oamotme

Bokhara, Faded WW2 UK Defence medal ribbon? Owain

Thanks - Ras Makonnen father of Haile Selassie I believe - but no Spanish award. Owain

Gentlemen, Further to my ongoing research into the awards presented to Emperor Menelik of Ethiopia (ruled 1889-1913) I am having difficulty in ascertaining when and in what circumstances he was awarded the Order of the Red Cross. As he never left Abyssina/Ethiopia during his lifetime I am 'assuming' the award was made in connection with a diplomatic/humanitarian/missionary mission of some kind to the Emperor. This award dates from 1876 to 1899 thus the award to Menelik should date from the period 1889-99. The award is the lower right star in the images. Any guidance or suggestions would be much appreciated. Regards, Owain P.S. The list of awards received by the the Emperor, excluding Ethiopian orders, are, as far as I am aware: France - Legion of Honour Germany - Order of the Red Eagle Hungary - Order of St. Stephen Italy - Order of Sts. Maurice & Lazarus Russia - Order of Alexander Nevski Turkey - Order of the Mejidie United Kingdom - Order of the Bath

Gentlemen, I detail below a Belgian group of miniatures I have which includes a miniature of the Commander/3rd Class grade of the order. As Paul suggests probably the group of a consular member of staff as the group also includes Dutch, Italian and Vatican awards Regards from Riyadh, Owain

Nick, The case lid and medal obverse reads, "Al Harass Al Maliki" (The Royal Guard) The top of the obverse is the Saudi flag , "La ila il allah mohammed rasool allah" (There is no god but Allah - Mohamed is his messenger) The lower half of the reverse image - a stuck on plate, "Ihda'a min Ri'aassah Al Harass Al Maliki" ("A Gift from the Royal Guard Headquarters). Regards, Owain

Jan, I have some spare Order of the Republic ribbon - but in London. Send me a private message with an address and I will post in December to you. Owain

....and if you have the time and patience the remaining laws/amendments for this order up to 1946 - I could find any later ones. As you will note the number of awards increases and the quotas exclude awards to foreigners .There is a different series post 1958. Owain Published in IGG No.35 of 9 September, 1928) 217. CORRIGENDUM Reference the “Al Rafidain” Order Law, No. 29 of 1927, which was published at page 117 of the Iraq Government Gazette No. 15 of 1927. For the word “Medal” wherever it occurs in this Law, substitute the word “Order”. ----00000---- Published in IGG No.29 of 16 July, 1933) 272. REGULATION No. 23 OF 1933 AMENDING THE REGULATION RELATING THE ORDER OF AR_RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1927 In accordance with Article 23 (Amended) of the Constitutional Law, by virtue of the powers vested in my by His Majesty King Faisal the First, pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Finance and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation on behalf of His Majesty:- Article 1 This Regulation shall be called “Regulation No.23 of 1933 Amending the Regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 14 of 1928”.) Article 2 The following provisions shall be added to the regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928:- If a promotion to a higher class takes place, the Order of the lower class shall be recovered from the possessor thereof and the difference in fees between the two classes shall be collected from him. In the event of the death of a possessor of an Order, the Order shall be recovered from his heirs within a suitable period of time, provided that this will be at the option of the heirs themselves. If such a recovery takes place the fees paid by the deceased holder of the Order shall be refunded to the heirs. If an Order is lost the holder thereof may, by permission from the President of the Council of Ministers, obtain an other Order to replace it against payment of the fees prescribed for the class of the missing Order as set forth in “Ar-Rafidain” Decoration Law No. 29 of 1927. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 23rd day of Safar, 1352, and the 17th day of June 1933. The Regent GHAZI RASHID ALI HIKMAT SULAIMAN Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Interior Minister of Foreign Affairs & Acting Minister of Finance MUHAMMAD ZAKI JALAL BABAN Minister of Justice Minister of Defence & Acting Minister of Economics & Communications ABDUL MAHDI Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1264 dated 22-6-33) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.15 of 15 April, 1934) 154. REGULATION AMENDING REGULATION FOR THE ORDER OF AR_RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1927 –No.7 OF 1934 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 26 (a) of the Constitutional Law and Article 3 of the Law for the Order of Ar Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 Article 7 of the regulation for the Order of Ar Rafidain No.14 of 1928 shall be amended as follows: The word “eighty” shall be substituted for “fifty” in the first sentence. The words “one hundred and twenty” shall be substituted for “one hundred” in the second sentence. The words “one hundred and seventy” shall be substituted for “one hundred and fifty” in the third sentence. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 19th day of Dhul Qi’da, 1352, and the 5th day of March 1934. GHAZI JAMIL AL MADFA’I NAJI AS SUWAIDI Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Finance Minister of Interior ABDULLA AD DAMALUJI RASHID AL KHOJA Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Defence JAMAL BABAN ABBAS MAHDI Minister of Justice Minister of Economics and Communications JALAL BABAN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1349 dated 13-3-34) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.51 of 23 December, 1934) 607. REGULATION AMENDING THE REGULATION RELATING TO THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 –No.47 OF 1934 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to decision of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 The word right mentioned at the end of Article 3 (a) of the regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928 shall be deleted and substituted by the word left”. The words “there shall be a brooch similar to and worn in manner similar to the brooch described in para (a) set out at the end of the paragraph (b) of the same article shall be substituted by the words “there is also a brooch, placed on gilt rays, to be worn on the lower part of the right breast”. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from 1st November, 1934. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 24th day of Rajab, 1353, and the 1st day of November 1934. GHAZI ALI JAWDAT YUSUF GHANIMA Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Finance Minister of Interior NURI AS SA’ID JAMAL BABAN Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Justice JAMIL AL MADFA’I ARSHAD AL’UMARI Minister of Defence Minister of Economics and Communications ABDUL HUSAIN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1386 dated 8-11-34) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.6 of 10 February, 1935) 46. REGULATION No. 2 OF 1935 AMENDING THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to decision of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 Article 2 of the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928 is amended as follows: The order in each class and division is a red seven pointed star on both sides, in the centre of the face of which is a white circle on whose upper part is inscribed “The Kingdom of Iraq” and on whose lower part the words “Patriotism is of the Faith”. The said circle is enclosed within a milled ring which is surrounded by seven semi-circles whose bases stand upon the milled ring and the radii of which radiate from the centre of the seven pointed star. The colour of the circumference and radii of the semi-circles is green. The milled ring and the point of junction of each two semi-circles are linked by a green stripe with white decorative work in between the semi-circles. The first circle contains a smaller blue circle on which is a gilt crown and the back of which contains a white circle on whose upper part is inscribed the words “Justice is the Foundation of the State” and on whose lower part is inscribed the words “Faisal The First”. The star is suspended from a gilt wreath of bay leaves and the whole is suspended by a red watered ribbon. The Military Division is distinguished from the Civil division by: Two crossed swords on the wreath. The Military ribbon contains three black parallel stripes one along each edge and one running down the centre; while the Civil ribbon contains two such stripes. Article 2 Article 3 is amended as under:- The forms of the decoration and the manner of wearing it are as follows:- The first class decoration is hung by a broad ribbon which is of the same colour as the ribbon and its stripes ending in a rosette at the lower end to which the decoration is attached. It is worn over the right shoulder so that it hangs above the left hip. There is also a gilt brooch, which may be with decorative work or otherwise, the face of which contains the same designs that are contained on the face of the decoration. The brooch is worn on the lower part of the right breast. The second class decoration is worn on the left breast with a rosette on the lower part of the ribbon. It also contains a brooch similar to that of the first class, to be worn on the lower past of the right breast. The third class decoration is suspended by means of a ribbon worn round the neck. The fourth class decoration is worn on the left breast with a ribbon bearing a rosette on its lower end. The fifth class decoration is worn on the left breast and differs from the other classes in that its wreath is silver. Article 3 Regulation Amending the Order of Ar-Rafidain Regulation No.47 of 1934 is hereby repealed. Article 4 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 5 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 7th day of Shawwal, 1353, and the 12th day of January, 1935. GHAZI JAMIL AL MADFA’I YUSUF GHANIMA Ag. Prime Minister, Minister of Finance Ag. Minister of Interior & Minister of Defence JAMAL BABAN ARSHAD AL’UMARI Minister of Justice & Minister of Economics and Minister of Foreign Affairs Communications ABDUL HUSAIN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1396 dated 24-1-35) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.32 of 11 August, 1935) 404. REGULATION AMENDING REGULATION FOR THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 – No.29 OF1935 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Justice and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 The following sentence shall be added to the end of para (b) of article 2 of the Regulation Amending Regulation for the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.18 of 1928, No. 23 of 1933:- “Pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Foreign affairs the Council of Ministers mat decree the keeping by a foreign successor of the Order of his legator as a souvenir”. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All Ministers of the State are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this 10th day of Rabi-ul-Thani, 1354, and the 11th day of July 1935. GHAZI YASIN AL HASHIMI RASHID ALI Prime Minister Minister of Interior RA’UF AL BAHRANI NURI AS SA’ID Minister of Finance Minister of Foreign Affairs MUHAMMAD ZAKI JA”FAR AL ASKARI Minister of Justice Minister of Defence MUHAMMMAD AMIN ZAKI MUHD.RIDHA AL SHABIBI Minister of Economics and Minister of Education Communications (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1437 dated 23-7-35) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.19 of 7 May, 1944) 240. REGULATION No. 68 OF 1943 AMENDING AL-RAFIDAIN ORDER REGULATION No. 14 OF 1928 – No.29 OF1935 In accordance with Article 23 (as amended) of the Constitutional Law and Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and by virtue of the power vested in me and pursuant to the proposal of the Acting Minister of Finance and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, I hereby order on behalf of His Highness the Regent the promulgation enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 There shall be added: The phrase “or without a rosette” after the phrase “a rosette thereon” in line 3 of paragraph (b) of Article 3 of Al Rafidain Regulation No. 14 of 1928. The phrase “or a crown instead of a rosette” after the phrase “bearing a rosette” appearing in the last line of paragraph (d) of Article 3 of the said Regulation. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All the Ministers are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this 24th day of Dhil Qi’da, 1362, and the 22nd day of November, 1943. ZAID Vice Regent NURI AS SA’ID ABDULLAH AL QASSAB AHMAD MUKHTAR BABAN Prime Minister Minister of Interior Minister of Justice & Acting of Defence TAHSIN AL ASKARI ABDUL ILAH HAFIDH Minister of Economics & Works Minister of Education & Ag. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ag Minister of Finance SALMAN AL BARRAKI ABDUL RAZZAK AL UZRI Minister of Economics Minister of Foreign Affairs (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 12132 of 6-12-43) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.44 of 3 November, 1946) 666. REGULATION No. 72 OF 1946 AMENDING THE RAFIDAIN ORDER REGULATION No. (14) OF 1928 After perusal of Article 3 of the Rafidain Order Law No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the approval of the Council of Ministers, we hereby order the promulgation enactment of the following Regulations:- Article 1 Article 7 of the Rafidain Order Regulation No. 14 of 1928 is deleted and substituted by the following Article 7 The members of owners of orders shall not exceed: 60 persons in Grade I 200 persons in Grade II 300 persons in Grade III The numbers of Grades IV and V are not restricted. The foreign owners of Orders who had already been granted orders shall not be within the numbers mentioned above. The orders granted to foreigners after the issue of this regulation shall not exceed one fourth of the limited number specified in Para (1). Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All the Ministers are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this xx day of xx, xx, and the 3rd day of November, 1946. Photocopy excludes details of ministers. (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya – to be advised) ----00000----

Gentlemen, See instituting law below. Regards, Owain P.S. The things I type up in my spare time..........enjoy. Published in IGG No.15 of 9 April, 1927 99. THE “AL RAFIDAIN” MEDAL LAW – “No. 29 OF 1927” WE, KING of IRAQ With the approval of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, do hereby order the enactment of the following Law:- Article 1 There shall be created a medal under the title of “Al Rafidain Medal” with 5 classes, the 1st being the highest. Article 2 This Medal shall be granted by a Royal Decree. Article 3 The shape of each class of the Medal, the colour of its ribbons, the time and manner of wearing and all questions connected with the manner of its grant and possession shall be defined by regulations. Article 4 The following fee shall be levied on Iraqis granted this medal: Class of Medal Rs. Class I 120 Class II 80 Class III 60 Class IV 40 Class V 15 Article 5 This law shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Government Gazette. Article 6 All Ministers are charged with execution of this Law. Made at Baghdad this 22nd day of March, 1927, and the 19th day of Ramadhan, 1345. FAISAL JA’FAR AL ‘ASKARI RASHID ALI YASIN AL HASHIMI Prime Minister Minister of Interior Minister of Finance & Minister of Foreign Affairs NURI AL SA’ID MUHD. AMIN ZAKI Minister of Defence Minister of Comms. & Works “ABDUL MHADI AMIN ‘ALI Minister of Education Minister of Awqaf (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 527 dated 31-3-27) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.24 of 23 June, 1928) 137. REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER ARTICLE 3 OF THE LAW RELATING TO THE ORDER OF “AL RAFIDAIN” No. 29 OF 1927, No. 14 OF 1928 WE, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article (26) of the Organic Law and Article (3) of the Law of Order of Al Rafidain No.29 of 1927, and pursuant to the resolution of the Council of ministers, do hereby order the publication of the following regulations:- Article 1 Each of the 5 classes of the Order shall be of two kinds: civil and military. Article 2 The decoration of the Order of each class is a seven pointed star, in the centre of which is a white circle on the upper part of which is inscribed the sentence “The Kingdom of Iraq” and on the lower part the sentence “Justice is the foundation of the State” in the case of the civil decoration and “Patriotism is of the Faith” in the case of the military decoration, and containing a smaller blue circle on which is a gilt crown. The star is suspended from a gilt wreath of bay leaves and in the case of the military decoration two crossed swords are placed on the wreath. The whole is suspended by a red and black ribbon. Article 3 The forms of the decoration and the manner of wearing it are as follows:- The first class decoration is hung by a broad ribbon of red watered silk with three back stripes ending in a rosette at the lower end to which the decoration is attached. It is worn over the right shoulder so that the decoration hangs above the left hip. There is also a brooch composed of a star similar to the decoration placed on gilt rays, to be worn on the lower part of the right breast. The second class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with two black stripes and a rosette thereon and is worn on the left breast. There is also a brooch similar to and worn in manner similar the brooch described in paragraph (a). The third class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with three black stripes thereon, and is worn around the neck. The fourth class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with three black stripes, bearing a rosette, and is worn on the left breast. The fifth class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with two black stripes. It differs from the other classes in that the wreath is silver. It is worn on the left breast. Article 4 Possessors of the Order will wear it (a) on the occasion of official receptions and (b) such other occasions as may be directed by His Majesty the King or by the Prime Minister. Article 5 The Order shall be granted to, and promotion in the Order shall be conferred upon, those who serve the country well: provided that the 1st class or promotion to the 1st class shall only be granted, in respect of prominent services, to those who hold or who have held important appointments under the state. These conditions shall not apply in the case of foreigners not employed in the service of the Iraq State. Article 6 The grant of the Order or promotion to a higher class of the Order shall be made by a resolution of the Council of Ministers provided that in the case of foreigners not employed in the Iraq Government the said grant or promotion shall be at His Majesty’s discretion at the recommendation of the responsible Minister. Article 7 The possessors of decorations of the first class shall not exceed the following members:- Of the 1st Class 50 persons Of the 2nd Class 100 persons Of the 3rd Class 150 persons Of the 4th Class 200 persons The grant of the 5th Class decoration of the Order is unlimited. Article 8 A possessor of the Order may be deprived thereof if he is guilty of disloyalty to the State or the Throne or acts so dishonourably as to unfit himself to continue to possess the Order. Such deprivation shall be made by Royal Irada issued at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. Article 9 These Regulations shall come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Article 10 All Ministers are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 10th day of June, 1927, and the 23rd day of Dhil Hujja, 1346. FAISAL ‘ABDUL MUHSIN AL SA’DUN NAJI SHAWKAT Prime Minister Minister of Interior & Minister of Foreign Affairs YUSUF GHANIMA DAUD AL HAIDARI Minister of Finance Minister of Justice NURI AL SA’ID SALMAN AL BARRAK Minister of Defence Minister of Irrigation & Agriculture ABDUL MUHSIN SHELASH TAWFIQ AL SUWAID Minister of Communications & Works Minister of Education SAIYID AHMAD AL DAUD Minister of Awqaf (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 659 dated 14-6-28) ----00000----

Larsb, Many thanks indeed - your last link is, I think, the one to follow. The medal is not a Shriner issue. Again thank you, Owain

Gentlemen, Recently acquired - but a mystery to me. Any suggestions? Owain

Gentlemen, Thanks Avsar. The Viscount, later 6th Earl, is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in North London, in his wife's family tomb - see attached images - one with me. I also detail a couple of obituaries. As advised I have yet to track down an image of him in later life - to get one would allow me to complete my draft. Owain Inscription on the Earl’s Gravestone to the East of the tomb SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE RIGHT HON GEORGE WILLIAM HAMILTON 6TH EARL OF ORKNEY K.C.M.G. DIED 21 OCTOBER 1889 AGED 62 YEARS MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE The Morning Post, Wednesday, October 23, 1889, Death of the Earl of Orkney We regret to record the death of the Earl of Orkney, on Monday, at his residence in Sussex Place, Regent’s Park. George William Hamilton Fitzmaurice, Earl of Orkney, Viscount of Kirkwall and Baron of Dechmont, Linlithgow, in the peerage of Scotland, and a Scottish representative peer, was the eldest son of Thomas, fifth Earl, by the Hon. Charlotte Isabella Irby, second daughter of George, third Lord Boston, and was born in 1827. He entered the army as ensign in the 92nd Highlanders in 1845, and became captain in 1853, afterwards exchanging into the 71st Foot, with which regiment he served at the siege of Sebastopol and the capture of Kertch. In 1856 he entered the Scots Fusiliers, but retired from the army the following year. He served as aide-de-camp to Sir H. Ward (Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands) from 1851 to 1854, was nominated a C.M.G. in 1866, and advanced to K.C.M.G. in 1875. The late Earl succeeded to the family honours in May 1877, having previously, in November, 1872, married, Ameila, Baroness de Samuel, widow of Baron de Samuel, a peer of Portugal. He was elected representative peer for Scotland in 1885, and was appointed Deputy-Lieutenant of Ayrshire in 1852. Failing issue, the earldom devolves upon the late peer’s nephew, Edmund Walter Fitzmaurice, who was born in 1867. Supplement to the Cheltenham Chronicle, Saturday, October 26, 1889 We regret to record the death of the Earl of Orkney, on Monday, at his residence in Sussex Place, Regent’s Park. George William Hamilton Fitzmaurice, Earl of Orkney, Viscount of Kirkwall and Baron of Dechmont, Linlithgow, in the peerage of Scotland, and a Scottish representative peer, was the eldest son of Thomas, fifth Earl, by the Hon. Charlotte Isabella Irby, second daughter of George, third Lord Boston, and was born May 6th 1827. The late earl succeeded to the family honours in May 1877, having previously, in November, 1872, married, Ameila, Baroness de Samuel, widow of Baron de Samuel, a peer of Portugal. Failing issue, the earldom devolves upon the late peer’s nephew, Edmund Walter, born in 1867, eldest surviving son of the late Hon. Henry Warrender Fitzmaurice (second son of the fifth earl).

Gentlemen, The reverse text appears to read from the bottom, 'Al Sultan Muzzafer Al Deen Shah Qajar". Regards, Owain

Bob, From Gillingham's book, "Italian Order of Chivalry and Medals of Honour" in the American Numismatic Library. Regards, Owain. MEDAL FOR VETERANS GUARDING THE TOMB OF THE KINGS. This medal was authorized on July 14, 1879, and altered on January 1, 1880. It was established to honour the veterans of the war of 1848-1849 who guarded the tomb of Victor Emmanuel II. It is 30 mm. in diameter and of silver. The ribbon is blue with a white stripe in the centre, with one edge green and the other red. The first model has on the obverse a wreath of laurel with a superimposed, five-pointed star bearing at the centre the bust of the King and the words UMBERTO I° RE D'ITALIA; on the reverse, VETERANI 1848-49 / GUARDIA D'ONORE / ALLA TOMBA DEL RE / VITTORIO EMANUELE II After the death of Humbert I, Victor Emmanuel III altered the medal. The obverse bore his own bust and title, and the reverse read /AI/VETERANI 1848-1870 / GUARDIA D'ONORE / ALLE TOMBE DI RE / VITTORIO EMANUELE II / E UMBERTO I .

Gentlemen, Further to the above correspondence my thanks to Mark. I detail below research to date on my great-aunt: May (Mary) was born at Gwernallt, Chwilog, Carnarvonshire, educated at the County School, Pwllheli and trained at West Derby Union Infirmary 1907-1911. Date of joining for service 27 January 1915 - posted to King George V Hospital Dublin and then to India 7 December 1916. War Office, 3rd June, 1916. The undermentioned Ladies are awarded the decoration of the Royal Red Cross, in recognition of their valuable services in connection with the War: Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, Reserve - Royal Red Cross, 2nd Class - Staff Nurse Miss M. Evans. Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 June, 1916, page 5601. (May's award appears to be for service at the King George V Hospital in Dublin.) Arrived Mesopotamia 22 August 1917 – initially based in Basra No.3 British General Hospital and posted to Officers Hospital Baghdad 24 November 1918, From 12 February 1919 to 2 February 1920 she was posted to 23 British Stationary Hospital Baghdad. Her Confidential Report noted, “Miss May Evans has worked in the hospital since February 1919. She is an excellent surgical and medical nurse, and a very good ward manager. She has had charge of the theatre for the last seven months and has given every satisfaction. Miss Evans is capable, punctual good tempered and energetic.”– on departure to U.K. work and conduct noted as, “Very Good”. Arrived in the U.K. from Mesopotamia 1 April 1920. Reported her arrival in person – is desirous of renewing her contract for a further period of service. “Sister M. Evans Q.A.I.M.N.S.R. arrived here for duty on 8.5.20 for the past five months her work has been most satisfactory. I can recommend her for further service in a Military Hospital.” Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, 29 October, 1920. The Great War Medal rolls confirm that Staff Nurse M. Evans, was serving with the Territorial Force Nursing Service, and was entitled to and received the British War and Victory Medals, which were issued or sent to her on 15 July 1922 (ref WO 329/2298). St. James’s Palace S.W.1., 2nd January, 1933. The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire :- To be Members of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order - Miss May Evans, Senior Nursing Sister, Nursing Home, Baghdad, Iraq. Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 January, 1933, page 12. Whitehall, March 10, 1937. The King has been pleased to give and grant unto Miss May Evans, MBE, ARRC, His Majesty’s Royal Licence and authority to wear the insignia of the Fifth Class (Civil Division) of the Order of Al Rafidain, which Decoration has been conferred upon her by His Majesty the King of Iraq in recognition of valuable services rendered by her as Senior Nursing Sister in the Iraqi Health Service. The London Gazette, 12 March, 1937, page 1640. Married Major (Retired) Charles Rowland Chadwick, OBE, RAVC, at the British Consulate, Baghdad on 14 September 1939 - later CBE - entitled to War, Victory, TFWM, GSM clasp "Iraq" , Order of Rafidain, 4th Class Civil. War Office, 23rd September, 1943. The King has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of distinguished services in Persia-Iraq : - Mrs May Chadwick M.B.E. Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 September, 1943, page 4232. My query/next step is to try and ascertain whether there is a record or any detail concerning her MiD - as it is a stand alone entry in the LG, it gives me hope that there might be, but if so where do I look for such a record? Also would the receipt of such an honour automatically qualify her for the 1939-45 War Medal? She would have been 59 years of age (born 1884) when the award was gazetted. With thanks, Owain

Gordon, Thanks - in addition to the Mejidie and the Crimea medal he was appointed Commander of the Order of St. Michael & St. George in 1866 and advanced to Knight Commander of the Order in 1875 (insignia returned upon his death in 1889). He was also appointed Grand Commander of the Greek Order of the Saviour, circa 1864 - date to be confirmed and whereabouts unknown. There is a Fenton Crimean War image of Captain Kirkwall - see attached, but to date, despite repeated internet searches, I have been unable to source a picture of him in later life. Owain

Gentlemen, I have recently read Avsar Ibar's excellent book on the Ottoman Orders of the Mejidie and Osmanie. I have only one such piece - see images - a 5th Class privately engraved to Viscount Kirkwall, later the 6th Earl Orkney. I also have his named British Crimea medal with clasp, "Sebastapol". It would appear that at some stage it was slightly altered as there is a gold pin on the reverse and the gold suspension loop/hook allows the badge to lift free of this suspension. This may have been done to allow his widow to wear the badge as a brooch. This award is listed in the London Gazette and I have amassed much detail concerning the Earl and I hope in due course to submit an article for publication. Kind regards, Owain

Nick, Yes - the "Decoration of the Great Fateh (Victory)", 2nd Class. Owain

Dave, No need to apologise - research is all. The 'small' size remains a mystery. I attach a selection of images of the pieces I have and which were used in my JOMSA article. Owain

Dave, Do you have any evidence of a formal attribution of the smaller cross to 'auxiliary and medical personnel? I detail below the decree and no mention is made is such an entitlement? Kind regards, Owain “Decree No.14 of 1952 Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah Haile Selassie I Elect of God, Emperor of Ethiopia In accordance to Article 15 of Our Constitution We decree as follows:- Article 6 of Decree No.10, 19th February, 1952 regarding Regulations Governing Medals is repealed and replaced as follows: 6. The Medal of Dil-Kokeb is made of white metal in the shape of a cross pate. The cross is 46mm in length and 44 mm across. On the obverse side at the centre there is a star. At each end of the star the words “Dil-Kokeb1933, for Unforgettable Service” are inscribed. On the reverse side of the medal shall be inscribed the words “Star of Victory, 1941”. Above the inscription shall be a crown. The riband shall be green, yellow and red to be lined vertically in six linings. This medal is instituted by H.I. Majesty Haile Selassie I in 1941. This medal is awardable to combatants who have rendered distinguished military service to the Emperor during the War of 1941. Done at Addis Ababa, this 28th day of June, 1952.

Balazs, I think it reads, in abbreviation, 'Arthus Bertrande et Cie' ( and Company). The lower mark is probably some manner of French regulatory or silver mark. Kind regards, Owain

Good morning from London. This is the Medal for Overseas Service. Part of the recent series of UAE awards. Owain

Gentlemen, Another unknown from Yemen. This time an Order of Cooperation from the Yemen Arab Republic. The order appears to be a locally manufactured piece. The dimensions are as follows - badge 6.4cm diameter; suspension brooch 6.3cm x 3.8cm; ribbon 4.8cm. The colours of the ribbon - black, white and red, are those of the YAR flag. The badge of the order bears the inscription, "Order of Cooperation". The brooch which is possibly a high quality cap badge bears the inscription, "Yemen Arab Republic". The symbolism of the badge - a white dove, three interlocking rings and an olive branch on a light and dark blue background, may indicate some form of association with a peace keeping or United Nations force - but this suggestion is wholly speculative. The design of this award is distinctly different to the 'usual' YAR Order of Cooperation as detailed in the 1981 Regulations and manufactured by Skinner & Co. of London. As ever any thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, I have recently obtained this massive award - it is some 12.5 cm in diameter and of a brass/bronzed base metal. Sadly it is missing its reverse plate - probably a plain circular disc, and much of its supporting chain or collar is also missing. Nonetheless it is quite a piece and as far as I am aware to date undocumented. The inscription reads: Top - "Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen" Bottom - "State Order for Excellent Labour" The motifs on the obverse symbolize the various PDRY means of labour: Smoking stack / lightening - Electricity generation Building - Construction Lobster & Fish - Fishing Ear of Wheat - Agriculture Flaring derrick (?) - Oil Four labourers/workmen bearing on high cogs encircling a star - Socialism and Industry The links of the chain are made up of base metal 'hawks' being the heraldic 'bird' of the PDRY. The style of the Arabic script (font) is similar to some other Hungarian manufactured PDRY pieces and thus the order may be of Hungarian manufacture. I do not believe it is of Soviet manufacture as it does not have the quality of the PDRY Soviet mint made awards. As ever and thought or suggestions are welcome. Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, I have recently obtained the Air Rescue Badge illustrated below. Would this have been worn on uniform as a pair of wings or is this a beret badge? The badge appears to be of some age possibly 1950's or 1960's. It was accompanied by a small lapel bin back badge “86 GRUPPO ANTISOM”. Any Italian Air Force experts out there? Thanks, Owain

Chris, Thanks - I put the Arabic through Google translate and below is the result. the two "blue" words need a more accurate translation. Owain The official page of the military spokesman of the armed forces May 6, 7:16 AM The armed forces announce a competition to design a commemorative medal to commemorate the counter-terrorism tournaments In recognition of the heroism of the armed forces and the police from the championships and sacrifices to eliminate terrorism and secure the state borders on all strategic directions, the Department of Moral Affairs organizes a competition to design a bronze commemorative medal to commemorate the heroes of the military operations being carried out to combat terrorism and extremism The designs are required to be presented in two forms (linear - three-dimensional), but diameter should not exceed 5 cm. It explains all the details used in the design, and allows the inclusion of words such as Egypt fighting terrorism, The work is done on a CD containing a design from all sides (front and back), accompanied by an explanation of all the symbols and elements used. The applicant must attach the CV and previous works, if any, and the participating works shall be received no later than (15) days from The date of the announcement of the competition and not paying attention to the works submitted after this date, the winning and distinguished works shall receive the financial prizes and certificates of appreciation. The work shall be delivered by hand to the Department of Moral Affairs. 11- Al Oroba Street, Heliopolis, Cairo. Competitions costume Rh "Ministry of Defense official site" on the web www.mod.gov.eg