deptfordboy

Hi Gents, Interesting discussion here - the point Tony made about his Grandad's medals may clear up a niggling issue I had with a Burma star. This was part of a large lot to an artillery captain (including tunic , beret, overcoat, books etc). Everything seemed correct bar the Burma star - I worried that this was a copy but it may have been a later reissue, as everything else in the lot was pukka. I guess (if you had enough time on your hands) one could try and trace the downwards trend in quality over time, similar to German 1957 awards? Cheers Gilbert

Hallo Gents, I have been distracted for a while with domestic duties (nappies, pushing prams around in parks, hallucinating through sleep deprivation), but thought I'd share this recent purchase. Published in 1922, it is a record of the war service for council employees during WW1. This covers everyone from Sludge Dredger crews on the Thames, to teachers and senior civil servants. There are alphabetical lists for each department, with details for each man on where they served, decorations, and other info of interest. As ever, I am happy to help with requests for info on London soldiers, to see if they are listed. As I find is often the case with these books, you often get 'freebies' thrown in which can become research subjects in their own right. This particular copy was presented to Major M H Easton of the 25th London (cyclist) battalion. If anyone here has his medals (BWM/Vic pair, Terr. Forces War Medal), then let me know! Cheers Gilbert

Sorry I mssed you Tony, as far as I remember I was on Daddy Duty that day . In fact, I haven't had much time for the forums recently, but I HAVE been busy working on my Southeast London collection (Royal west Kent 11th and 20th London Battalions), should be posting up some of my goodies soon. Cheers Gilbert

Very nice tins Tony! What's the low-down on the British Medal trios in the picture? Cheers Gilbert

Very nice! I have one of those on my wish list too - one of the most attractive orders out there, IMO. Cheers Gilbert

Hi All, Another recent pickup, rather rare both in terms of availability and interest , this book is a Centenary History of 291st (4th London) Field Regiment, RA (TA) formerly 2nd Kent RGA (Volunteers). This was written in 1962 as a centenary publication, charting the unit's formation in 1860, and the prejudice it faced (basically along the lines of fear of arming the 'plebs'), through WW1 where it took part in the battles at Arras and Ypres. In WW2 the unit played its part in covering the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk, then served in India and at Monte Cassino. This features a Roll of Honour and lots of mentions of individual soldiers, so as ever if I can be of help to fellow members with research, then let me know! Cheers Gilbert

Hi Gents, Scott I think that is a fair price for an ASC trio - research may increase the value, which is part of the fun with these! I generally have my eye on certain London Regiments, and these tend to go for quite a bit - for example if you are up against someone else who specialises in that regiment then it may well go up to ?100. I also notice that Cambridge regiment medals tend to go for high prices - what is the logic behind this, glorious military deeds or the Oxbridge connection? Cheers gilbert

Hi Tony, Yes this book seems to be pretty rare, there are only a few I know to be in existence - mine was pierced to be hung up somewhere, perhaps in the local church? There was an old soldiers' association so I am confident I will find that out with more research. There are no Thurstons I'm afraid, although there is an F Neal as an enlisted man. The Battalion was formed at Lewisham Town Hall (in Catford, perversely) and in the early days met at St Mary's in Ladywell. As I read more of the book I can give more details if there is interest. I will be moving this week to just up the road from the War Memorial in Catford, small world eh? Cheers Gilbert

Evening Gents, I recently picked up a copy of the regimental history for the 11th Battalion Royal West Kents, known as the Lewisham Battalion, written by Capt R.O. Russell and printed in 1934. This details the formation of the battalion in Catford, has accounts of all their major engagements, and perhaps most usefully, lists every Officer, NCO and man in the unit. It also features profiles on gallantry medal winners, and the destination units of key members upon its disbandment in 1918. I was pleased to discover that my particular copy has been signed by many members of the battalion, including the C.O. Lieut Colonel Corfe (DSO & 2 bars). If any members here have medals or doc's to this regiment and need help with research, I'll be only too happy to oblige. Cheers Gilbert

Thanks Guys, That's an interesting thought Rick - in the letter from number 10 it's mentioned that Prentice and his colleagues had a 'trying time in Athens'. Perhaps this enigmatic statement refers to an incident which was not made public knowledge (of course it could just have referred to a dodgy moussaka they ate there! ). I guess details might be realised after 60 years have passed? It would be nice to think that there is a hidden story behind this group - I will do more research and post further pic's when I get a chance. Cheers Gilbert

And some of the other documents in the group - it will take ages to wade through them all - lots of fun

Details of the averted sabotage...

Evening Gents, Thought I'd share this interesting grouping which came my way recently. It is a big group (50 plus items) to a chap called David Prentice. Prentice joined the Coldstream Guards in 1942, served in Italy and received the Italy Star, 39-45 Star and War Medal, and was honourably discharged in 1947. He then joined the Polic Force, but obviously didn't find it to his liking as he left after a year and joined the RAF for a further 17 years. What is probably most interesting is the small part he played in the devolvement of British colonial power in Cyprus. In August 1958, Prime Minister Macmillan visited Cyprus, Turkey and Greece in an effort to find a plan which would avert terrorist attacks on the island http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/macmillan_plan.htm. Our man Prentice apparently played a role in averting a sabotage attack on the P.M.'s plane, for which he received a signed photo and a commendation from number 10 Downing Street. Anyway, hope this is of interest to some here, I will let you know if further research brings more detail on this story. Cheers All, Gilbert

Super items and history - thanks for sharing - back in the days when I lived in C Europe I knew a Waldemar - he was known either as Waldi or Wally (depending on how much beer had been consumed)

That's a SUPER family group Jim - it's great that it stayed in the family all this time. Thanks for sharing, and any more info about their service would be most interesting! Cheers Gilbert

Thanks Tony, Yes, I bought the lot for 150 quid. I think I did OK given the way prices are going, but what interested me was the fact it is a family group, and that it's genuinely the first time onto the market for this lot. Finding the personal insrciption from Sidney was also a buzz. I got some more info from the seller - apparently both the brothers moved to Wales after the Great War and married girls there. He is going to try and put me in touch with the family round that way so I may find out some more. The tin needs a bit of TLC as verdigris has set in - I will do some gentle restoration using a toothbrush to stop things getting worse, and also do some more research on the medals. All the Best Gilbert PS - How was Beltring - I have never been, though I used to pop into a medals fair not far from there.

Thanks Francois, Crystal clear thank you! All makes sense now, any idea of the numbers awarded in Bronze? As you say, given the date and the situation with regard to the air war, it's unlikely many new pilots would have survived long enough to receive this. Cheers Gilbert

And the reverse with maker's mark:

Hi All, Here's my maker-marked Osang in Bronze. Perhaps a silly question, but what is the logic behind the bronze being the rarest of these awards? I would have thought that more bronze would have been awarded than silver, gold etc? Cheers Gilbert

Finally, the cards from the tin. A Mary Xmas Greetings card, plus a blank card with monogram, an 'Honour Our Allies' souvenir card, and finally a 1915 souvenir card. This is most interesting to me as it shows a small scene (including a cannon at the far left?) and a message from Sidney - "from Sidney to Mother" - a man of few words ! Cheers Gilbert

Here are the medals themselves, George's trio is at the top - BWM & Victory missing part of their suspension, which is a shame.

The reverse of the tin has Sidney's inscription which at the moment doesn't come out in photos. Tony, as the Mary Tin expert could you give me some advice as how to bring up the original gilt finish, as can be seen with your super examples? Cheers Gilbert

Hallo Gents, As promised, I have finally got round to taking some snaps of the tin and its contents. Apologies for the ropey photos, I had only just got my head round photgraphing German stuff and the Brit medals require new techniques! First up, the tin itself:

Hi Gordon, That's a lovely piece! I remember reading on another forum that you had a book on KVK's in the works. May I ask if that is indeed the case and if so, when is it due for publication? Cheers Gilbert

Very nice group Graeme - you should make him an offer! Can I take it that you are a RN man also? Cheers Gilbert