tynesideirish

This is turning out better than I expected. I wonder how many of those where self inflicted and how many given by his neighbours?

Yes he did, like the VC he copied the Victoria Cross and got it awarded to himself but obviously even he couldn't call it that so its a Uganda Victorious Cross, most of his medals are self awarded but thats no different to just about every other head of state.

I know lots of Royalists will probably disagree here but:

For instance, H.M. Queen Elizabeth gives all her family RVO's or and KMG, KG, KT etc I'm getting into murky waters that I don't wish to tread in but you'll notice when Prince Charles was married he had 2 non operational medals now he's got about 8 ...What are they for? How is getting medals off your Mum or Cousins (other Royal households) any worse than Idi?

Before anyone starts I know there were a few Royals in Europe who earned their medals in various Wars, WWll Prince Philip and Mountbatten and even Andrew in the South Atlantic etc ... but the rest hand outs.

I have just read the post on Saddams medals and when reading that thought about Idi Amin for some reason. I did a search here in case it had already been covered but got nothing, also on Google there's plenty of stuff but nothing specific.

I would like to know what he had (other than his Ugandan Victorious Cross) and if any one knows the whereabouts of them. I know he was a despot but its his Orders, medals etc I'm interested in.

Chronology of Amin's military promotions

King's African Rifles

1946 Joins King's African Rifles

1947 Private

1952 Corporal

1954 Effendi (Warrant Officer)

1961 First Ugandan Commissioned Officer, Lieutenant

Uganda Army

1962 Captain

1963 Major

1964 Deputy Commander of the Army

1965 Colonel, Commander of the Army

1968 Major General

1971 Head of State

Chairman of the Defence Council

Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

Army Chief of Staff and Chief of Air Staff

1975 Field Marshal

Hi, sorry to disappiont but it is a makers name and they made petrol lamps. Most likely some part of one. Please see example posted.

Well I'm here to learn and I just learned what a near mint EK1 looks like. Fantastic.

What a great find. Have you seen the book?: the Torn Horizon. The Airborne chaplains at Arnhem by Chris van Roekel.

Without a closer look at the pockets it could be an other ranks Blues jacket from any period since WW1- present day. If the rank is correct, why no medal ribbons or Colonel Gorgets ? plus those are not Officers RA collars for a start. I think someone has put on the WWll Colonels rank to get a better price.

The 2 Commando badge seems real enough (Special Service ) but would need inspecting. The other badge is an OCA lapel badge.

please visit this site if interested in Army / RM Commando's. http://www.combinedops.com/index.htm

Sorry mate, I was going to mention some things on your badges but theres too many on one thread and its knocked the enthusiasm out of me. I hope I can help ID some in future.

After looking through all my books the best I can come up with is HAC ... But Liverpool?

By the looks of the tailoring it has been slashed by the QM when binned on replacement and someone has rescued it. It couldn't have been just standard Guard best tailoring as its too haphazard. the DZ flashes are interesting if real. Do you want to let it go? I'm interested. I'm Ex Airborne Fusilier & 7 Para RHA

A few things. Geordies day April 23rd. But I know that was a typo mistake.

1980-82 The 1st Bn was at Queen Elizabeth Bks MINDEN. and had been for 7 years less a UNICYP and NI tour and even then not including everyone. I'm not disputing the fact you knew him but the date or Bn must be wrong.

An Officers / WO1 jacket. No explaination why the Pioneer Sgt is wearing it, though. Never seen it before.

SAS sniper or sharp-shooter? Not sure on this, I will have to do some research on this badge. Whoops, sorry this was supposed to go under Aussie cloth patches. I not sure how to delete a post.

Regards;

Johnsy

Johnsy, Yes Sniper. Same basic design as the Brit one ie S over crossed rifles.

I will see if I can find the LRDG Association in the UK, thanks.

Cheers

James

James, The LRDG Assoc is now incorperated within the SAS Asssociation. There is however a 'friends of' site which may help. The LRDG Preservation Society. Worth a look?

http://www.lrdg.org/

Leigh,

the 1st DGs had a red plume (white for trumpeters) so is the apparent black simply due to the photographic process?

Stuart

Stuart, Guys, Its a well known fact that in B&W photo collections that red photographs as black.

Hi lads, I've just looked into my personal insignia box and found my NI black plastic badge. It has a 5 cm brass bar with the ends drilled 4mm in and bent to form lugs. I do remember the soft tinplate pointy tab ones though. (I'll take some pics and post them but it takes a while.) I was one of those 1RRF guys who passed P Coy in 1989 when Sigs Pl & Recce put people through. I'm still looking for a DZ flash if anyones got one. But a picture will do for now... Please?

I don't think most people can imagine what it was like. The photo's are horrific but it pails into insignificance with what really happened when they burst into the other sides trench with bomb, bayonet, spades and knives.

I think if they were just POW finds there would be nicer trinkets on view. 1 kill , 1 button. That Frenchman must have p*ssed him off.