TacHel

The top one (black) is for Service in the Caucasus. It's the 1st class model, the 2nd class cross being outlined in silver in lieu of gold.

The red one is a non official award no longer worn. There were a great many non official and unit awards made, they went the way of the Dodo.

Check this thread, lots of info on this cross.

Cheers!

Once again, great info Gaffken! When I first found this medal and the decree governing its award, I simply couldn't understand how a member of the penal system could get mixed up in anti terrorism operations until you explained the transfer of the special intervention teams to this very ministry.

Great info that sheds light on this award! Keep this kind of info coming, it is very appreciated!

# 0401

WOW!!! Lock it up in a safe place!

Young captain of Interior Troops decorated with the Medal of Suvorov.

He is also wearing the Gold Star of a Hero of Russia and the commemorative medal for 200 years of the Interior Ministry.

Instituted on 2 March 1992 by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

Conferred to soldiers of the ground forces, frontier forces, the forces of the ministry of the interior, and members of civil defence, for acts of valour in defence of the Federation, further for outstanding service and maintaining military preparedness.

That's great info! I was having a problem explaining that sniper's badge!

Can you confirm the number on the back of yours Gaffken?

Is it 040 ??? :o

Yes, 4th Republic is correct.

Is this really where the "gun run" originated?

Wow! This is worthy of a book! The amount of information and artifacts you have amassed is simply amazing! I read every single word and am thirsting for more. The historical importance of the event goes without saying, your research is absolutely spellbinding.

Thank you for sharing! And seriously consider publishing your findings!

I have also found variations such as these 2 below. Notice the top of the badge which is similar to the old Soviet design instead of bearing the flag of Russia.

Those of you that collect Soviet breast badges might be happy (or not) to learn that the various badges for excellence instituted for the most part in 1942 are being once again manufactured. BUT... The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are NOT bestowing them to deserving personnel. These are unadopted prototypes!

Below is but a small sample of available badges on the market.

I'm no expert in Austrian ODMs... But isn't he wearing his awards backwards? :unsure:

From "Courage and Service" (J Blatherwick and H. Halliday)

MERCIER, FS Joseph Pierre Guy (Can 2509) - British Empire Medal - No.2 Release Centre - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Born 1 February 1919. Home in Verdun, Quebec; enlisted in Montreal, 23 January 1939. At No.5 SFTS, 15 October 1940 to 21 June 1941; No.4 Manning Depot, 6 September 1941 to 1 March 1942; No.1 "Y" Depot, 2 March 1942 to 24 October 1944; No.2 Release Centre, 25 October 1944 to 15 March 1946; released 6 August 1946. LAC on 25 January 1940; Corporal, 1 August 1940; Sergeant, 1 March 1941; Flight Sergeant, 1 June 1942. Graded as General Duties (23 January 1939); Disciplinarian (6 September 1941) and Physical Training/Drill Instructor (9 March 1943). Medal presented 5 October 1947.

Flight Sergeant Mercier has shown outstanding ability in handling the transient personnel of this unit. He has a very high sense of duty and has given his best at all times in the interests of the Service. He has been an excellent example to the rest of the staff of the Release Centre and has contributed a great deal to the overall efficiency of this unit.

Wow! His children will be pleased as punch with this info that they didn't have! Let me wholeheartedly thank you on their behalf! :D

An interesting group (though 'tis a shame it has been dipped). Thanks for posting. The BEM is always an interesting and, I think, underrated award. While Alexander was tall, Mercier surely seems to have been SHORT.

Hi Ed,

Plating, or dipping medals as you call it, was and is still very common in Canada. And BTW, Alexander is on a dais! Our recipient was 5'10''...

That first photo, the crown above the stripes looks bullion? Or just coloured thread?

Any info on the award of the B.E.M?

The crown is just coloured thread. I have his rank insignias also for the frame.

I'll ask her if she has the actual citation for the BEM and get back to you ASAP.

I can't help you on the crowned badge but the wreath with wings and star is a miniature of French air force pilot's wings.

Sorry to possibly disapoint you but this is a normal patch made to be worn on civilian clothing.

Can anybody tell me approximately when this was produced? Where? By who?

Here are 7 variants of the "M?daille des Bless?s"

A great picture of the President's Regiment colour party with the Regimental Standard.

Here are 2 more models of the "m?daille des bless?s"

No doubt some of you have noticed the FSgt isn't wearing "CANADA" shoulder titles. His entire service was spent in Canada where this was very common during WW2, only when transferred overseas would most airmen slap on the "CANADA" on their shoulder patches.

Another bit of info. Viscount Alexander is decorating mister Mercier in one of his very first official duties as Governor General of Canada.

Below are great pictures of the recipient. The gent decorating him in 1946 in none other than Field Marshal the Viscount Alexander.

I'm presently framing this set for the friend of a colleague at work and thought I'd share it with you gents.

A WW2 RCAF set to FSgt Joseph Mercier of Montreal Quebec.