Michael Johnson
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Posts posted by Michael Johnson
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Bernhard,
They are all from Rhone, where my maternal grandmother was born.
Je me souviens.
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Bernhard,
Thank you for bringing this to the fore again. For too many of my generation the Indochina campaign was just a prologue to the Vietnam War, and ancient history for those born after 1970.
It is fitting to remember them.
Parmi eux:
Jacques François CHEVREAUX http://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/arkotheque/client/mdh/guerre_indochine/detail_fiche.php?debut=0&ref=1606400 Gérard CIONE Etienne Maurice FUENTES Marc Francois GADEL André Ferdinand GARNOT Brunno GIOVATTI Gilbert Etienne GENODMichael
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No, it is a the medal roll - and 47 is the page number. The medal is the General Service Medal 1918-64. His First War Medals were issued in India, so no MICs in the UK. As far as we know they were destroyed years ago.
Hard to tell if he qualified for a 1914-15 Star, but my opinion is no.
Michael
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Well, we are now past the stage of "vestiges of colonialism" and into probably increasing awareness in India of their history.
Michael
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I think Peter's right. Perhaps something that didn't quite qualify for a Legion d'honneur. 1920 sounds like a "Great War Awards clean-up"
Michael
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It would be quite unusual that the jacket isn't named - try looking in the pockets.
Michael
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Caz,
As far as service records go - no. Those who made it to Viceroy's Commission officer will appear in the Indian Army Lists, possibly with war service. Honours and Awards of the Indian Army lists those who were decorated in the First War, and of course Commonwealth War Grave Commission lists those who died.
Michael
P.S. Peter, we need to set a date to see your exhibition.
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I don't know whether this works with the new site or not, but my trick has been to Google the name and Gazette. It has usually worked where the old Gazette search facility didn't.
Michael
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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We can hope. More likely two into the melting pot, one into the trash. Or. if you're optimistic, one to each child.
Michael
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Arrghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now you blokes have me looking at USN groups!
So far off topic it's coming at me from the other side!
Michael
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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
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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
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Hero's medal returns to pride of place after garage sale discovery Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/heros-medal-returns-to-pride-o
in Great Britain: Orders, Gallantry, Campaign Medals
Posted
It happens at those shows.
I unrolled a First War unit photograph to find that it was my grandfather's C.A.S.C. unit, and although he was invalided shortly after enlistment, he was in it!
A postcard to a CEF officer showed a Toronto house that looked familiar. It should have, as I grew up in the house next to it, part of which was visible.
Michael