight of the Thistle Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Order of Merit Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order Knight Grand Cross of the order of the British Empire Companion of Honour Knight or Dame of St. Andrew Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Knight Bachelor Companion of the Honour of Barbados Companion of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George Crown of Merit (Gold) Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Commander of the Order of the British Empire Star of Gallantry Companion of the Distinguished Service Order Member of the Royal Victorian Order (4th Class) Officer of the Order of the British Empire Crown of Merit (Silver) Companion of the Imperial Service Order Member of the Royal Victorian Order (5th Class) Barbados Service Star Member of the Order of the British Empire Royal Red Cross (1st Class) Distinguished Service Cross Military Cross Air Force Cross Royal Red Cross (2nd Class) Barbados Bravery Medal Distinguished Conduct Medal Conspicuous Gallantry George Medal Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry Queen's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry Distinguished Service Medal Military Medal Distinguished Flying Medal Air Force Medal Queen's Gallantry Medal Barbados Service Medal British Empire Medal Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct War Medals Polar Medal Royal Victorian Medal Imperial Service Medal Services Medal of Honour Long Service Medals Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service. Insignia for the Barbadian Honours and Decorations 1. The Barbados honours and decorations are as follows, in order of precedence:- 1. Knight or Dame of St. Andrew (K.A./D.A.) 2. Companion of Honour of Barbados (C.H.B.) 3. Crown of Merit, Gold (G.C.M. 4. Barbados Star of Gallantry (S.G.) 5. Crown of Merit, Silver (S.C.M. 6. Barbados Service Star (B.S.S.) 7. Barbados Bravery Medal (B.M.) 8. Barbados Service Medal (B.S.M.) 9. Services Medal of Honour 2. The decorations relating to all the awards are of a standard length of 6.0 cm overall, and 3.25 cm in overall width except in the case of the two most senior awards which are each 3.5 cm in overall width. 3. The decoration consists, generally, of a medal of 3.0 cm. in diameter resting on a ribbon in the national colours which has a pin on the back, at the top, to allow the decoration to be affixed to the clothing. 4. Only one side of the medal carries the design. 5. None of the decorations is of the style for wearing around the neck. 6. The design of each of the awards is common to men and women. 7. Miniatures of the decorations are available in a size to accord with the existing miniatures of British awards for use by persons entitled to them who elect to wear Formal Dress on occasions appropriate for such attire. 8. The insignia for the Barbadian Awards are as follows:- (i) Knight/Dame of St. Andrew A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue, which is 1.5 cm in depth, has the pin at the back affixed to it; the gold is 3.5 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar, rests a blue enamelled circular medal bearing the white diagonal cross of St. Andrew, with dolphins taken from the Coat of Arms of Barbados, in gold on either side of the cross looking inwards; the second blue of the ribbon is fringed and is 1.0 cm in depth. (ii) Companion of Honour of Barbados A ribbon of blue and gold horizontal bands, the first being blue and 1.5 cm in depth has the pin at the back affixed to it, then another depth of 4.0 cm in blue on which rests a medal in gold metal consisting of a 5.0 mm horizontal bar having attached to it a 12-pointed star containing the Coat of Arms of Barbados in gold on a white enamelled background encircled in blue enamel with the words "Companion of Honour. Barbados". The gold of the ribbon then follows below the other part of the ribbon and is 5 mm in depth, fringed. (iii) Crown of Merit A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue of which is 1.5 cm in depth has the in at the back affixed to it; then follows the gold of 4.0 cm in depth on which rests, suspended from a narrow metal bar in gold, a blue enamelled circular medal bearing on it a crown in gold, the second blue of the ribbon is 5.0 mm in depth, fringed. (iv) Barbados Star of Gallantry A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in blue on which, suspended from a 5.0 mm horizontal bar, inscribed with the words "For Gallantry", rests a 6-pointed star containing in the centre of it the broken trident, enamelled in black. Then follows, below, a fringe in gold, 5.0 mm in depth. (v) Silver Crown of Merit A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed, then follows a broad band of gold 4.0 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests a blue enamelled circular medal, bearing on it a crown in silver, then follows, a fringe in blue, 5.0 mm in depth. (vii) Barbados Service Star A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue of which is 1.5 cm in depth on to which the pin at the back is affixed, then follows the gold of 4.0 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests an 8-pointed star in silver (being one 4-pointed star superimposed on another 4-pointed star containing the Pride of Barbados flower, enamelled in red, in the centre of it. Then follows, a fringe in blue, 5.0 mm in depth. (vii) Barbados Bravery Medal A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in blue, on which, suspended from a 5.0 mm horizontal bar inscribed with the words "For Bravery", rests a circular silver metal containing the broken trident enamelled in black in the centre of it. Then follows a fringe in gold, 5.0 mm in depth. (viii) Barbados Service Medal A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in gold on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests a circular medal, containing the Pride of Barbados flower enamelled in red in the centre of it. Then follows a fringe in blue, 5 mm in depth. (ix) Services Medal of Honour A ribbon 2.0 cm in depth at the top, with vertical broad stripes of blue, gold and blue, the blue each being 1.O cm in width and the gold being 1.25 cm in width. The pin at the back is affixed to this 2.0 cm depth. Then follows a depth of ribbon of 3.5 cm in blue on which, suspended from a horizontal bar of 5 mm, inscribed with the words "Police Force" or "Fire Service" or "Defence Force" or "Prisons Service", as the case might be, rests a circular silver metal medal circumscribed with the words "Services Medal of Honour", containing in the centre the Coat of Arms of Barbados in gold. Then follows a fringe in gold, 5 mm in depth. The broad gold vertical stripe in the top 2.0 cm depth portion of the ribbon has the following superimposed upon it so as to identify the Service to which it particularly relates: (a) in the case of the Police Force: Two narrow vertical red stripes, each of 3 mm width, equally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe; (b) in the case of the Fire Service: One narrow vertical red stripe, 3 mm wide, centrally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe: © in the case of the Defence Force" Two narrow vertical green stripes, each of 3 mm width, equally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe; (d) in the case of the Prisons Service; One narrow vertical green stripe, 3.0 mm wide, centrally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe.

Here is a recently received notice........ Although primarily aimed at New Zealand residents, this could also apply to any "furriners" who've always planned on visiting NZ.....the perfect excuse...... Mods. Please note: the main emphasis is on NZ/British ODM. Readers; please do not respond on this forum. Use the mail address at bottom of notice. "A group of New Zealand collectors of Orders and Medals is considering holding a weekend seminar/get-together for interested persons. It is proposed to hold this at the Wairakei Resort, Taupo, April 4 – 6, 2014. The resort has offered discounted room rates (from $135) and discounted meeting room hire. There is plenty for other family members to do in the region. See http://www.wairakei.co.nz We have been offered a private dining facility for a group dinner, probably with a guest speaker,on the Saturday night. To make the best use of the deal offered by the Resort we would encourage everybody to stay together in this hotel. The plan is to meet informally on the Friday night (in the bar?) and then to hold seminars and lectures on Saturday and also Sunday morning, finishing at noon. If you are willing to make a presentation of, say, 20-30 minutes please let us know. If you wish to exhibit of some of your collection or special subjects, also please let us know. Because of the costs involved there will be no special security arrangements - guards etc. Any items you might bring will be fully your responsibility. There will be a small “registration” fee $20 - $30 to cover basic costs and meeting room hire etc. This will be payable via PayPal. Fee will depend on numbers attending. Accommodation costs will be payable, individually, directly to the Hotel. It is yet to be decided what form the Saturday dinner will follow - be it a set-meal or a-la-carte. We are not restricting the theme of the meeting solely to New Zealand or British Orders, Decorations and Medals - although this will be the dominant theme. ODM from all parts of the world are welcome. Some of you may have items you want to sell or trade. We envisage publishing, to all attendees, an anonymous vendor list of such items a week before the event. Deals to be done at venue. This meeting is not being sponsored by any existing society, and so will be open to anyone wishing to attend. Promotion will be through known associations and by word-of-mouth only. For security reasons there will be no public advertising. Similarly there will be no published list of persons attending. If you receive this notice and know of individuals or groups who might wish to attend – please forward this notice. This notice is being posted to OMRS UK, OMRS NZ, JOMSA, BMF and GMIC forums. Please advise of any other groups which may be interested. If all goes well this could become an annual event. Initially all communication will only be through the email address shown at the foot of this notice. At the moment this is just a proposal. We are looking for your responses; 1. Are you likely to attend if your circumstances permit? 2. Are you definitely going attend (if the proposal comes to fruition)? 3. Are you willing to make a presentation - subject? 4. Do you wish to stage an exhibit? 5. Would you attend the Saturday night group dinner? To help us determine if this planned event is feasible and should proceed please reply to the above questions as soon as possible – but DEFINITELY BEFORE 20TH DECEMBER. Please be sure to leave your name – it will not be divulged. OrdersandMedalsNZ@gmail.com

Wellington City, New Zealand's memorial to Ataturk sited at a cove reminiscent of ANZAC Cove Gallipoli. Ataturk - a REAL statesman! Graeme

Should be green with thin white central stripe. Why gold and red ? Perhaps somebody just thought it looked more attractive that way !!!!! G.

ila559 Unknown cross in post #38 is the Distinguished Flying Cross

I cannot get any response from SAGongs. Is it still active ? Still exist ? Graeme

Sorry...better format.... They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Simply this - by Lawrence Binyon (especially the first, comparitively unknown vwerse) They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Again, many thanks.... It looks exactly the same as the Australian Champion Shot Medal ribbon - probably easier for me to get !!! Merry Christmas to all, from here - still on top of the world in New Zealand ....lol Graeme

Hello Hugh and Brian Many thanks for your information. I am a little confused with the ribbon colours. Are the outer stripes light blue, or silver? Similarly the central stripe - is it dark blue, or black ? There appears to be so much variation in printed colours that it is very hard to tell what is what ! Regards Graeme

Hello all I am looking for positive identification and information for this silver medal, 42mm wide. What does the text on the suspender mean in English, and from what ribbon would it be suspended ? Regards Graeme

Call me a sceptic (I've been called worse !), but it seems the only "proof" you have of a British DFC being awarded is the GQ certificate and the copy of the American memorandum. The hand written wording on the GC certificate looks suspicious to me. I would not have expected to find a full stop after the word "Liddle" - I would have expected a comma. The lettering of the "D.F.C." is of a different thickness to all other lettering. All of the lettering "D.F.C. R.A.F." slopes to the right. All other lettering is vertical. My nasty suspicious mind thinks the "D.F.C. R.A.F." words have been added to the original certificate. After noting the mistake with the "D.F.C." the "R.A.F." style was corrected. The American memorandum copy in all likelihood was supplied to Liddle AFTER being gazetted. It is doubtful that it would be supplied to an award recipient before being officially being confirmed by British authorities in the Gazette. None of the Gazette entries I could find show the award of a British DFC, with either of his two service numbers. I doubt the missing records theory - everything else is gazetted properly. And......to me the most telling.....in his own words he seems to mention all the high points of his RAF flying career BUT - no mention of a British DFC. Just my thoughts - hope I'm wrong. Rgds Graeme

Many thanks for this info Mike - now I have to find out which unit Henry RUSSELL was in ! Any hints of on-line rolls etc ? I'm not surprised he wasn't at Mafeking - nor the family's belief that he was a Serjeant Major in SA at age 18/19 ??? By the way - can you confirm his uniform is Gordon Highlander ?? Thanks again Graeme

Can anybody please confirm that this is indeed a young Gordons Highlander of the immediate pre-Boer War period. Reputedly it is Henry Russell, born 1881, and present at Mafeking? In 1907 he was a Gunner with the RA at Woolwich. Served in WW I with the RA, finishing as Acting Serjeant. His MIC shows War Medal and Victory Medal only - no entry into theatre details. Does lack of any Star mean no service in European theatre ? Any and all information, wounds ?, postings ? etc ? greatly appreciated by me on behalf of his grandson. Rgds to all Graeme

Hi there Dirty medals - NEVER Sar Major..... Never use abrasive polishes - that includes "most" silver cleaning cloths - they are impregnated with very fine abrasive, that's why they are a little powdery. I use Goddards Silver Dip. I believe that it converts the "rust" - silver oxide - which is the dirty stuff on your medal - back to metallic silver. Dip medal in it for a few seconds, repeat if necessary with a little rubbing with soft cloth, and brush into crevices only if required with a WORN toothbrush (sharp square ends of bristles worn off ). You would be surprised how quickly it comes clean - just seconds - bright and shiny. Then rinse in hot water. Do not touch with your fingers from now on. Pat dry with soft cloth. Let air until fully dry. If desired buff to a high shine using just a plain dry untreated soft cotton cloth. Remember this is probably the one and only time this is going to happen to your medal. Then I lacquer them. Heresy to some, but your medal, if handled gently will remain clean and shiny and should not require further treatment for decades. For lacquer I use clear gloss nail varnish diluted approx 3 parts solvent 1 part nail varnish. (Apply with soft camel hair artists brush). This solution is so thin it spreads over the surface almost by itself, very evenly and with no brush marks. Suspend by suspender, or ring, on a piece of thread. If any surplus thinned lacquer forms a drop on bottom of suspended medal remove it immediately before it starts to harden, using soft cloth or tissue. Just touch it to the drop and let it soak off the medal - do not touch the medal. Leave overnight to harden. As the lacquer forms a barrier to prevent the oxygen in the air reacting again with the silver there should be no further tarnishing. HANDLE WITH CARE - banging or rubbing against other medals will chip the lacquer and expose the silver to the air again. Not desirable ! You will find it almost impossible to see any lacquer. Make it easy on yourself - do a bunch is medals at the same time.... Best of luck....... if you try this......

Hello Hugh If you're scanning the booklet for Ed could you please also email me a copy ?? Always looking for reliable sources of Commonwealth post-independence ODM. Regards Graeme (NZ)

Hi Alex - any more available? I'm after two sets, and aslo an AirGunner/Wireless Operator wing Rgds Graeme