Mervyn Mitton

Yes it did, Brian. With the new system you have to click the picture to enlarge. I now type this on from the picture code on the original and then it shows up when transferred to GMIC. Interesting medals. Mervyn

Shawn - welcome to GMIC. I think your question is going to need one of our members who specialises in uniforms - hopefully, they will have a colour photo to help you. Please let me know how you get-on. Mervyn

Hi Tracey - both of you are very welcome on GMIC. We have a lot of NZ members. The information you provide will help to settle any mystery on this officer - do you know Hubert Grove who posted the original query. I see that he gives London as place of residence - hopefully he will see your post and you will be able compare notes ? Best wishes Mervyn

Bison - a most unusual happening. Not at all uncommon to have a double medal issue - particularly when they served in different units and both put the name forward. However, to have a double issue for an important Gallantry Award must be unusual. Perhaps the fact that it is to a non British person has allowed this to happen. I like the DCM - an attractive medal and not common - unlike the MM which had well over 140,000 issued. The othe companion medal inaugurated at the same time was the DFM - but, this had a very small number. Just shows how important it is to do research . Mervyn

Ondrej - very nice to hear from you - and a most interesting story. It is not difficult to buy un-named WW2 British medals - however, the Aircrew Europe will be the problem - it really is heavily copied. Let's see what other members suggest - and also if they can recommend a genuine dealer who will have original medals. Mervyn

The authenicating letter. click to enlarge

The seven daily marked blades click to enlarge

The full set - including razor, strop, blade holder for sharpening and the 7 blades. click picture to enlarge

This Forum on non-militaria items has never drawn the attention that we hoped for - never mind. When someone has a question we are here to help - and if you look at the spread of articles, you will see that we have covered some interesting items. We uncovered this Wilkinson razor in the back of a cupboard - goodness knows how many years it had been hiding there ? It is very unusual in that it has a built-in strop for sharpening and also a separate blade marked for each day. Sometime in the past an enquiry was made by a former owner to Wilkinson and they give it an early date. Please feel free to add to this post - or, better yet - put on something that might be of interest. Inside of box Click to enlarge

I have always thought this to be an interesting medal - and have often wondered what made Napoleon 3rd. decide to reward Napoleon the First's old soldiers. I understand that when it was decided-on - in, I think, 1853 ? - they were of the opinion that only a few thousand veterans would make a claim. They must have had a shock when over 240,000 applied. I have one in stock at present - however, the best one was to a Mauritian who was Napoleon's personal valet on St. Helena. When he died the two family members who could make a claim ended up having a duel and one was killed. I regret I can't remember the names.

Chris - I have a LG in wreath if you decide you need-it. Mervyn

Hi Borg - welcome to GMIC. That's a pretty good diguise you've adopted - will have to see if Forensics can remove it ? He would have been eligible for the 1914 Star - there is a picture of a group presently on Brit.Medals. I am sure some of our uniform collectors will be able to help you with the details you need. Mervyn

Thankyou for making that clear Odulf. From the way it was described and shown on the Google site, I thought it was on the cap. Nice photo though ? Mervyn

Johny is now retired and this is his personal dog - a German Shepherd crossed with a wolf. He says it is much bigger - but, has a deeper chest and is very powerful - just frightened of cameras.

Constable Aissing and his new dog receiving a dog bravery award. The Colonel is standing right back as the dog had just tried to bite him..............

The ashes being interred. Johny on right.

A beautiful dog

Sometime last year I was talking to Craig on a post about dog handlers in South Africa. He is a senior dog handler in the Metropolitan Police. The point was that I have a friend who was in the 2nd. intake of Dogs , back in the 1970's - he was based in Durban. His wife acted as President of our Militaria Society when I was in hospital. I have had copies of his dog and service uniform for some time - However, now retired he still has a German Shepherd - only it has been crossed with a wolf. Unfortunately, it is terrified of a camera - perhaps something from it's puppy days - and hides. Anyway, I have a picture - so a glimpse into the past. This is Constable Johny Aissing - wearing the SAP uniform of the 1970's. Note the revolver. I can't remember the name of his dog - it was subsequently KIA and received a medal. They are sitting in the back of one of the old vans - I think a Toyota - they were painted yellow, with blue lettering. CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURES

Paul - I see no reason why you can't show a picture of the Insignia. Crown Copyright really means that the little b......... in Pakistan are not to make copies. Providing we give full credit I can't see that they would make a fuss. Mervyn

Dale - I would think they are the same glasses. We sold them some time ago to a collector and as you will appreciate often things are put on auctions to see if they bring a better price. I don't recall who bought them - possibly a visitor to Sth. Africa who took them home with him. Where did you get them from ? Mervyn

Cap Badge for HOOD BATTALION. Worn on the khaki Naval cap.

Again - thankyou for comments - and Odulf - you really are very helpful with giving info. - I promise you that all of our members are very grateful. I found two pictures on Google that I will add to the thread. Acknowledgements to a good article by Douglas Jerrold, that had these pictures. This shows a young man of the Naval Division. Probably from later in the War - he is wearing khaki uniform and his Naval cap is also khaki. He is carrying a .303Lee Enfield - which the men prior to Nov. 1914 didn't have the good fortune to be issued with. CLICK TO ENLARGE

Brett - thankyou for adding such a good group - and the "Queen Mary" ! Do you think that a four stripe Engineer Captain would only be on board a large liner ? I like your new Avatar - you Honour Natal Carbineers. Mervyn Odulf - thankyou for that valuable info. on dates and posting. Always a pleasure to hear from you. Mervyn

The Helmet Plate - with Crown for Queen Victoria

Side view