sabrigade

A closer view of the Betteridge display which depicts a clock made for him by his aircraft mechanics in early 1919. The mechanics used the propellor of a Sopwith-Camel aircraft.

The RFC/RAF corner which contains Betteridge's medal group, a variaty of portrait photographs, Deeds of Commission to both the RFC and RAF, RFC wing variations and also Betteridge's RFC plaque.

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This is part of my Royal Flying Corps Display. I am privileged to have many articles pertaining to Lt Arthur Betteridge in my collection. He wrote his memoirs entitled " COMBAT IN AND OVER DELVILLE WOOD". Betteridge initially joined the South African infantry and was wounded during the battle of Delville Wood. He later joined the Royal Flying Corps and flew air operation over the wood as a fighte pilot. He was a pall bearer at the most decorated South african of WW1, Catain Beauchamp-Proctor's funeral.(VC, DSO, MC, DFC). Betteridge was interviewed and, is quoted at length, in various ww1 publications.

Some of my WW1 shoulder title collection. The highlight of this display is the very rare South African Aviation Corps original cloth shoulder title.

A second showcase that contains original Pattern 08 webbing with original ammunition pouches on the left hand side, cloth extra ammunition bandolier with markings,variation of holsters for revolvers, a variety of bandoliers used by SA forces inclucing a very rare canvas bandolier marked to the South African Military Constabulary, various leather waist belts, signal pistols, two so-called hate belts one originating from the German South West African campaign and a WW1 Gurkha Kukri.

A showcase displaying a variety of marching compasses, officer's swords, folding trench periscope, officer's wristwatch, SA issue ww1 clasp knives and other sundry items.

The back wall of my ww1 room, showing frames with badges indicating the various formations that the South African Infantry Brigade formed part of on the Western Front.

Entrance to my WW1 Room

The focus of my collection over the last 30 years has been the South African conribution to the First World War with the emphasis on the Western Front. The participants were all volunteers and specific requirements for the South African involvement was received from the Imperial Government. The South Africans experienced heavy casualties during all the major battles on the Western Front. The photographs are intended to give an outline and a general background to my collection.

Hi Ed,

Yes, I have some duplicates, they are not all shown in the photographs.

Regards,

Will

Reverse photograph.

Last batch.

Another lot.

These are some of the examples of the Orders and Medals that I have found in the Sudan.

This item is part of a deal that I recently concluded. This award was given to identified members of the Iraqi Armed Forces for bravery during the Iraq-Iran war. I believe it to be scarce and do not know of many in existence.

Colin,

Thanks for the postings. This is a very unique collection and very different approach.

Regards.

Will

Emmanuel,

If you can wait a while, I will get you one in Khartoum.

Regards,

Will

Thanks to all for the interest and positive comments!

Regards,

Will

Hi Brett,

Thank you for the reply. I will be posting part 2 in the next few days which will cover the South Africans in France in WW1.

Regards,

Will

As a final posting for Part 1, the Royal Air Force Levies Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Some British medals to the Iraqi Levies.

My Iraqi collection of Orders and Medals.

The regalia presented to me by the Sheiks in Az-Zubayr in Southern Iraq.

A showcase with various medals, medallions and cases for medals and orders. Some medals are also from Kuwait and Syria.

The ornaments and daggers were presented to me by my local staff when I left Iraq after working there for three years.

The Iraqi part of the room. I have posted detail regarding some of the medals in other posts so will only provide an overview of my Iraqi collection.