sabrigade

BRASS MARTINGALE BADGE WORN PRIOR TO 1901 This police force was the mounted and foot police of the Transvaal. From 1881 to 1896, they formed part of the Artillery and were then formed into a separate policing establisment. The force consisted of 20 officers, 100 NCO's and 1400 constables. Less than half the force was mounted but, during times of war, the whole force operated as a mounted unit. The ZARPS gained a formidable reputation as fighting soldiers during the Anglo-Boer War.

A badge from my collection, unfortunately all I have to this illustrious unit.

To show and emphasise the size of the award, the medal in the photograph is the Queen's Sudan medal.

Hi Owain, Thanks as always. The mysteries surrounding these items and places never stop to amaze me. I am going to use the photograph and items as a starting point and see what turns up. The previous owner is a very old collector who is moving on some of his items and collection, he has had the medal for nearly 50 years. Regards, Will

The Khartoum Military School was founded in 1905 and disbanded in 1924. There were initially a few students or cadets. The School was disbanded after a mutiny. Any information regarding the School and the award will be appreciated. The soldier has an award around his neck which is similar to the medal I have, it could even be the same.

This an extract from an excellent article published by the Imperial War Museum on the WW1 tins. " Although it had originally been intended that everyone irrespective of rank, race or religion should receive precisely the same gift, it was soon borne on the Committee that if the dietary rules of various religious groups were to be respected, changes would have to be made in the gifts intended for the Indian Troops. To this end, they sought the help from five "old Indian hands" who after due deliberation, came up with the solution. The Gurkhas were to receive the same gift as the British Troops; Sikhs the box filled with sugar candy, a tin box of spices and the Christmas card, and all the other Indian Troops, the box with a packet of cigarettes and sugar candy, a tin of spices and the card. Authorised "Camp Followers" who for the purpose of this exercise were grouped under the title of Bhistis, were to receive a tin box of spices and the card. Article Title: "A GIFT FOR CHRISTAMS: THE STORY OF PRINCESS MARY'S GIFT FUND,1914" By Diana Condell Book Title : Imperial War Museum Review No. 4 ARTICLES ON ASPECTS OF TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY PRINCIPALLY BY THE STAFF OF THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Published by the Trustees of the Imperial War Museum, 1989 Article Title : A GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS : THE STORY OF PRINCESS MARY'S GIFT FUND, 1914. By Diana Condell "

A pipe striker and pipe that were also contents of the Princess Mary WW1 tin. The striker is marked and displays her monogram. This item is very scarce, apparently due to the manufacturer not being able to deliver sufficient quantities on time.

A tin from the colonies of Trinidad, Grenada and St Lucia. It contained chocolate and was presented during WW1.

This is the same tin that Chris has posted. It is part of my WW2 collection and contains the original contents manufactured by CADBURY.

An Australian tin dated 1915 from my collection.

Hi Mervyn, I am back in Khartoum after a few days in the bush. The WW1 tins appear to be the same although I have seen a silver plated ww1 tin in Johannesburg. The Boer War tins differ as I have 2 sizes from different manufacturers in my collection. In my one tin from the Boer War,there is also a small 1900 calendar. Strangely enough, there is also a 1914 calendar that came with one of the ww1 tins in my collection.

Gentlemen, We spend hours speculating over what is fake or real when it comes to these cloth items in and from Iraq. Welcome to the real world where serious collectors understand what they are both looking at and what they are looking for. At a monetary and serious collecting level, I am sure that no manufacturer has made his millions yet on these so-called collectors items. I suggest you regard these items as examples of what was used and respect them as such. I can have great sets of cloth insignia manufactured in Omdurman if they are required, guaranteed original as well. I suggest you rather go for provenance and attribution of cloth insignia. Regards, Will

Hi Mervyn, I am not sure, first appearances suggest a civilian doctor. I also think AFF stands for the Ashanti Field Force. I am waiting for some more details on the good doctor. Regards, Will

Thanks to everybody for the positive comments and constructive criticism. I will post part 3 in the near future. Regards, Will

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-3034-1241242684.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-3034-1241242701.jpg I recently added this medal to my collection. Very few Europeans were awarded this medal as the campaign took place while the Anglo-Boer War was in process. Dr Grant was part of the "AFF".

Hi Darrell, No, as with all paperwork, they did not seem to last. The lady in question also received a WW1 Red Cross commendation. If there is interest, I will post her items as a seperate thread, I also have a portrait photo of her. Regards, Will

Hi Mervyn, Arthur has summarised the history of the unit in very concise manner. I was a member in 1979. What is often forgotten is that the State President's Guard performed an operational as well as a ceremonial function and was therefore deployed for long periods of time during the border war in Northern Namibia. For routine dress, the standard uniform and infantry beret with badge was worn. Regards, Will

The South African Medal for War Services was issued for voluntary and unpaid services in one or more of the officially recognized voluntary organizations in the Union of South Africa during the Second World War. Because the medals were issued unnamed, a certificate accompanied the award to confirm the recipient's eligibility. This is an example of this certificate that I have in my collection. I have her complete medal entitlement as well. The recipient served in the Voluntary Aid Detachment in England during World War One and moved to South Africa at the end of the War. She continued her services in the Red Cross before and during the Second World War.

This blue uniform was worn for full dress. The pigskin shoulder straps, which were called " leather epaullettes ", are visible in the photograph. The strength of the Cape Mounted Police was fixed at 78 officers and 1350 other ranks. Some members of the force were awarded a medal from the German Kaiser for operations along the German South West Africa border in 1907.

WHITE METAL HELMET PLATE WORN AFTER 1902

WHITE METAL HELMET PLATE WORN BEFORE 1902

Some of the Cape Rural Police badges in my collection.

A member of the Cape Mounted Police with his family. The CMP cap badge is clearly visible.