Veteran

Hello Prosper Sure to be a scarce item ! Never saw one before. The only explanation I can think of is that it was indeed worn by a Syrian campaign veteran between the time he chose to go back to France or North Africa with General Dentz and November 1942 when the Allies came to North Africa and the medal became the wrong thing to wear. Looks good to me, quite the style at the time. Congratulations for a outstanding piece. All the best Paul

Hello 2xvetran May I advise you to carry on with your idea of researching the right veteran or his family. To do this, accept the award in order to proceed with your plan, advise the French Consulate that the medal was sent to you (but not that you have accepted it) and that you are researching the rightful owner. In the same letter, also mention your intention to return the award if you are unsuccessful with your research. You would then be quite covered and able to follow your original plan without being suspected of any kind of foul play. Yours is a generous idea worth every effort. I wish you every success. Regards Veteran

Very unusual and typical of the period (second half of 1800s) A nice addition to collection of the Napoleonic period. Congratulations

Hello all I would like to add that this cross was not awarded simply for enlisting as a volunteer. Two major conditions had to be met : enlist as a volunteer during an armed conflict when no obligation was made to join the Forces + earn the Croix du Combattant which went to men who had effectively fought at least in three majors "classified combats" or been in the front area for at least three months. These conditions were waved for the wounded in combat and holders of a croix de guerre. To be considered as a volunteer combattant, one had to be either too young or too old to be normally called up. A few other circumstances, such as joining French Forces as a foreigner in time of war, would also allow the cross to be awarded. It was officially awarded by the MoD with a formal document. It is considered as a war-credit, ranking high in the list of French awards, immediately after the croix de guerre, military valour cross and the Resistance medal. Regards Veteran

Cagoulards were a group of French right-wing extremists in the late '30s. They were definitely a undercover organisation and even indulged into some terrorist activities. They were thought to have influence over some of the members of the French Government in Vichy (1940-44. Not much was heard of them after WW2. "Cagoule" is the French equivalent to a face-mask as worn by cloak-and-dagger conspirators. Coming back to love4history's question about the new Binet book on Colonial Medal, I also consider it as a MUST for every collector of French material. I would like to add that the very serious collector will want to have both the HASS and the BINET. They are well worth their prices. Binet clearly considers his book as an adjunct to the Hass, which he refers to very often. It all depends on how interested you are in medals, but if you really want to know your stuff both these books are worth their money, and more. The Binet is clearly meant to be the collector's hand book. It will help clearly recognise each type of medal and clasp. Since I bought the book I have been looking over the Colonial medals I picked up rather absent-mindedly over the years and I have thoroughly enjoyed finding out the finer details about each of them. I feel I owe this author for the pleasure I derived from his shared knowledge. And I also know this would not be without the background knowledge derived from Jean HASS's book. In fact, I am quite convinced this book is going to stir the whole French collectors community. New interest in the Colonial Medal will probably get things moving and possibly wake up the market. Veteran

Thanks Chris, that's great. I am trying to locate one in sterling with the pin-back , but this would be a good substitute if I cannot find the right one. All the best Paul

Ed This is just what I needed to see. Thanks a million. I had no idea such a variety of badges existed. Quite understandable, considering the number of men who were intitled (by the way, any idea about that?). I wonder where I could find a Sterling badge for sale. Very best regards Paul

Hello all I am trying to add as much information as I can about the silver U.S.Army Air Force airial gunner's badge which, according to Wipikedia, was authorised during WW2 for the gunners of the large bombers of WW2 - B17 and the following. It would have been first issued in 1942 and dicontinued in 1947. Which is a short period of time. How many could have been used ? 10.000? More ? or less ? Pilot wings seem to have been well documented. Is there a good source of information on the 'net which could be usefully looked up for the gunner'badge? Would anyone care to share information about this one? Every bit of further information will be gratefully received. Thank you Regards Veteran

Yes, it is quite difficult to find. Strangely, most French collectors don't know or don't care much about it. Connaisseurs would never pass it up, specially with the relevant date on the reverse, as shown by Cussonneau. Veteran

A fine service group, undoubtably Foreing Legion. You will have noted the 1939-40 Croix de guerre (so-called "Vicby") has a unique palm on its ribbon. This might very well denote a combat Legion of honor for Norway. In which case, the Legion d'honneur citation should read "comporte l'attribution de la croix de guerre avec palme". In which case the Legion d'honneu would be all the more desirable. Even if some of the orders and medals are obviously missing, this group might deserve an additional frame with their replacements found on the market. The only difficult clasp to find might be NORVEGE. This old legionnaire, who had risen from rank to officer, would have obeyed orders to return to France when they were stationed in the U.K. on their way back from the battle in Norway. He would then have normally been put up for the Legion d'honeur for his bravoury in Norway (this would appear from the date of his citation). All French troups in Britain were ordered back to France, and most of them did. A significant number of men and officers from the 13th Half-Brigade (Regiment) of the Foreign Legion nevertheless remained in the U.K. influenced by Commandant Magrin-Verneret (Monclar) to become the nucleus of the Fighting French. They were to conquer legendary fame in Africa, with the famous battle at Bir-Hackheim in Libya where the Free French stood against Rommel's Afrikakorps and the Italian armored divisions. They were to be branded as adventurers and defaulters ("dissidents") by the Armistice Government in Vichy until 1944, to be acclaimed as heroes when the French Army from North Africa helped liberate France. A fine old soldier, in the true tradition of Swiss military service to France since 1515 (Marignan)! The tradition was till there, centuries later, with a Swiss caporal-chef in my company who won a Médaille militaire and four citations to his croix de guerre between November 10 1944 and May 5 1945. Honneur et fidélité. Regards Veteran

A junior officer would probably receive the silver-gilt level of the Medal. Non commissionned officers would receive the silver medal and OR and corporals the bronze medal. The same would apply to civilian court officials or servants, according to their ranks in their own hierarchy. Very seldom gold medals are known to have beeb awarded. In those days, the only other French award available would have been an honorary membership in the Legion d'honneur, with awards ranking from chevalier for a Lieut.Colonel to Commandeur for a very high official such as the Master of Protocole. This is, of course, a tentative approach. Veteran

An additionnal thought : this young officer wears the French President's medal. Which might mean that he was part of the Swedish Court at the time of a State visit by the French President, some time before 1914 I would say. He could have served as an aide-de-camp to one of the higher officials close to the King. His uniform probably is typical of one of the Swedish Regiments. The question might become : which officer(s) from that Regiment were aides to Court officials or to Royalty before 1914 at a time wheb the French were close to the Swedish Court ? King Gustav V was a great friend of France and used to reside privately in Nice in winter for many years (he was known there as Monsieur G.) This also may help. Regards Veteran

The French medal is probably the medal given to by the President of the French Republic to court officials when a State Visit occurs. It is sometimes known as the French President's Medal. The french name for it is : Médaille d'honneur du Ministère des Affaires étrangères. The suspension ribbon is vertically blue/white/red each stripe equal size. It ca be awarded in bronze, silver or gilt sliver. Since 1917 a military class with swords has been availabel. Since this officer wears the simple type, it might mean the picture dated before 1917. Hope this helps. Veteran

To be quite precise, the place where Maximilien FOUNRAT was shot is MONT-VALERIEN, one of the old forts protecting Paris since the mid-XIXth century. Over 1.000 Frenchmen were executed there after they had been condemned by German court-martials. It is one of the most respected witnesses of French resistance to German occupation and an official commemoration is held there every year on June 18. 38 railwaymen were shot there for opposing the Germans in occupied France during the 1940-1944 after the fall of France in June 1940. They were not necessarily part of the FFL (Forces Françaises Libres, based in Great-Britain under the leadership of General De Gaulle). Many were tried for sabotageing the railways in order to disrupt German transports or as members of the clandestine communist party after the Germans attacked the USSR. Others were members of intelligence networks keeping the Allied informed about German troup movements and strategic objectives, often allowing efficient bombing by the RAF & USAAF. The underground war waged by railwaymen during that period is know in France as "La bataille du rail". It claimed the lives of a large number of other railwaymen, shot, deported or killed during sabotage operations (blowing up railtracks or bridges for instance). This additionnal story adds much to the value of the paper you have shown. A very moving award to a young man (then) who was to give is life for his country later in a heroic manner.

You might also like to visit Jean-Christopne PALTHEY 9 rue Moncey 75009 PARIS who is a reputable dealer with usually some very good stock. If you want to call him before you come, his telephone is 00 33 1 49 95 09 98. He is located near Montmartre and keeps a shop. Hope you enjoy your stay in Paris. Regards Veteran

Thank you very much for these interesting details. I am most grateful Veteran

Hello all I was shown a metal badge, possibly a cap or head-dress insignia, with the capital letters C I H. The Prince of Wales's crest is above the three letters. Was there a unit called CENTRAL INDIA HORSE ? If not, what unit would have worn such a badge or used the letters ? Every bit of information will be gratefully received Veteran

Up until 1940, the French Red Cross was a federation of half a dozen independant associations, some of which were established shortly before the 1870-71 franco-prussian war. This particular insignia was the membership-badge worn by the lady-members of an Association called Société de Secours aux Blessés militaires (S.S.B.M.). The revere shows the rectangular area meant to be engraved with the membership-number of its owner. It was in use between the late 1870s until 1940. They are quite nice and a number of collectors like to pich them up, although they are not properly speaking awards. This same SSBM had issued a Cross known as the Geneva Cross for services during the 1870-71 conflict. Best regards Veteran

Hello Prosper Nice to hear from you again. Your question about Legionnaires of German (or Austrian) & Italian origins fighting their countrymen is quite a classic. The answer is also quite a classic : no legionnaire of recorded national origin has ever been made to fight his countrymen. It would be unfair and also would make other men in their combat unit wonder if they could be trusted. The Foreign Legion are not that stupid! This being said, my own experience is that Germans and Italians were with my Regiment in 1944-45, and fought well. When I joined, my "legionnaire-nany" was a Reichweer veteran who had served 14 years with the Legion, including the fighting in Tunisia. Later, the driver of our half-track was a recently enlisted Italian who was as cool as a cucumber in the tightest circumstances. Best regards Veteran

One of the little known facts about that campaign is that two of the Foreign Legion regiments were opposed, one on each side. The 6th Foreign Infantry (6e Régiment Etranger d'Infanterie) was part of the permanent garrison in Syria opposing the attack. The 13th Half-Brigade (13e Demi-Brigade de la Légion Etrangère) was one of the best units with the Fighting French (Forces Françaises Combattantes). one of the very first to join De Gaulle in June 1940, when they came back from Norway. They saw service all over Africa before they were engaged in Syria. They were later to achieve glory at Bir Hakheim in Lybia. Typically, the Foreign Legion were not going to fight one-another and they were nevertheless going to fill their missions thoroughly on either side. They simply arranged the fighting in order to avoid confrontation. Syria veterans in my own regiment a few years later told me about their combat against the Aussies .... who enjoyed a well deserved reputation for particularly tough soldiering. I cannot remember legionnaires wearing that medal or ribbon, whichever side they had been on. For all I can remember, neither were particularly eager to display it. Just not the thing to do. Until I became a medal collector, some twenty years later, I had never heard of the Levant Medal. Regards Veteran

Hello Prosper It's hard to be honest & encourageing about those two items.... Let's hope somenone has the right answer, but they don't look very convincing to me. Best regards Veteran

Hello Looking at the prices mentioned on the site suggested above, I would certainly recommend getting in touch with the French Gorvernment Mint which sells current French orders and decorations at good reference prices for brand new badges. The adress is : Administration des Monnaies et Médailles Quai de Conti F75005 PARIS FRANCE I would expect them to have sufficient commercial savy to receive and understand mail written in English. In fact, you might find their catalogue and prices (in French and in Euro) with the help of your favorite site-finder. Kindly keep us posted with the success of your efforts. Good luck and pleasant collectiong ! Regards Veteran

Very fine and scarcer "citation" from a high level of command (Army Corps). Shown on the ribbon by a gilt star. Thank you for displaying it. It certainly must be one of the prides of your family. Regards Veteran

Let's be clear. The wound-star (étoile des blessés) is tolerated. At one time in the past, it was practically legal. The type of badges shown on this post are forbidden of wear in public. They are only to be displayed in private, normally restricted to functions within the "awarding" society or at home. They have never been legal and the pretense that they are awards is precisely the reason why they should not be worn in circumstances when such confusion might arise. Regards Veteran