sabrigade

Thank you for the comments and interests. Now the research will start! Regards, Will

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2011/post-3034-0-74474900-1315052845.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2011/post-3034-0-98800100-1315052866.jpg War and Victory medals to 2LT and CPL Walker respectively.

1914-15 STAR

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2011/post-3034-0-93399600-1315052496.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2011/post-3034-0-76712800-1315052518.jpg MILITARY MEDAL

CITATION FOR MILITARY MEDAL

7455 Pte J. Walker, 4 SAI This a very recent addition to my collection. In my collection, and in my collecting experience, finding the citation with a military medal has been the exception and not the rule.

Thank you for the input, could you confirm the time period it was or would have been used? The way of carrying the weapon is typical of the Sudanese method used when carrying a sword.

Thanks Gordon, I am not sure how many collectors specialise in this field but I enjoy "discovering" and adding new variations. Regards, Will

More variations.

Close-up photographs. One brooch is from the Anglo-Boer War.

A beautiful example of a South African Heavy Artillery sweetheart brooch/tie pin.

Sweetheart brooch with the Southern Cross.

More variation on the general service badge incluing tie pins and badges mounted on rifle and bayonet brooches.

Variations of the South African general service "SPRINGBUCK" badge for WW1, commonly referred to as the "GOAT IN THE PRTHOLE".

A sweetheart brooch to the S.A. Scottish or 4th South African Infantry Regiment in its original box.

More variety and variations.

There are many variations to the badges and they were very popular.

As part of my World War One collection, sweetheart brooches have become both fascinating and interesting and depict the positive approach and attitude that the general population showed to their serving soldiers. I am of the opinion that this often neglected aspect forms an integral part to my collection as often the loved ones back home are forgotten. The wearing of these brooches indicated the population's support and contribution to the war effort. Sweetheart Brooches can be regarded as costume jewellery designed for a specific purpose and usually have a military theme. The badge of the organisation or regiment would be worn as a brooch to show the support back home for those serving in the various theaters and campaigns of the First World War.

Hi Mervyn, I am still in Kabul, very interesting place. Looking at the badge, I would suggest it was made for the unit. Regards, Will

I have been collecting WW1 South African sweetheart badges and brooches for sometime and have discovered some very unique and interesting variations. This brooch is very interesting as it bears the unit name within its design, I have not encountered that before. The Regiment served in the German East Africa campaign during World War 1. Regards, Will

Thanks William, My main purpose in collecting is to preserve and research our military heritage and also to complete as many "collections" or fields as possible for future generations of militaria enthusiasts and historians. I would also like my collection to assist as a reference for our fellow collectors. Regards, Will

Hi Brian, I am really not sure, I have found it very difficult to confirm both their age and origin. Regards, Will

Final photograph, any comments and details would be greatly appreciated.

Closer view.