Michael Johnson

Oh, Greg's tour was 1968.

Michael

I've passed along the link to Greg.

The jacket is reversible, with white (naturally) on the inside.

Michael

I'll check the notes tomorrow, but as I recall it is a skinning knife, with, besides the Finnish national insignia, badges for Artillery, Signals, and I believe Infantry.

The detail is hopefully better in this closeup.

Michael

I'm mounting an exhibition on Canadian Peacekeeping.  One of the veterans who is helping me served as a Signaller attached to the Finnish Contingent.  He was on very good terms with them and brought back some souvenirs.

After the war, the CEF organized War Graves units from men who had made it to England, but not to France. These would mostly be conscripts.  There were two companies.  I have a BWM named to the Canadian Engineers, but his service was with one of them.

I recall reading (in one of Norm Christie's books) that the labour was provided by German pows.

Michael

Thanks, Michael!

Hello/Bonjour

I'm restoring a couple of French ribbon bars for my peacekeeping exhibition, and need the following mini clasps: "Liban", and two "Missions d'assistance exterieure".  Does anyone have some spare to sell, or can source them for me?

Je suis en train de restorer deux barrettes dixmude, et j'ai besoin de LIBAN et deux MISSIONS D'ASSISTANCE EXTÉRIEURE.  Comme je suis au Canada, c'est pas facile de les trouver. 

Thank you/merci

I can confirm that the Metropolitan Toronto Police also used lead-filled coshes like the O.P.P. I remember an officer who visited my Elementary School showing us his.  My wife's uncle, who spent 30 years with the Force could have been an excellent source, but he passed away 12 years ago.

Michael

Great find.  I've always had a soft spot for the 19th, as their predecessors, the 19th Light Dragoons, served in Canada during the War of 1812.  I have an Egypt Medal to the 19th, bought as a no-clasp.  My researcher found that he was entitled to Tel-el-Kebir, and when the rolls became available online, I discovered he also had Suakin 1884 and El Teb.  I added the Tel-el-Kebir clasp, but doubt I can afford the other two, El Teb as a single being scarce.  No papers found, so not clear why he missed Tamaii.

Shameless plug for a new exhibition that will open August 9th at the Oakville ON Museum.  My concept, and lots from my collection, plus some Peacekeeping Veterans.  I've gotten Romeo Dallaire onside, and am working on Prince Harry.  The date is the 45th anniversary of the shooting down of CAF Buffalo 461 over Syria, and Peacekeepers Day in Canada.

Michael

4 hours ago, peter monahan said:

Or enjoyed his shore leave a lot!

 

He shore did!

I beg to differ, Peter. The 61st Pioneers became the 1st Madras Pioneers in 1922.  The Madras Pioneers were disbanded in 1933.

If they had gone into the Sappers and Miners, surely it would have been into the 2nd QVO S & M?

Sadly Archives now wants $25 for a service record, so I didn't send off for any more.  That's almost as much as I could sell the medal for.

I'll probably put most of my USN GCMs up for sale, as I can't afford to have too diverse a collection anymore.

I have a Videsh Seva and I,C,S,C, to a Barber in the Dogra Regt.

Michael

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

On 11/12/2017 at 09:52, peter monahan said:

Now I'll have to research why they were 'normal' colleges.  Most of the elementary students I had the 'pleasure' of teaching were, if not actaully abnormal certainly verging on 'odd and unsettling'.

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

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