rathbonemuseum

Taz I will contact them. Thanks for the reference. Tod

Please take a look at the pictures. This is a uniform named to Cpt. Marillier. It is a standard South African forces uniform with an RAF. The uniform has orange "abroad" tabs and captains pips. The ribbons on the front include the MBE, Africa Service Medal, George V jubilee (1935) and George VI coronation (1937). This is a very odd group of ribbons. In the sleeve and on the pants is a penned code: A1138 (I know, looks like a nine, but the pants are clearer). Don't know if it is some kind of service number. There are also museum codes. I am trying to find out any service history to this man. Any help out there from S. Africa?

Paul, Hmm, I see. I think I jumped to conclusions about his rank. Thanks for the correction. Well, it still seems strange to me that there would be an American tunic with no US awards. Is this tunic a WWI issue tunic worn in WWI, or is this a 1920s tunic. If it was 1920s I would think the ribbons would be there. Cheers, Tod

All, I agree with Veteran that the lack of US awards is a key point. This tunic belonged to a man that DID NOT serve with US forces during any of the periods that WWI campaign or gallantry medals would have been awarded. This tunic seems to belong to a man that came back and, when needed after the war, was commissioned in the US forces based on his WWI experience and served in the Army. He probably was not an officer in the French Air Forces in WWI as Veteran pointed out. Cheers, Tod

Steve, Veteran is pointing out the difference between the ribbon sewn on the tunic, which is the first grade of chevalier (since there is no rosette and no evidence of one) and the actual award on the bar with has the rosette and is therefore knight or officer class. His point is that the one sewn on the tunic would be the best guide for his war service. He would have received the higher award later and not gone back to resew a new ribbon on the tunic. Hope that helps. Great thread. I look forward to a "clincher" moment. Tod

I am looking for any details of service history for Capitaine Georges Lautier whose tunic and cap I have in my collection. His tunic is named and dated for 1939 as a Capitaine. He wears three awards including the Legion d'Honneur (chevalier), Croix de Guerre (WWI) and what appears to be the US Distinguished Service Cross (??!!). If you can help, please comment. I have no rosters for the Arm?e de l'Air.

OK Dave, thanks for that. I am still hoping someone has a picture of him somewhere. Also any pictures of the Middle East HQ. Was that in Alexander or Cairo? Cheers, Tod

Hello, I am looking for more biographical information, especially any photographs, of AVM Allinson. I have already looked up his service record on the Air of Authority website. It was very helpful. I am especially interested in what his tenure was like at Middle East Command in 1943 and Middle East HQ in 1944. I assume his tenure as AOC 212 group was also related to the Middle East? I have not been able to find any photographic files about Middle East command for the RAF. Have you any in a book that you might be able to post? Any help would be appreciated. Cheers, Tod

Fran?ois, The Latvian badge you show is not a pilot qualification badge but the badge for the Latvian Air Regiment. Every man in the regiment was entitlled to it. Cheers, Tod

That is a really nice uniform - it is so complete. Without seeing closer pictures of the piping, I couldn't even hazard a guess as to branch of service. What is incorrect about the shoulder boards, the rank? Because they look similar to the correct style. Cheers, Tod