Mervyn Mitton

The 6th SA Armoured Division were under US command and performed exceedingly well. They came up with the SS in Northern Italy and were accompanied by SA Infantry - including the Kimberley Regt. Some years ago we had the only US Cross of Honour to be awarded to a South African. This is the next highest to the Congressional MofH - which cannot be given to non US citizens. I have not read the above post , however, the SS had been told to form defensive line positions to allow their main forces to escape. I have forgotten the name of the young officer - however, I am sure it will be available. He was leading a platoon of his men and they came across machine gun positions. He held his men back and advanced alone - it is recorded on his Award Certificate that he took out 6 mg positions. He returned to his men and led them forward - he captured a further mg position and his platoon of some 20 men took over 80 SS troops. A very gallant affair. The US initially awarded a Silver Cross , however, when the medal was awarded in South Africa some three years later, it had been up-graded to the Cross of Honour. The British awarded him a Mentioned in Despatches - this was because he was under US command. Still a miserable award - this was undoubtedly a VC action. Mervyn

There are two types of collector. Those who collect for the medal , it's history and it's original owner. There is also the collector who sets out to have one of every type for a given country. I imagine that there is where the un-issued MoH disappear to. Register your name and wants with a few of the top British Dealers and Auction Houses - eventually one will appear. Try , Morton and Eden ; Spinks; Christies , Liverpool Medals , for starters. Mervyn

This memorial stone marks the spot where the armoured train was derailed

Antonio - a good official portrait. I suppose beards are in fashion - and I see his badges of rank are the five stars in a circle. I always thought that was the US insignia , but I expect it has been taken-up by other Countries. I will pin this for you as he is the Head of State. Mervyn

Frank - I nearly didn't post this - but, it seemed so funny. However, as you say, the Regulars won't be happy. Mervyn

The lack of dating shows that it is Indian manufacture. Silver can vary but, for this I am sure it will be sterling (.925). The negraved details give you a date and this was probably made a few years earlier. Mervyn

Never think this is a common item - they are very sought after. The biggest number is in the Museum near to the Castle and at one time I had about 9 or 10 - now long gone. Pity it doesn't give his job - most of the EHC holders were shopkeepers and businessmen - they were formed to bring order back to the streets. Later tipstaffs can be for Councillors, Market Officers, Dock Masters etc.. This is a much earlier example then you usually see - it has the Hanoverian Bonnet above the small coat of arms - this dates it from 1801 to 1816 - making it King George 3rd. In 1816 Hanover became a Kingdom and the Crown changed. Dating from George 1st (from 1714) the Monarch in Britain was always the Elector of Hanover - an Independent German Principality. Well done a lovely addition to your collection. Mervyn

Thankyou for that information. We must have had at least one Squadron of Martins as I remember now reading about one lost with crew during the Sicily landings. Mervyn

Both Jackie61 and Russell Beal - you are both very welcome to GMIC and this great post on these events - started by Leigh Kitchen - has given closure to a number of relatives. Certainly for any new reader this is a period of great turbulence and the bravery of the British troops involved shows clearly through the personal descriptions of men involved in the fighting. Should any other readers have comments - or, even better some more personal memories - then we would welcome them. Mervyn

Chris - no badge is shown . I think the plane is an American Liberator - we had two Squadrons in about 1943/44. The word Bliksem on the motto - as you will know since you speak Afrikaans - is part of an expression - "Bliksem se Donner" - I may have spelt that wrong. It's simple meaning is Thunder and Lightning - but it can be quite insulting. The total of 113 bombing raids is quite amazing - one Squadron was used to support bombing raids into Eastern Europe and with this total, the plane could well have been included. We had a number shotdown. Mervyn

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Yes, that is the Glasgow style of tipstaff. The coat-of-arms at the base was intended to be used as a Seal to authenticate documents. Your new tipstaff will have the EHC at one end and probably VR at the other. Again , intended to be used as a seal. You may find the name and position of the owner in a band around either end. The wood - which is a standard for Edinburgh High Constables is ebonised . Should the Glasgow tipstaff go for that price it will be bargain. The case is missing, but they are still rarer then EHC. Mervyn

I illustrate a Glasgow tipstaff in my book - currently the website you show is out of action. I hope you will show pictures of the Edinburgh High Constable's staff. They are usually about 8/10 inches long (20/22cms) Around the centre is often a silver band showing the position the bearer held. Mervyn

'C' Division is very central and he probably asked to transfer when he married. 'J' Division was not built-up to the extent it is today and probably accomodation was easier - also, it may have been where his wife came from. Police in those days lived clos to their Stations - transport was difficult and wages low - so, fares would be a problem. With regard to his two different numbers - these would indicate a promotion of some sort. There were in those days appointments below the rank of Sergeant. Most Divs. reserve the first 50 of their numbering system for Sgts.. Numbers once allocated were usually for life on that Div. unless promoted. Constables and Sergeants were expected to live close to their Station - senior officers felt their presence in the tenements of the time, helped to keep control. With regard to being moved around - usually it is because a transfer is asked for - usually on marriage. The alternative is that he was not liked and was transferred to get rid of him. I hope not, but it is a possibility. The men were in an unforgiving system and many officers were quite dictatorial. Hope this helps a little - other opinions will be welcomed. Mervyn

I think with-in the Blue Line will represent Inner Divisions and the Red line the Metropolitan Police District. I suppose when it was 'J' Division Bethnal Green was the largest central area. When the Divs. were split then for the new 'H' Div. Bethnal Green was probably still the largest settled area. Looking at your numbers for each Div. - they are all about the same. These are always based on the numbers of residents and Bethnal Green was heavily over-populated. I hope this helps a little ? Mervyn

Kev - the Japanese only copied the hats and uniforms that the West wore. They were a closed society until the 1860's when the US Expedition threatened to shell them if they didn't open-up to trade. Until the beginning of the 19th C most officer's wore a tricorne hat - that is one with three corners. This gradually became a two sided one known as a Bi-corne and was worn sideways. Later,it was worn fore and aft (with the pointy bits to front and back.) Lieutenants in the RN wore bi-cornes - but no feathers. Military officers in Britain, tended to have the feathers rise-up as an upright cockade. I have seen Mayors wear these ellaborate feather tops - but, I think it more likely that this is Foreign. Perhaps the entire uniform is ? Best wishes Mervyn

You little hoarder..................

Sounds like a horse race of some kind. Simla was the retreat in summer for the Viceroy and his family and Staff. This also included the different arms of Govt. - so Simla was a considerable town in the foothills - where it was cooler. The cup will probably be made of sterling silver (925 parts to 1000) - find the marks and we can then check to see if it was made in 1893. Well engraved - but still a commercial prize and in those days 'Trade' was looked down-on. Mervyn

I have my doubts. I suppose it's possible that the greatcoat could be for a purser or, similar rank I think they did use a twist shoulder. However, the cut-away looks rather made-up and I don't think the 'L' shaped braid on the sleeve was a pattern. Also, I'm not aware that any Naval officer wore the fore and aft cocked hat of this size - particularly not with the feathers. Mervyn

Anything to do with the Belfast Harbour Police is fairly rare - although I doubt they have a huge value. Mervyn

Stan - each Monarch chooses the Crown that will be worn during their Reign. King George 6th chose the Imperial State Crown and your insignia is of this shape - curved lines to the Crown. Apart from shoulder epaulettes it could be worn on a breast epaulette that was on the button of the shirt pocket. A Major is of Field Rank - and under the old system of 2/300 years ago - was entitled to Command troops in the Field. This is carried forward by Majors and above , receiving a salute with arms. (weapons) Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_12_2014/post-6209-0-13954400-1418304517.jpgclick A few weeks back we had a very sad event. Local SAP (South African Police) were chasing a group of robberery suspects and a Police Dog was released in rough bush to try and flush them out. He never returned. There was a really big search for him - and eventually they found his body - stabbed numerous times. I cannot describe the out pourings of sympathy that this has occasioned - Churches , schools, Rotary, just so many clubs and groups of all description have been raising money for the Dog Unit and for a replacement puppy for the Handler. The last I heard enough had been raised to purchase a number of new dogs for the unit. This picture shows one of the local security guard companies - Blue Security - who I use, presenting a cheque for nearly 34000 Rands (approx. 2000pounds - $3200) to a representitive of the SAP Dog Unit. I think his Rottweiler is one of the biggest I have ever seen. Craig will know better then I do - however, I think at one time the Met. used them, but found them dangerous. I think we only use German Shepherds now. This is not the first time a Police Dog has been injured or killed in Sth. Africa - our criminals are heavily armed and always carry knives. I did offer them Tia - my min. Dachsie - they thought she could be a mascot - big mistake she'd take on anything. Mervyn

This is probably before the Boundaries were changed - so perhaps he wasn't in the present 'H' Div. area ? BJ OF W - HAS POSED SEVERAL DIFFERENT QUESTIONS ON OLD DIVISIONAL BOUNDARIES. I CAN REMEMBER SEEING A MAP SHOWING THEM FOR THIS PERIOD. PLEASE - CAN ANYONE ASSIST WITH A MAP OR SKETCH ?

Dave - I was always under the impression that they had abolished the Riot Act. When you took part in the Liverpool Riot , did the Police have to accept claims for damage caused during the Riot ? Perhaps it was that bit that was changed ? Also, did they still Read the Act in order to declare it a Riot ? Interesting details ? Best wishes Mervyn

A lovely example - King George 3rd - 1760-1820. He was the Constable of .............. I can read what is there - but what letters are not showing ? His number was '10' - so must have been a Town. Thanks for showing this. Mervyn