oamotme

Some info on his carreer;

MBE ( Mil DIV )

Northern Ireland Operations

F&G Star

J NCO 6 CDO 1944-45

Defence medal -

HD (BN) under the age of 18

1939-14 War medal

GSM (Malaya)

SGT 1/KOYLI 1984-50

MID

Distinguished Service as a Acting platoon commander

Korea UK

Sgt 1KSLI 1950

Korea UN

Sgt 1KSLI 1950

AGSM (Kenya)

CSM 1/KSLI 1955-58 (Mau Mau)

Arabian Peninsular Clasp

Air lifted from Kenya for Suez Crises 1956

Arabian Peninsular Clasp

Trucial Oman Scouts RSM and RQMS 1958-61

GSM Northern Ireland

Capt. Majr. and Lt. Col / tours from 1969 - 1980

Un medal (Cypres)

Capt and Lt. Col tours 1972 and 1979

LSGC Regular Army

Awarded when he was a Lt. Col and served 30 years

Tower of Al-Qasmi 2nd class

2002/awarded to a few selected british officers for loyal and distinguished service to the Trucial Oman Scouts in their formation years.

The last medal is in fact the 4th class or Medal of the Order of the northernmost emirate of the UAE Ras Al Khaima which in 1981, by Emiri Decree No. 15/81 instituted this Order - named after the ruling family of Ras Al Khaima. The Order is awarded for distinguished service to the Government of Ras Al Khaima. and is in four classes and is awarded as follows,

First Class (Breast star and sash with badge) - To Kings, Heads of State, Rulers and their Deputies.

Second Class (Breast star with neck badge) - To Ministers, Ambassadors, members of the Armed Forces and Police above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

Third Class (Neck badge) - Senior civil servants, officers of the Armed Forces and Police on the rank of Major and above.

Fourth Class (Medal) - Civil Servant, officers and other members of the Armed Forces and Police of the rank of Captain or below. The medal was awarded to members of the Mobile Forces of Ras Al Khaima. (The Mobile Force merged with the Abu Dhabi Defence Force and the Dubai Defence Force to become the Federal Armed Forces in 1976.) Spink and Son Ltd., in November of 1981, manufactured the following numbers of awards, 10 x 1^st Class; 20 x 2^nd Class; 40 x 3^rd Class & 1000 x 4^th Class (Medal).

Owain

Brian,

I suspect the replacement suspension is no more than an opportune attempt to make the disc more saleable. I have come across a number of GSM discs without suspension and indeed the occasional loose suspensions with or without clasps - as this issue of the GSM was only awarded to local units with the clasp "Arabian Peninusla" at least I have been able to repair a few medals. However I digress from the BWM in bronze. I detail below from my records the named ranked recipients of the medal to the Aden Labour Corps.

Number Rank Name

1374 Jemadar Abdullah Hassan Abdul Hadi

2 Havildar Syed Mohamed Bedhani

173 / Othman Muqbil Hamadi

201 / Abdurab Saad

314 / Gharulla Mohamed Amari

317 / Noman Aninam Areqi

419 / Mohamed Ali Mohamed

420 / Bulghet Suleman

224 Acting Havildar Ahmed Bin Ahmed Shebani

3 Naik Mohammed Thabit

22 / Ahmed Farah

34 / Ahmed Salih Amari

48 / Qassim Ghalib

93 / Ali Noman

102 / Husain Salih Bedhani

112 / Abdulla Omar Yafai

163 / Abdulla Mugbil Wafi

179 / Husain Ahmed Labani

202 / Ali Mohamed Bagad

254 / Mohamed Muslih Amari

320 / Salih Mohamed Redai

350 / Mohamed Musaid Dthali

423 / Ali Hizam Mohamed

663 / Hassan Mohamed

785 / Abdullah Ali Hakmi

5 Lance Naik Hizam Mohamed Maqtari

9 / Ahmed Bin Ahmed

27 / Muslik Muthanna Jazir

52 / Nasir Hussain Audali

79 / Salih Mohamed Surebi

158 / Ahmed Said Salwi

205 / Alwan Salih Alowi

245 / Mohamed Omar Audali

258 / Murshid Salih Almas

288 / Abdu Naji Hamedi

333 / Mohamed Qaid Hussain

356 / Shamsan Ahmed Maqtari

340 / Murshid Salih Khabani

400 / Ahmed Salih Amari

422 / Abdu Ali Mohamed

446 / Ali Didba Dunkali

465 / Yasuf Haidar Hamadi

600 / Said Obeid Boreiki

643 / Ali Nasir Hajeli

657 / Said Awadth Akbari

733 / Ahmed Mohamed Dthalai

797 / Saif Hassain Qaddasi

932 / Abdu Mohamed Salwi

1088 / Ali Bin Mohamed Mukalla

1165 / Abdullah Mahomed

1376 Head Clerk Syed Mohamed Ali Hussain

1377 Clerk Mahomed Said Awun

1378 Sweeper Hassan Said

1379 / Ali Abdulla

1380 / Qasim Said

1417 / Budhoo

1382 Tailor Ishaq Abdullah

1386 Servant Ali Mohamed Yemani

1387 / Saif Ahmed Jebali

26 Ward Orderly Othman Said Habeshi

No number. Private Servant Mohamed Ismail Somali

The names can be split into approximately five groups:

Tribal - e.g. Yafai, Audali, Alowi, Dthali, Habeshi, etc.

Geographical - e.g. Somali, Yemani, Mukalla (Coastal Town), Dunkali (in NE Africa), Jebali (Jebel = Mountain).

Family names - e.g. Noman, Bagad, etc.

Patronymic - e.g. Ahmed bin Ahmed, etc.

Simple names - e.g. Ali Abdulla, Qassim Ghalib, etc.

And of course sometimes a combination of the above such as Ali bin Mohammed Mukalla - i.e Ali Son of Mohammed from Mukalla, or Ahmed bin Ahmed Shebani - i.e. Ahmed son of Ahmed of the Shebani tribe.

Kind regards,

Owain

Brian,

Last year I purchased in Sana'a a bronze disc with the three initials A.L.C. - Aden Labour Corps - the first one I have ever seen. At some stage the original straight bar suspension had been replaced with a 1918-62 GSM suspension with clasp "Arabian Penisnula"!

From a visit in 1999 to the Public Record Office in Kew, London I noted the Medal Roll for the Aden Labour Corps, reference WO 329/2368. The total number of recipients is approximately 942. On the list other than specified ranks all other ranks are described as Labourers.

From the evidence of my single medal I would suggest that at least the Labourers only received the medal with the initials A.L.C.

Regards,

Owain.

P.S. Should I get the disc fixed to the correct suspension or keep the hybrid.....?

Dear Darrell,

Many thanks indeed for your efforts in this matter. It would appear that my purchase is of, dare one say, an "ordinary" example of this beautiful series of medals. Nonetheless I am sure that "John Evans" earned the medal and was no doubt proud of it. I will have to read up on the history of the 97th and see if I can track the elusive Evans through some other records. It has sparked my interest in this series and I may try and get the other two examples the vendor had for sale - at least issues with the clasps "Delhi" and "Central India" will be more economic that the "Defence of.." or "Relief of Lucknow"! Again thank you for your interest in this piece.

Kind regards,

Owain

Darrell,

Many thanks - the vendor had a tray full of assorted campaign medals - a treasure trove I am sure, but basically a run down silver shop in Chandni Chowk, but he had a 2007 copy of the Medal Year Book so was well aware of what he had and was wanting with very little flexibility 2007 prices plus some 10 to 15% for inflation! No bargains much to my disappointment. I was in a rush and thus could not stay more than 20 minutes. Only two other Mutiny medals - with single clasps for "Dehli" and "Central India" - one impresed to a Sepoy in the 4th (?) Punjab Regiment and the other engraved in running scrip to a local unit but fairly illegible.

Regards,

Owain

Dear Darrell,

Many thanks for the quick response and the Roll Details - but I am somewhat confused - does this mean he was James known as John to differentiate him from another John Evans? Any ideas?

Regards,

Owain

Dear Darrell, Mervyn, et al,

Just back from a trip to India - various mutiny sites - and whilst I specialise in Arab awards, whilst in Delhi I was tempted and succumbed and purchased a Mutiny medal clasp "Lucknow" to "JOHN EVANS 97th REGt" - The Earl of Ulsters (later, post Cardwell Reforms, the 2nd Bn. Queens Own (Royal West Kent). This is not my field of expertise but a nice patina and just an edge nick between the "E" and "V" of EVANS. No rank thus I presume a private soldier? Also would I be correct in that it would have been issued in India and for whatever reason - death or theft, has remained in India ever since? (Well at least until today - it is now at home in my collection here in Riyadh!)

Regards,

Owain (OAMOTME)

Gentlemen,

Greetings from 37C Riyadh!

There are two variations of this medal:

A. Dates 1263-1310 - left and right in one line.

B. Dates 1263-1310 - dates on top of each other.

Whilst I have has an example of the former for some years I have had difficulty in locating an example of the latter. Today in the souk in Riyadh I have been offered an example for some US$260 / GBP180. Would this be a fair price? It seems a bit on the steep side, but perhaps I may have no choice! With luck I may be able to negotiate some 10% off. Condition is good but, as is quite common with this series, no suspension.

I have over the years kept an eye out for the two other Yemen campaign medals - one undated and one from 1846/7 but to date no joy.

Kind regards,

Owain.

The medal / medalet with the green and red ribbon is to my mind a souvenir or momento. I believe the inscription is from the Koran. Many of these were manufactured in Egypt and I have seen various examples bearing either inscriptions on both sides or even the head of Nasser, Ghadafi of Libya, Nimeiry of Sudan and even Imam Yahya of Yemen. The floral / leaf circular design appears to be common to most of these items. Despite what EBay vendors think - they should be cheap and cheerful.

Owain

To date I cannot find an image - I'll see if I can scan my example over the next weekend.

Owain

Lorenzo,

This is, I believe, a genuine piece - I was offered one years ago - possibly even this piece, but cannot recall what it is for - I will need to look up my paper records to see what, if anything, I have on it.

Owain

Lorenzo,

I think the top flag reads,

"Border Force

Victory from God and Victory Soon

24th xx 1394"

and the black flag,

"Oh Hussain"

The latter is a Shia mourning or processional flag.

Owain.

Gentlemen,

We appear to be in agreement that it is from the Comoros or more specifically from Anjouan. My own view is that the inscription is not entirely the same as the better made French manufactuired pieces - although at initial glance the word "hakim" (ruler) is common to both. The Arabic script in the French manufactured pieces is almost illegible or incomprehensible as it has been included into the design of the award by persons unfamiliar with Arabic script. Whilst some of the Arabic on the piece in discussion is illegible it does appear to have been inscribed, however crudely, by an Arabic speaker - the construction of the word "shuja'a "(bravery) is spot on. To dismiss this peice a "nothing" is unwise. To my mind it is not a fake rather a locally manufactured piece serving some purpose - perhaps the words "bravery" and "obedience" give some indication that it was made specificaly to reward some action - these words are definitely not included on the European manufactured awards.

A nice locally manufactured piece which would go well in my collection (ha!) - plenty of research potential although I doubt whether the real story will ever really appear!

Owain

PS. Is the piece silver?

As a follow up:

Outside, right to left:

" ?? - shuja'a - muta'a" = "?? - bravery - obedience".

Centre top to bottom:

"??- allah muwan abd - allah hakim ??" = ??* allah Muwan Abdullah Ruler ??" (*first part of name ending in allah?)

Date 1305 = 19 September 1887 - 6 September 1888.

Owain

Good morning from Riyadh!

The top word is "shuja'a" which is "bravery" - I will need to work on the rest which is not clear at all. Note it is not "for bravery" which in Arabic would read "lilshuja'a" and thus may be part of a three word motto on the outer circle. The crescent and hand design is reminiscent of the Comoros.

Regards,

Owain.

As a follow up:

Outside, right to left:

" ?? - shuja'a - muta'a" = "?? - bravery - obedience".

Centre top to bottom:

"??- allah muwan abd - allah hakim ??" = ??* allah Muwan Abdullah Ruler ??" (*first part of name ending in allah?)

Date 1305 = 19 September 1887 - 6 September 1888.

Wil,

On looking at BB&M wef 1917 the clasps are:

Lau Nuer (27/2-25/4)

Nyima 1917-18 (5/4/17-21/2/18)

Atwot 1918 (13/3-25/5)

Garjak Nuer (13-16/5 1919 & 16/1-26/4/1920)

Aliab Dinka (8/11/1919- 6/5/1920)

Nyala (26/9/1921-20/1/1922)

Nyala 1921 (26/9-22/11)

Darfur 1921 (26/9-22/11)

I suspect your fine examples are combination pieces not awarded examples ........unless of course they are named........

Owain

Nice one Wil!

To check the feasibilty of the clasp combinations you should see if the clasps are appropriate to the type of medal - i.e. on the second type (Fouad the First) all clasps should be post 1917 which is when he succeeded Sultan Hussain Kamel.

Owain

The reverse is definitely the 1958 United Arab Republic medal, however the obverse should be a map of the Middle East - can you advise if the obverse on you piece is cast as part of the medal or is a separate piece which has been affixed to the medal.

Regards,

Owain

Greetings from Riyadh!

I detail below a list of what should be included in a Egyptian collection - I am sure I have mised a few items but at least you have an idea of what you should get. Some of this is very dificult to get hold of and as with all series of awards there are various variations and types. As for prices - not cheap. I hope this helps.

Owain

KHEDIVATE

Order of Mohammed Ali

Order of Felaha

1882 Bronze Star

1897 Sudan Medal

1911 Sudan Medal

1913 Bravery Medal

MONARCHY

The Order of Mohammed Ali

The Order of Mohammed Ali Medal for Bravery

The Order (Collar) of Fouad I

The Order of The Nile

The Order of Ismail

The Order of Al Kemal

Military Star of Fouad I

Medal for Meritorious Acts

Medal for Devotion to Duty

The Order of Agriculture

The Order of Public Instruction

The Order of Industry & Commerce

Civil Bravery Medal

1948 Palestine War Medal

Mohammed Ali Centenary Medal

Royal Guard Commemorative Medal

Prince Kamal Al Din Hussain Medal

King Fouad Bienveillance Medal

King Farouk Coronation Medal

Shooting Medal

REPUBLIC

The Order of the Nile

The Order of the Republic

The Order of Merit

The Order of Independence

The Order of Honour

The Order of Labour

The Order of Agriculture

The Order of Public Instruction

The Order of Industry & Commerce

The Order of Sport

The Order of El Kemal

Sinai Star

Star of Honour

Liberation Star (Army & Police)

Liberation Medal

Military Star

Mobilization Medal

Shooting Medal

Bravery Medal (Military & Civil)

Medal of The Republic

Distinguished Service Medal

Medal for Merit

Evacuation Medal

Military Medal of Independence

Medal for Devotion to Duty (Military & Civil)

Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

Medal of Special Promotion

Training Medal

Medal for War Wounded

Victory Medal

United Arab Republic Medal

6th October Medal

Sinai Liberation Medal

Kuwait Liberation Medal

10th Anniversary of the Revolution Medal

20th Anniversary of the Revolution Medal

Army Day Medal

Navy Day Medal

Air Force Silver Jubilee Medal

Air Force Golden Jubilee Medal

Air Defence Force Day Medal

3rd medal posted 10 March :

Obverse "Mr. Saddam Hussain President of the Repblic of Iraq"

Reverse "Ministry of Politcial Affairs"

Probably a souvenir piece.

Regards, Owain.

Bob,

Obverse A five pointed star with two crossed rifles across the two lower arms of the star. Across the two horizontal arms the raised inscription, “Hero of Yemen”

Reverse Recessed and plain other than mounting for crossed rifles.

Size 31mm diameter in bronze-gilt, of Hungarian manufacture.

Ribbon 21mm - equal stripes of black, white and red. An enamel shield 8mm x 10mm, of the colours of the P.D.R.Y. is affixed to the centre of the ribbon.

Suspension A narrow bar affixed by a central “V” by a link to a loop on the uppermost arm of the star.

This award is similar in style to such “Hero” stars issued by other communist bloc countries and would have been senior to many other awards

Owain

Dear Vorbeste,

Following the departure of the colonial power a major pre-occupation of the new rulers of South Yemen was the removal of all traces of the colonial rule and the historic structure it had supported. Thus all federal rulers were deposed and their land and property confiscated. The former protectorate states were re-grouped into six numbered governates: 1^st Aden, 2^nd Lahej, 3^rd Abyan, 4^th Shabwa, 5^th Hadhramaut and 6^th Al Mahra. It appears that at least three of these governates, Abyan, Shabwa and Hadhramaut issued medals and it is possible that all six did but evidence for the others is not known. Your medal is the Abyan issue:

Obverse A circular medal bearing a shield with a border in the colours of the flag of the P.D.R.Y. and at the bottom of the border the bilingual inscription “Abyan Gov.” In the centre a design consisting of mountains, coffee and sea flanked by foliage. On either side of the shield the bilingual inscription, “P.D.R. Yemen”.

Reverse Blank other than the circular bilingual inscription, “People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen”

I hope this helps, Regards, Owain

and another one :

Greg,

This is the Order of Al Said of Oman.

Owain

QUOTE (fjcp @ Aug 27 2008, 22:05 ) No clue....

JC

It is Saudi Arabia Great Badr Collar ,the highest distinction of Saudi Arabia.

Emmanuel

Emmanuel,

This is the Abdulaziz Collar - the Badr Collar is for Muslim heads of state only.

Owain

Elvis,

This is the Algerian Wound Medal - I am assuming, but to be confirmed, that the single stripe issue is for one wound and that further stripes & star indicate further wounds.

Regards,

Owain