JPL

This is not my area of interest, but came across this interesting news article that I thought might be of interest to those who are. The article states: "The Russian defense ministry has named 322 of its soldiers Heroes of the Russian Federation for their actions in the two Chechen campaigns, nearly four times as many Heroes of the Soviet Union (85) that its Soviet predecessor handed out in Afghanistan, a product of the intensity of the Chechen war and of awards inflation in post-Soviet times. According to an article in the current issue of ?Sovershenno Sekretno,? the Russian defense ministry presented 559 soldiers and officers with the title Hero of the Russian Federation between 1992 and the end of 2008. Of these, 322 were awarded to participants in the army?s role in Chechnya." The complete article, which contains more statistics, can be found here: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1328...556672397069633 Jean-Paul

I refer to my SSM as my "chrome plated medal"... JP

Hi Dan, Nice court mounted CD with the case. The actual medal looks a lot nicer than the image you posted. The CD is awarded for "12 years of service", but yours has an additional bar denoting 22 years of service (additional bars are awarded for each additional 10 years of service). Therefore, the ribbon bar will have one rosette in the centre of the ribbon. Here is a link to the Canadian Forces medal website which has additional information on the CD: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/c...-eng.asp?ref=CD A miniature should set you back about $15 Canadian. If you do a google search for: canada miniature medals for sale you should get some sources. Jean-Paul

US President George Bush was also awarded this medal in December 2008. Here is a link: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/mid..._News_Feature__ Jean-Paul

Hi Hugh, Thank you for sharing this hard to find information. Jean-Paul

Hi Jeff, Would it be possible to see a scan of the ribbon as well. Thanks Jean-Paul

Try Antonio Prieto Barrio's excellent website on ribbons. There are 3 images of Japanese ribbons: http://www.coleccionesmilitares.com/cintas/cintasas.htm#j Jean-Paul

Just came across this news item regarding the Honoris Crux Diamond which I thought might be of interest. Museum bags one-of-a-kind medal Here is the URL:http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2136&Itemid=365 Jean-Paul

Hi Noor, I did a quick search for his MIC in the online National Archives website and found the following: Hobbs, Sidney E Corps Regiment No Rank Royal Berkshire Regiment 9269 Private He also served in the Hampshire Regiment as follows: Hampshire Regiment 23977 Private Here is the link to the info: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...p;resultcount=1 Jean-Paul

The British Privy Council has determined that the Trinity Cross, awarded by Trinidad and Tobago, is unconstitutional because it discriminates against non-christians. According to one news article, the cross will be redesigned and replaced with a medal. Another news item states that the Trinity Cross will be replaced by the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The implications of the ruling are being studied by lawyers in the Cabinet Office, which oversees the honours system. So, this could prove to be interesting. Here are the links to the two news stories: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/r..._unlawful_award http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11...-Christian.html Here is an image of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from one of the news items: Hopefully, as this story unfolds, we can keep track on this forum for future reference. Jean-Paul

Hi kjell, Great specialized collection. Thank you for sharing. My main interest is in the WW1 Campaign in German East Africa and noticed that the MGC was given the Battle Honour E. Africa. Since information is hard to obtain on this campaign, I was wondering what information you may have on the MGC activities in East Africa. All the best, Jean-Paul (JP)

Hi Brian, I was living in Barrie, but have now moved to New Brunswick. I can't seem to find where I can change my location on the forum, so if anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. In regards to the 401 Antique Market, there are usually a few medals for sale, but this varies. Mostly run of the mill stuff, but one never knows. Good hunting. Jean-Paul

Unless things have changed, I checked many years ago and there shouldn't be any customs payable on antique/old medals in Canada. If the medal is new, then they can. But then, it appears that the rules are open to interpretation by the customs official. But what really makes me mad is getting an invoice from Canada Customs stating that I owe them $12 in administration fee for them to tell me that I don't have to pay customs on the medal I've just received. And to add insult to injury, you have to pay the fee in order to get the package. Only in Canada, eh... JPL

[i just hope somebody is saving the sales catalogues from the manufacturers and merchandisers of these things for the collectors of 2089. Here is a link to what I believe is the most comprehensive list of these Un-Official Commemorative Medals listed by the Firms offering them: http://honours.homestead.com/comindex.html What a sad state of affairs... JPL

The awarding of the Sacrifice Medal is currently on hold. The first award of the this new medal was scheduled to take place on 14 Nov 08, but was cancelled by the Governor General after public outcry regarding the criteria for the award of the medal. Here is a link to a news item on this topic: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...y/National/home Regards, JP