Mervyn Mitton

Close-up of the guard - this should follow the full sword at number 2. I acc. deleted it when changing the date of the pattern. All Jonathan's fault - but I should have proof read properly. Thankyou Jonathan.

What a lovely helmet - they should re-adopt it for street duty - it would be as distinctive as the British helmet. Gordon - your post is what was intended when this Forum was started. Uniforms and equipment from around the World would be so interesting - unfortunately, this area is being overlooked. Let's try to get at least two new posts a week ? Mervyn p.s. I see a number on the belt buckle. Was that the policeman's number - or, a unit number ?

Erickn - considering the conditions under which they had to work, it is a lovely little model. The soldier got the shape of the wings just right - and then added the Cross to complete-it. I wonder if anyone has more to show ? Mervyn

On the spine of the sword

Proof mark

Very nice etching on the blade

One of the strengths of a forum such as GMIC is the future stability of the posted material. We all know what a British Infantry Officer's sword looks like - this 1897 pattern has been the standard for 113 years ! However, Monarch's change - different Wars it would be used-in etc.. This is 2nd World War and has the cypher of King George the V1th. This is not as common as you might think - many officer's had the George Vth. from the 1st World War and who had reigned until 1935. George 6th. came to the throne in Dec. 1936 and died in 1952. Unusually, there is no maker's mark and along the spine is the etching 'Made in England'. I feel that perhaps some were made quickly for the new officers'. Fortunately, the frog and knot are still present - it is actually a nice sword.

This picture shows that there was respect between the two sides. English and Boers removing the dead after a skirmish.

Another early edition of the magazine. This front cover shows the Boer President Kruger and the British Prime Minister - Chamberlain. Note the strong propaganda element - at the top, Boers are shown peacefully farming and playing. Underneath the British are shown as having been killed for attacking the Boers. C'est le Guerre !

Hamba Gahle ! (For non-Sth.Africans - Zulu for Travel Safely)

Odulf - with the knowledge you have shown - I think you are the ideal volunteer ...................?

Hi - Will - I agree unusual to have the unit as an added section. I wonder if they were produced for the unit - or, if he did this himself ? How was Afghanistan _ I hope you found it worthwhile ? Mervyn

Hi - Tony, I was hoping that a member might have been able to help with details of this man ? I will tell you what I know of the Inland Water Transport. They were set-up in the 1st WW to take advantage of the excellent French network of canals and rivers. Men were brought in from many different places - the main requirement being that they had experience with boats on inland waterways. The idea was very succesful and helped to move supplies and ammunition - in bulk - around the fighting areas. I had the medals at one time to a major in this unit. When General Allenby moved our Middle East Army into Palestine and Mesopotamia , this major was promoted Lt. Col. and set-up a similar operation on the waterways of the Middle-East. He married an Australian nurse and I had pictures of their wedding in Cairo - with a line of the boatmen all holding oars ! Between them they held 6 MID's. The medal groups have long gone - and unfortunately, I cannot remember his name. Anyway - that's a 'potted' history of the unit. Contact the Imperial War Museum - they should be able to help. Mervyn

Fallschirmjaeger - I'm sorry to see that no-one has answered your post. Didn't I see this a little time ago - I remember posting a later SC Horse badge ? Usually, the slouch hat badges are larger - but this is your collecting field. Have you added anything else recently ? Mervyn

Hi - Peter - I fully agree with you - it is a lovely design. I think if he was going to add it to his group of ten it would have looked wrong with the Cypher. Would you really be interested ? Mervyn p.s. Are you planning to enter the 2011 Photo Comp. in mid-September. If not - I am desperate for senior members to act on two panels - each of 3 members - for judging entries ?

Chris - this is a very interesting Topic - would it be possible to open it to run on the British section and be visible to both sets of Members ? Reverse of Royal Engineer's lighter

A side view

A similar lighter - but British and using buttons from the Royal Engineers.

The identical reverse - showing another greatcoat button.

You can easily see the large nut and the button. This was for South African Forces who served in North Africa. The Springbok was our emblem and the wording is in Afrikaans and English.

Chris - I hope you won't mind me posting two items of British Trench Art - afterall, it was the same War and both sides made some really attractive items. Trench art as we know it, really started in the Boer War (1899-1902) when the troops were static for long periods. I think it was the boredom of the trenches that got men to make things. These two small items were made quite separately and in different places - but, both make use of exactly the same materials. Shows how effective 'word of mouth' can be. They are petrol lighters and make use of a large nut - weld overcoat buttons on both sides and you have the body. Add a wick - with a little brass cover against rain - and a wheel and flint - and you're in business. I have always suspected that the Base Workshops were used to make them - and they were probably sold onto the troops.

Thankyou Ed. Doesn't matter which Country you live-in - or, which Police Force - Civilian or, Military - the duties are the same. I think the young Policewoman was photographed after the sniping of the WPC at the Libyan Embassy - and the WPC's funeral was the victim. The short version for a Policeman's Prayer - particularly in violent crowds - is 'Please let it rain heavily'!

So, Jeff - that leaves the Father out of the picture. The question we will never be able to answer ? Perhaps he bought it thinking he was due an extra award - but the Edward 7th Cypher would always have made it impossible to wear . The only other explanation I can think of, is that he collected medals? I will leave the name label on the reverse - someone in the future may find the answer. Meanwhile my sincere thanks for taking the trouble to look all of this up. Mervyn

Very useful information, Mike. You never know when the need will arise to check out details. I have the book - will have a look tomorrow. Why not post the tribute ? Mervyn

That's the British - Justin - loose and cheerful ! Actually these British tallies are probably of different styles because of the War and the need to find somewhere to have them made. After all - who would bother to forge a Sea Cadets Tally ? However, you will find that older ones - and indeed later ones, conform more strictly to a laid down pattern. If you are interested in the Ost Afrika one drop me an IM. Mervyn