Thanks for posting Emmanuel.

Jean-Paul

Hi Harry,

Outstanding website and information as usual on this little known topic.

Jean-Paul

Excellent photo of the new King Megan.

Now we await the King's Coronation Medal. 

Jean-Paul

Thanks for the hi-res image of the back of this unusual ribbon bar.

At first glance, the stitching looks good, but on further observation, it doesn't look like the stitching is 75 years old.

Stitching looks more recent, so still leaning towards someone adding the US WW2 Victory Medal ribbon to fill an empty spot/missing ribbon on this ribbon bar. 

Jean-Paul

Is it possible to see an image of the back of this ribbon bar?

I have the feeling that this might be a "made-up" ribbon bar.

Jean-Paul

10 hours ago, erikscollectables said:

Hi Jean-Paul,

Sounds like even more extreme conditions there! What period was this and any photo's to share?

All the best, Erik

PS next episode probably on Saturday.

 

Hi Erik,

I was in Alert in 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1985. Each time for 6 months continuous. 

Yes, weather conditions are extreme. Sorry, no pictures to share.

Jean-Paul

Hi Erik,

Very interesting blog.

I've had the opportunity to visit Thule Air Base on 6 or 7 occasions, sleeping there on my way to the Canadian military base in Alert, NWT. We always had a good laugh while in Thule when seeing the various signs saying "At the top of the world". Knowing that the next day we'd be flying 500 miles further north to Alert. Alert is the most northern permanently populated location in the world. Alert is truly "At the top of the world" being location approximately 500 miles from the North Pole. Here is a link to a map showing Thule and Alert. Here is the link: 

Good luck with this very interesting blog.

Jean-Paul 

Hot off the press:

Joly’s office confirms no Canada 150 medals — despite ‘enthusiasm’ from previous minister

The Ministry of Canadian Heritage still has no plans to issue commemorative medals for Canada’s 150th anniversary, despite recommendations and proposals from officials. Bureaucrats briefed Joly on their progress after a proposal to the previous minister, Conservative Shelly Glover, was met with “enthusiasm,” according to documents obtained via an access-to-information request. Joly has not explained why the medals project has been dropped. “The contribution of great Canadians will be recognized through a wide range of projects,” her office said Monday.

The cancellation has drawn the ire of some, including the Royal Canadian Legion, which said it was “shocked and disappointed” and this summer wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Governor General, Joly and opposition leaders. Joly was given a detailed memorandum and presentation, including an illustration of a medal featuring the Canada 150 logo. A source close to the project said designs for the medals and medal certificates were ready, and regulations and Letters Patent were drafted by the time Joly decided not to pursue the project.

Read the complete news article: http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/jolys-office-confirms-no-canada-150-medals-despite-enthusiasm-from-previous-minister

Jean-Paul

Hi Gordon,

According to Kevin R. Ingraham in his book " Honors, Medals and Awards of the Korean War 1950 - 1953", a total of 5,650 Ethiopian issue UN Medals were struck. As for the Ethiopian UN Medal, a total of 3,518 "combat personnel" served with the three battalions. I presume there was also a number of "support" troops with the battalions.

Hope this helps.

Jean-Paul

Hi Rob,

Here is the link to the South African National Archives, which might be of assistance: 

http://www.national.archives.gov.za/

Good luck with your research.

Jean-Paul

Excellent video!

Jean-Paul

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your observations. The box is plain with no writing.

Let me know if you still want me to send some photos.

Jean-Paul

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your opinion. Much appreciated.

Jean-Paul

Just bumping this up. 

Jean-Paul

Hi,

These two medals are from France. Official title is "Medaille d'Honneur du travail (Ministere de la Defense - Marine).

Translates roughly to: Medal of Honour for Work (Ministry of Defence - Navy). The medal is awarded to civilian employees for distinguished/long service. The bronze medal is awarded for 25 years of service, while the silver medal is given for 30 years of service. The gold medal signifies 40 years of service.

Hope this helps.

Jean-Paul

I recently came across an EK2 and just couldn't resist buying it.

Since this is not my area of expertise, I'd like to see what our forum EK experts have to say regarding this piece.

I've taken a few photos which I hope will provide enough details. The case has no writing on it and there is a small mark on the ring of the award.

The mark is too small for me to make out, but it looks like it could be a B or and E.

Jean-Paul

Hi Clinton,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing this very useful guide.

Jean-Paul

Hi Dave,

Your suggestion works. Thanks for the help.

Jean-Paul

Hi Dave,

Would it be possible to get a higher resolution image

Kindest Regards,

Jean-Paul

HI,

Looks like a Volksmarche Medal.

Jean-Paul

I could be wrong, but I believe that the gent to his left is wearing an African General Service Medal with a clasp, vice the India Medal 1896 pointed out by Peter. In any case, this still points to an African location.

Jean-Paul

Hi Achern,

Thanks for posting this very informative article. 

I'm very impressed with the quality of the photographs contained in the article.

Jean-Paul

Hi Mary,

Welcome to the Forum.

This appears to be a Masonic medal.

I've found a similar medal at the following link: http://www.ebay.com.hk/itm/Rare-Antique-Masonic-Coin-Medal-Chapter-No-7-GRQ-Montreal-May-9th-1898-Pendant-/251550461189

Hope this helps.

Jean-Paul

Hi Frank,

I also got the same answer for another source at DH&R. 

Jean-Paul

Polar Medal

The Polar Medal will celebrate Canada’s Northern heritage and recognize persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada's North.

As an official honour created by the Crown, the Polar Medal will be part of the Canadian Honours System. The program will incorporate and replace the Governor General’s Northern Medal, created in 2005 by then-Governor General the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson.

The Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, will administer the Polar Medal program.

The call for nominations will start fall 2015.

Eligibility criteria and nomination process

The Polar Medal will recognize those who have contributed to or endeavoured to promote a greater understanding of Canada’s Northern communities and its people.

It will also honour those individuals who have withstood the rigours of the polar climate to make significant contributions to polar exploration and knowledge, scientific research, and the securement of Canada’s Northern sovereignty.

Any person or group will be able to submit a nomination of a person who is eligible to be awarded the Polar Medal. Submissions will be accepted throughout the year. Nominations will be received by the Chancellery of Honours and reviewed by an advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the governor general.

Description of the medal

The Polar Medal consists of a silver octagonal medal that is 36 mm in diameter with a suspension bar adorned with a representation of the North Star, with limbs evoking strong winds, water currents and the aurora borealis.

The obverse depicts a contemporary effigy of the Sovereign, circumscribed with the inscription in capital letters of the Canadian Royal Title and the word “CANADA”, separated by two maple leaves. The edge of the obverse is decorated with small denticles. The reverse bears a representation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner St. Roch depicted in the Arctic near a tall iceberg and two crew members standing on the ice. The medal is suspended from a watered white ribbon that is 32 mm in width. Each subsequent award of the Medal to the same person will be indicated by a bar, which will be in silver with raised edges and bear a centred silver maple leaf.

Major Carl Gauthier, of the Directorate of Honours and Recognition section of the Department of National Defence, designed the medal and the Canadian Heraldic Authority completed the final artwork. The medal will be manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at their Ottawa facility.

Full details can be found here: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=16120&lan=eng

Jean-Paul