Mervyn Mitton

Apologies - double post. Nick says Moderators have the power to remove these - may I ask that someone take-it off?

Hi - Darrell. Sorry I missed this post or, I would have replied sooner. One of my comments on Nick's Suggestion post (Lounge) was that it would be good to find a way to stop posts disappearing so quickly - probably not possible - I will just have to try and read faster ! I fully agree with Brian's comments. Your research is always very well done and it makes an interesting historical record. There are not that many occasions when so many seamen are killed or, wounded. However, it was a last ditch attempt to save the Legations at Peking. I thought the heading to the injuries record sheet was a classic for the period - ' Wounds and Hurts '. I would like to comment - not with the intention to cause offence to anyone. When we read a well researched and written post - one that has taken a lot of work and time - why can't we take the time to say that we have enjoyed it ? I know some members think these are 'wasted entries' - I think of them as as a 'thankyou' !

Are they the badges of rank for a Lieutenant ?

I never expected this post to attract immediate attention. Rather, I thought ex Rhodesians would add when they thought it helpful. Unfortunately, it has gone down the pages and has become overlooked. However, I have just purchased an exceptionally rare item from the 1965 - 1980 U.D.I. period.This is worth adding and may attract some more threads. This can be classified as one of the more important Civilian items (I stress this as against Military medals etc..). Made on the day UDI was declared only 6 of these large plates - or, chargers - were made. The photo above it, shows Ian Smith signing the plate. The original owner bought two of the six and has decided to sell this spare one. Beautifully framed, I am showing a picture of it in the shop to give a scale.

Hi - Windu. I see the volcano hasn't got you yet - how did you get on with the exams ? The set of flintlock pistols you show - from just a superficial look of the detail, I feel that these are possibly repros. Post some close-ups of the lock mechanism. The three muskets and blunderbus' may well be OK - just from local workmanship. What we call Colonial manufacture (beaten out in sheds...) The long barreled one is probably for hunting - again additional photo will assist. Mervyn

All of them - absolutely amazing ! OK - one or two are cliches in their design, but the majority are very well done. I can understand the attraction in collecting them - however, I have to say - why am I not surprised that the USAF have one as a bottle opener........

I've never quite understood why a small sub-machinegun such as the Israeli UZI requires a bayonet ? I would have thought the purpose of a quick firing gun was to keep enemies at a distance - in fact, I suspect that it was probably more used as a sheath knife then as a fixed bayonet. Never-the-less, this bayonet fixes in a normal manner to the muzzle - and altogether there are three patterns of the bayonet. I think that this one -with the steel grips - is the first ? Perhaps someone can confirm this ? Also, does anyone know if other sub-machineguns are fitted with bayonets ? There are no markings - the length overall is 30.5 cm (12 1/2 "). The blade is 16.8 cm (6 3/4"). Some blueing still on blade.

Hi - Larry. Your answer to this question may be helpful in understanding the use of these insignia. The second one you show is obviously a commemorative - however the first one has a recognition number stamped by the Battery Sergeant Major - so, a record of numbers would have been kept. The question I have is - was there any intention for it to be used as 'pass' within the Regiment ?

I'm with you on the possibility of it having been flattened out - however, don't you think it looks very even at the crease. Also, around the engraving a box has been included ?

Last one - I knew there was a reason we never volunteered for anything. Joe, don't forget to add your index - although most of them have names.