Michael Johnson

I remember another Stratford performance (but forget which star actor, but possibly Olivier) where spying a front row patron following along in his book, he took his sword, flipped the book shut and snarled "Pay attention!"

Definitely an Australian: http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.aspx?ServiceId=A&VeteranId=421635 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/SeriesDetail.aspx?series_no=B883&singleRecord=T

I believe that allied personnel who were being treated in American military hospitals were on occasion given these medals through inadvertence and ignorance of protocol, but they really were mistaken issues. Michael

http://209.212.22.88/data/RBR/1960-1969/1965/1965.10.26.pdf In 1965, a Lt.Col. U.S. Army, stationed Governor's Island NY born August 14, 1919, died September 28, 2006, last residence died Colchester England Michael

Would you hire a teacher who came from an "Abnormal School"? Michael

I wonder if there was an error in his second name. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/42713/supplement/5107 Wilfred Albert Ward LG 26 June 1962. GPO Mechanic-in-charge, Bournemouth. On the other hand there are one, possibly two Wilfred Arthur Ward or Wilfred A Ward in that time period Oh, apparently the London Gazette online does not have all the issues! Michael

"In my defence and as I pointed out to my father there were no witness to the alleged explosion; none that were over the age of majority that was. So really it was simple hear say that I was anywhere near this unfortunate set of coincidences, and therefore inadmissible as evidence. It surely couldn’t be that small bit of misadventure and besides I was the injured party in that I served a period of grounding for an offence that the prosecution (aka parents) failed to prove, due to lack of evidence, and then denied me an appeal process." As the son of a Q.C., in the years before I attended Law School, I soon learned that although he practised corporate law, my father was no slouch at cross-examination. My elder son (who just wrote his Bar Exams) still thinks he can argue law with me. This Court is not bound by the laws of evidence, or indeed any laws. It is pure "palm tree justice". Michael

My father's brother-in-law received the 1953 Coronation with the RCAF. My mother's brother was awarded the Canadian Centennial Medal, which is with my cousin. My aunt was awarded the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, but we couldn't find it after she died in 2001. I have the first group, and have miniatures for my other uncle and aunt. Michael

David, Do you know if the medals are still in the family? They were issued un-named, although I have seen a few that were privately engraved, and one 1937 to a member of the Life Guards that was impressed. It would be a simple matter to recreate the group. Michael

Here's the answer! "Australian Awards of the Coronation and Jubilee medals by David Helfgott confirms all awards you mention. All with his connection to the Lutheran church. 1935 Jubilee is in the South Australian list."

David, I've posted this request on the British Medals Forum, where there we may find someone who has the rolls. Michael

Rebecca, Welcome. A fascinating story of an exceptional man. Michael (who is a gentleman - notice that I dress to go on Forum )

Welcome back, Ed. Fifty+ years ago I would have died for a Model A - built enough models of them. Of course I was too young to drive, even. Looking forward to photos. Michael

The regiment won two George Medals in Italy, both minefield incidents. Sowar Ditto Ram's citation is here: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37386/supplement/6055/data.pdf St. John Graham Young R.T.R. attached C.I.H. was the second recipient: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37185/supplement/3765/data.pdf Michael

I bought a USN discharge certificate offa eBay - enlisted 1949, discharged 1953, immediate re-up for 4 years.. When I found his veteran's Veteran's Burial on Ancestry it looks like he served from 1943 into the 1970s - WWII, Korea, AND Vietnam. I'm sending off for his record, and suspect he had quite a rack, ending up as a SCPO. Could even beat Smart's group. Michael

"And how do you know I'm addicted?" asked Alice. "You must be," said the Caterpillar, "or you wouldn't be here."

Gabatgh, You will find that these things are all over the shop. Obviously you will get the best price from a family member, if there is one, who is actively searching. If not, providing as much detail as possible will generate interest. It is always worthwhile to go an Ancestry.com and find out who has a family tree up for your particular man. Do not be put off by anyone who wants it back for free. Many items leave families for many reasons, and the cry of "It was stolen!" can be met with "When? Did you file a police report at the time?" Ignore police reports filed after the events - they are worthless. There is a concept in law of "purchaser in good faith without notice". Michael

I just purchased my FIFTH named Navy Good Conduct Medal. I keep telling myself I collect British and Canadian. Sadly, the cost of a Freedom of Information request in the UK is almost as much as the medal. For my group to Smart, National Archives sent me his record for free. Back history: I spent my youth building model airplanes, including a whole bunch of U.S. Navy 1925-45. So when a medal to a man who served on USS Hornet (CV-12) from its commissioning comes up, I guess I have to have it. Michael

I'm pretty sure it's him as he was a Devonport enlistment. Gunner 1944

1939-45 Star (six months at sea on operations), Atlantic Star (another six months service in the Atlantic), Africa Star (service probably in the Mediterranean), Burma Star with clasp for Pacific Star (Far East service Indian Ocean and Pacific), War Medal with Mention in Despatches, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (15 years' service in the ranks without disciplinary offences or adverse conduct reports. Rank is that of Lieutenant. Obviously commissioned after long service. If we could make out the name it might be possible to identify him. I think it's Lt. Harry Morris Clark who in 1956 was a Commissioned Gunner. I haven't tracked down his Mention, but I'll try the British Medals Forum - the experts there will probably tell me what he had for breakfast July 2, 1944. All in all, that is quite a find! Michael

Perhaps a Drummer or Musician? More likely to have carried a short sword. Michael

1, could be Platelayer, but that is more a railway occupation than an Artillery one. Not one I've run across in my Indian collecting years.

The Lincolnshire Regiment was in Bermuda in 1914, so could be older. I think by 1943 the helmet flash would have been obsolete.

Miraculously, given that he was Militia, my father's service record exists. I don't blame the MO - my father's eyesight was 20/200. Michael

I was spared that - two boys - who still have had their challenges. I grew up at the ROM (we were about four blocks away) - I remember when I wan't tall enough to see into those table displays, and had to stop for a rest before the next set of galleries. I also remember studying Classics at the University of Toronto - and all the classical galleries were closed. I'm coming to terms, barely, with the fact that I'm now a senior - albeit a working one.