Christophe

Interesting enough, I was in Chile in March 2006, on the occasion of an international manifestation. There were flags of the participating countries including Spain... The organisers displayed this one for Spain... Ch.

Very interesting and informative thread, thanks to Chris and all!!! Just for my information : are there other sources / books than : "Royle, Trevor - Death before dishonour : the true story of Fighting Mac - Edinburgh : Mainstream, c1982 - New York, St Martin's Press, 1982" that gives details about the von Mackensen story ? Thanks again. Ch.

Here are the answers about the 1st Class of the Order of Merit for the Country of the Federation of Russia : 1. Who has been the first recipient of the 1st Class of the Order of Merit for the Country of the Federation of Russia ? Jacques Chirac 2. And when ? 24 September 1997. Chirac has been awarded this order by President Yeltsin because of "his personal commitment in expanding cooperation" between Paris and Moscow. This visit of Chirac in Russia was based on the idea of developing a privileged partnership with Russia. So, for the 1st Class, Order of Victory, you are (at the present time) the winner!!!! But who will find for the 2nd Class ? Not easy, because nothing on the web on this subject... A hint : the first recipient of the 2nd Class of this Order is a Soviet legend . He wears his order on several known photos... Who is he ? And the date ? Ch.

No one ? If no one has succeeded, I'll post a hint tomorrow... Ch.

Hi Karl, Was the information I posted wrong ? Or was there a ante-war version and a 1951 new issue ? I agree the one I posted looked far more recent... Cheers. Ch.

9 May 1945. Goering removes medals. Ch.

Pic of 1941, with Hanna Reitsch. Ch.

Doug, Correct. He is seen wearing it at the moment of his surrender on 9 May 1945. See pages 384-385 in Stephen Previtera's book "The Iron Time". Ch.

Joe, Goering has been awarded the Grand Cross on 19 july 1940, at a time his prestige was maximum. Ch.

This seems to be a commemorative medal for the members of the "Luftsperrabtlg. 2/101" (Luftsperrabteilungen 2/101 - Air Defence Unit / Barrage Balloons Unit No.2/101) to commemorate their service in 1942. Ch.

This is definitely the Rettungsmedaille des Landes Hamburg, instituted in October 1951. See more here : http://s115255626.alturo-host.de/lvo/rmhbg.htm Ch.

1933 edition. Ch. Pic : ? Christophe ? ChR Collection

Stephen, Ooops! My mistake in the title... (but can't change it...). Ch. Pic : 1917 edition - ? Christophe ? ChR Collection

Hi Rick, I don't know exactly when this photo has been taken, but it has been published in Air Fleet edition #53, in mid 2005. That's the best I can tell. Cheers. Ch.

Hi Order of Victory, Actually, you did quite well!! And, if no one is able to answer the "unsolved" questions, you will be the winner!!! But, I'm sure you or others will find them . Cheers. Ch.

No one to try ? Again, here are the questions, only partially answered by Order of Victory : 1. Who has been the first recipient of the 1st Class of the Order of Merit for the Country of the Federation of Russia ? Jacques Chirac 2. And when ? 1997 (exact date to be completed). 3. Who has been the first recipient of the 2nd Class of this Order ? ? 4. And when ? ? Come on guys!!! Ch.

In fact, from 1852 to 1870, it was Napoleon III who was Emperor. But, before, from 1848 to 1852, he was the first elected President of the Second Republic. Napoleon II is the name given to the son of Napoleon Bonaparte, the King of Rome, who died in 1832 in Vienna. Ch.

Thanks Doc, for the good wishes. Ch.

Order of Victory, Very good beginning 1. Who has been the first recipient of the 1st Class of this Order ? You're right, it is Jacques Chirac. 2. And when ? You said : 1997. Correct, but not complete. Could you provide the complete date ?... Not an easy one to find For the 2nd Class, sorry, but it is not the right answer . Good beginning, you have already 2,5 points (I consider the question 2 only half answered ). Bravo!!!! Who will give the answer to all questions : 1. Who has been the first recipient of the 1st Class of this Order ? Jacques Chirac 2. And when ? 1997 (exact date to be completed). 3. Who has been the first recipient of the 2nd Class of this Order ? ? 4. And when ? ? Ch.

Thanks Kevin, Very interesting. If you have more info or details on this program, please post. These are often broadcasted twice or more... Cheers. Ch.

Indeed... Hence the nearly 90 year debate !!! Ch.

Kevin, Is this this report ?: "Military Channel MIL ? Wings at War Bloody April The Legendary Red Baron terrorized the Allies during World War I. A British Squadron was formed to kill him, mounting attacks with their Sopwiths. By the end of Bloody April 1917, 150 British planes had been destroyed, yet the Red Baron flew on." Ch.

Here is the website page of the RCMI (Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto), supporting the "Canadian" version... http://www.rcmi.org/eng/pub/2/page2.asp?t=2&p=2 Ch.

A simple question : on this pic, these two Russian Air Force officers have different caps, with different badges. Is there any reason why ? Or is it just that the one on the right (Lieutenant-General) has an older version ? Ch. Pic : Air Fleet (4.05)

Hi Peter, Many thanks for your comments. I agree with you about the fact there is a long-standing debate. And my knowledge about this is far from the expertise... I have seen numerous versions; so maybe the truth will be established... maybe not... It is very interesting to know the seat is in Toronto. I did not know that. It would be a nice challenge to try to bring all remaining parts of the plane together, as they must be spread out all around the world... Cheers. Ch.