Michael Johnson

Not much call for them after 1914. The badge is Victorian, so pre-1902, although it would have been several years before new badges were struck under Edward VII. If you are lucky you might find a date inside. Fusilier busbies were only authorized in 1865, so you really are looking at 40 years. If I had to hazard a guess I'd say 1890 +/-10 Michael

Northumberland Fusiliers, both from the badge and hackle. Looks to be in pretty good condition, although softening the leather headband and blocking it would help. Michael

I think you're right. I've bought a lovely Second War Korea group, and his record shows that he served with Osaka Army Hospital, but has the Korea Service Medal with two Stars and UN medal. Another member of the unit speaks of only seeing Korea across the straits, but getting the medals anyway. The only joker is that the member of the Willard Hospital unit I contacted said "He doesn’t believe Mr. McCoy was activated to active duty during Korea. He said they didn’t receive any medals that he’s aware of. " However both those statements must be questioned given the NY Senate's list and the Osaka Army Hospital members. Michael.

This thread brings back memories. The little triangles on the radio dials so you could find the Conelrad stations. "Exercise Tocsin" the only nuclear war drill we ever had in Canada. I was in Grade 6 that November 22nd. The PA system wasn't the greatest, and I wondered how Miss Kennedy (who I think taught Grade Two) had gotten shot when she was supposed to be teaching - those were more innocent days. And we were told to pray. There were two air raid sirens when I moved to Oakville in 1988, but then Oakville was HQ for the Canadian Army's Central Command. It was formerly the IOOF Orphanage, and now a community centre where my mother-in-law goes for her day program in her wheelchair. Michael

When I read posts like this, I think of a passage from Anthony Price's Soldier No More, where a young woman, speaking about Korea to a Korean War veteran, says that it was just a little war. He replies that it was a big war for those who died.in it. Here I feel some kinship, as although I'm a Canadian, and as far as I know none of my French cousins served in Indochina, some of them were in Algeria. To quote Kipling, "It is knightly to keep faith [or to remember] even after a thousand years." Michael

We can hope. More likely two into the melting pot, one into the trash. Or. if you're optimistic, one to each child. Michael

My university ring - St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. Crest both sides, B.A. and 1974. I bought this in 1981, when I was back on campus. My son Sean graduated last year fron St, Mike's, and my mother in 1934. No rings we know about. I don't wear it, but I put it on today. A bit tight on my right ring finger, but I got it off again with a bit of difficulty. Michael

Here 'tis. I suppose the question is just how fast would a 1948 enlistee make PO? I'm not convinced that this is my man. Michael

There is a W. Smart shown in USS Stribling's tour book 1954. Seems to have six ribbons up. Appears to be a PO1. Wonder if this in him. Michael

Going on comments in some of Kipling's stories, the Militia was looked down on by the professionals of the Regular Army. Generally speaking the 3rd battalion of most regiments was the Militia battalion (some regiments, such as the KRRC and Royal Fusiliers, had more than two Regular battalions). Michael

Let's consider the cultural aspects. Pillow covers have been sold to soldiers, etc. probably since before the Second War. Also a great favourite for the locals to sell to UN Peacekeepers (I have UNEF and UNFICYP - the latter terribly done - paint not even in register with design.) But post -1974 no Americans around to buy these from the winners. I'm no expert in Vietnamese home decor, but somehow I doubt that throw pillows are in demand, so not local market. That leaves the possibility that these are a current tourist item. Michael

I don't think that the 24th wore tunics without facings (green) and collar. I suspect the tunic is a reproduction, but why not do it properly? The Martini and bayonet are probably original, but I doubt if they are marked to the 24th. Michael

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-576-0-77430900-1394037184.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2014/post-576-0-85926400-1394037210.jpg Some shots of my Malaya. Obviously displayed on a board - note that there is less even toning on the reverse.

Arrghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now you blokes have me looking at USN groups! So far off topic it's coming at me from the other side! Michael

My impression is that any piece of Army-issue kit will be regimentally marked, and probably personally marked as well. Otherwise how do know it's yours? Also, what are the odds that a helmet that saw active service in 1879 would be in that kind of condition? Michael

Medals can tarnish almost black in way less than 100 years. Back in 1976 my first GSM was a Malaya to 22634573 Pte. L. Flynn. R.A.M.C. In those days I poished my medals, so when it left my hands about 1979, it would not have had tarnish. Three years ago I bought it again, and it was tarnished to an even blue-black tone. Michael

Would that be the reason that so many of the Second War groups I see are missing the Victory Medal? Michael

Yes, I know that feeling all to well. In my case it is WW1 French Memorial scrolls. Some framed, as they must have hung in his parent's home, but showing wear and damage from years of being consigned to the attic or cellar by subsequent generations with their own wars and concerns. Some I've even managed to get service records for. All handwritten, and in French script at that. Michael

Yes, they look like the Canadian bush jacket and pants. The caps, too, look Canadian. At one time Canada and Yugoslavia were about tied for participation in the most UN peacekeeping missions. Michael

https://archive.org/stream/fordauntlessfran00biny#page/n7/mode/2up Laurence Binyon's "For Dauntless France" is the best source for volunteers serving with the French. The unit would have returned to the U.K. by the time the fourragere was gazetted in 1919. Michael

Michael, I'm not sure that this was a British unit, as the 72nd Division was a home service division, and was disbanded in April 1918. There was no American 72nd Division. I think this must be the French 72e Division. I believe that this was a British volunteer ambulance unit attached to the French Army. not a British Army unit - see http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=140788 They would not have had any post-war existence, so the wearing of the fourragere is not a question. Michael

Thank you Captain.

From the quality of the badge and lack of markings I'd say a bazaar copy, but not really my field. Michael

I am disappointed he didn't have overseas service, but it is a good piece. I'm going to have to keep my eye open for named medals to Pennsylvania men, especially Army, since they don't have the muster rolls online. Michael

British medal rolls exist for the Indian Army for some campaigns - those where the medals were issued from Britain. They include: The Africa General Service Medal (the Indian Army was heavily involved in the Somaliland campaigns) The General Service Medal, clasps Kurdistan, Iraq, NW Persia, S. Persia Even where the rolls don't exist because the medals were named in India, there are some breakdowns of numbers per Indian regiment and number of clasps - a case in point is the Egypt Medal. Anthony Farrington also did two casualty rolls including Indian Regiments: The Second Afghan and IGS 1895. Michael