sabrigade

My second Gordon Star, bought in Omdurman.

I am the country manager for a demining company managing landmine and UXO clearance tasks throughout the Sudan.

The badge has been cleaned and the detail is much clearer now.

These are the more common medals and orders ribbons that you have been given. The more senior orders and the less freely available ones are the problem. That is why many of the more difficult awards appear without or with incorrect ribbons. I disagree totally with the perception that ribbons are faked, they are simply not readily available. This includes other countries besides Iraq. The market for Iraqi awards is not of such a nature that these fakes are made to capture a market which is comparable,for example, with WW2 German fakes and copies/reproductions that are made. We need to keep these aspects and thoughts in perspective. The monetary value and interest in Iraqi common awards is simply not there! I feel that the interest and availibily is currently aimed at capturing the souvenier market and is not aimed at the serious or more knowledgable collector.

Hi Matt, Unfortunately I have not had time to have this group properly researched. I will ask WIFE back home in South Africa to dig out what we have and will send it to you. I am posting a badge/medallion that was also given to him by the town of Norfolk for returned POW's. This probably indicates service in France. I sincerely hope we can get this thread back on track as there is so much to be gleaned from it. P.S. Wife is of Pakistani origin but grew up in Iraq. Regards, Will

The problem with ribbons, both in Iraq and some other countries, is their availability. Given the fact that medals were manufactured all over the world by various companies, the ribbons are sometimes more difficult to find than the actual medals! I have submitted a formal request for certain Iraqi Medal ribbon to a source in Baghad and it will be very interesting to see what he can supply or obtain.

2LT R.A. SWINTON, MC, RFA Hi All, The reason I am a member of this forum is too learn from its more knowledgable and senior members. Up too a few hours ago, I was not really sure what the word "DURBAR" meant and found the posts both highly interesting and informative. Unfortunately these posts were excellent to a specific point and then it appears as if the initial purpose of the topic became confused. We are all entitled to our opinions on matters, whether controversial and mundane, but I request that we focus on the gist of this excellent posting and get it back on track. There are comments that I would also like to be privy too and I feel that using the PM method is not right and detracts from the learning and participative spirit of this forum. This a group in my collection and I hope that further post discussions will again be both enlightening and informative. Ed, please come back and and post the promised groups! Regards, Will

Hi Brian, Thank you for the consistent positive comments and remarks which make the effort worth-while in posting items on the site. I intend posting photographs of my complete collection when I go to South Africa again. Regards, Will

Officer's helmet cover?

I purchased this item through a dealer friend in South Africa. As I am still in the Sudan, I have not had the opportunity to physically handle,examine or admire it.

Hi Leigh, I am not sure either. I have also never seen one with a patent type " BAR" at the back. Regards, Will

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-3034-1223286549.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-3034-1223286462.jpg This badge is in my collection and has many aspects that differ when compared to the other issues or variations. This is the third badge that was issued to a member of the South African forces in World War One.

Hi Ulsterman, Do you perhaps know what company the letters/makers mark " WSD " represent?

Hi Ulsterman, The Badge has the following makers/proof marks on it : WSD (the company I believe was in Birmingham) Anchor Lion Letter " F " - year perhaps 1930?

After having worked for nearly five years in the Middle East and the Sudan, it never ceases to amaze me how items and articles travel and move around. I am not sure if Daoud was Sudanese and hope to find out more about him. I have even found a French Order of National Merit, in its case, in the Omdurman souk! As with names in Arabic, the authority I always quote is T.E. Lawrence, (Lawrence of Arabia) , who wrote in the Seven Pillars of Wisdom : " Arab names will not go into English, exactly, for their vowels are not the same as ours, and their vowels, like ours, vary from district to district. There are scientific systems of transliteration, helpful to people who know enough Arabic not to need helping, but a wash out for the world. I spell my names anyhow, to show what rot the systems are. " This is also reiterated by my wife who is a graduate of Baghdad University. She is totally fluent in Arabic but has pointed out the differences in the manner in which Arabic is spoken and written in the Sudan.

Thanks for the kind comments and interest. The fact that silver jewelry manufacturing is done in the Sudan has not helped in preserving medals.

I agree with Ed's opinion on the General Gordon's Star for the Siege of Khartoum as I have an example of one in my collection. I am also inclined to think that the Sheikh was awarded the Queen's Sudan Medal. I have not yet managed to make a break through in researching individual personalities in the Sudan. I intend to visit the history department at the University of Khartoum and see if they can be of assistance.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-3034-1222885258.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-3034-1222884039.jpg I believe that the person in the photograph presenting the award to Saddam Hussein is IZZAT IBRAHIMAL-DURI. He was the Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council of Iraq. This particular playing card forms part of the "most-wanted" playing card set that was distributed by the Intelligence Agency of the USA in 2003.

This is a rare photograph taken in the Mitry's Photo studio in Cairo. It shows the Sheikh wearing an impressive array of Orders and Medals from the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, Britain and also possibly the Sudan.

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2008/post-3034-1222614037.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2008/post-3034-1222613997.jpg[attac hment=140263:Daoud_Khalil4.jpg] This medal was also purchased in the Omdurman Souk. With some assistance on the British Medal Forum, I was able to confirm the issue of the Medal in the London Gazette. "SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE,1 JANUARY 1941 Khalil Daoud Ikhwais, Kawass to the District Commissioner,Jerusalem District."

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2008/post-3034-1222612803.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2008/post-3034-1222612782.jpg I purchased this medal from an antique dealer in Omdurman. It is named to 134 W.ONB. BAKA ABU SOWAR of the Mongalla Police who were based in Southern Sudan. The town of Mongalla is not very far from Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan. The gentleman was awarded the medal with the clasp " EAST AFRICA 1918". This specific clasp was awarded for military operations in Southern Sudan against the Northern Turkhaha and other tribes. Most references confirm that Africa General Service Medals bearing the head of King George the 5th are very rare.

Reverse indicating hallmark and other markings.

I have eventually found some time to follow up on collectables in the Sudan. This is a silver hallmarked cap badge which I assume belonged to an officer.

Hi Tom, Thank you for the effort and interest,it is highly appreciated! Regards, Will