Mervyn Mitton

No - go straight for the main Job. However, think of a Force that's big enough to require new people all the time. This is why the Met. has to be high for a career - just so many positions. Let us know what you decide - we 'oldies' all have an interest in the next generation.... Does anyone know if the Met. still has Cadets - that would be a good start for you.

Kevin - the account of the strike made very interesting reading and one quickly realises that even in the UK the difference between law and order and chaos - is a very thin blue line. This has always been so - I have advocated massed shotguns for years (!) Usually the old reports are dealing with London or, other major centres - this was different being for a County town. What would the population have been at that time ? When I was in the Met. we used to have to go to special training days - they taught what would happen in serious trouble. I always remember that it would take only 3 atom bombs to wipe out London and that the estimate between food shortages and rioting was 2 to 3 days. I witnessed this in Bournemouth (of all places) in the 70's. We had heavy snow for several days and supplies couldn't get through - by the third day crowds were trying to break into shops and were fighting amongst themselves. I was particularly interested in mention of Bradford buying redundant navy cutlasses. I have never heard of this for any Force and rather doubt if it is correct - although as we explored once before - the Bradford Watch Committee seemed to be a law unto itself ! Are any still in your local museums ? Mervyn

A fascinating story and I admire your tenacity in sorting it all out. However, well worth the effort and such a pity that his UK D.F.C. is missing.With the proof that you have, I would have thought it worth contacting the Ministry to at least have written confirmation of the award. Over the years I have seen many old trunks with full sets of uniforms and equipment stored away in them and forgotten - this set though is important. There can't be that many full flying suits outside of museums ? Thankyou for making the post and I for one, would like to see more close-ups of the medals and the flying suit. Mervyn

I have memories of it being a little later then 1968. Perhaps a little earlier then the estimate I gave of 1972/3 - however, I had two issues so it must have been at least three years that I wore the band. Does anyone have a clearer recollection ? How is progress going with your eventual application - I hope you are still keen on joining ?

No, I don't think it's a conversion. I agree with you that it is probably Spanish - although there is that 'feel' of it being English. We had a strong presence in Minorca - and of course, Gibralter at that time - the possibility is that it was made as a pair for an English Lady and this may have influenced the style.

Hello Sgt. Grant - welcome to GMIC - you must tell us your first name. Nice to have another member interested in Police history - please let us have a few details , are you a police officer etc.. Do you collect ? Mervyn

I did re-post to the Lounge - I think about two people added photos. With the Forum postings have to be at the right time to get interest - however, why not add these - may get some interest. I think they've nearly finished re-fighting the World Wars...........

Well then - it is an Honorary Award. Not being given for Service but, as an allocation ?

Being Royal Engineers Reserve I thought he may have had the Army Emergency Reserve Decoration. Under British Medals - I show one in a group - at present it is the 10th. one down.

Hi - Les. How is your health - I hope not too bad at present ? I realise that I have not made the corrections to this post that you pointed out - I think only Nick can make them and I don't like to ask him at present he is so busy. I have a number of other hats photographed ready to put on - however, I don't like 'smother' this section, so have been holding back. Will do some in the next week or so - any I'm not sure about I'll contact you first. Best. Mervyn

He is front row - middle

Wearing the Air Force Cross ribbon. NEW PHOTOS AND INFORMATION

Both very interesting and rare - the Vale one is most unusual. From what I can read it does say War period - however, the Crown is Queen Victoria. Does it pin-it to WW1 - perhaps it was given to returning men who had served in the Boer War ? Many Towns in 1902 presented what were called Tribute medals - these did include badges.

I would think a membership badge for one of the many Afrikaans Societies that sprang up after the Boer War. However, I've never seen this particular one before. Interesting that you could put two interpretations for the picture. 1. Saying 'Farewell' as the sun sinks - or, 2. The sun is rising and the message would be - 'we will return'.

Some interesting documents Kevin. They all add to our overall knowledge and particularly as to the respect the Police Forces showed to their Specials and Reserves.

Dan - some incredible pieces - just shows, tou never know what people have 'tucked' away. Do you think this was the only Torch - or, did they perhaps, have one for each section ? Must be quite a valuable item - I would advise getting a valuation for insurance.

I sincerely hope that the photo album of this old competitor has proved of some interest. Hopefully, it may also add some knowledge of the buildings and layout for the 1936 Olympic Games. Please feel free to add any photos you may have. ****COPYRIGHT FOR THE ABOVE POSTINGS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE AUTHOR AND MUST NOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.****