Mervyn Mitton

An interesting post, Darrell. The paperwork always adds so much. I hope you won't mind if I add a few notes of local colour. Firstly, the British do not allow Countries that have been defeated to have comm. medals. Hence The Boer Republics and also Germany after the 1st WW did not have GSM's for their troops. With Sth. Africa you have to remember that over 50% of the Boers were on the British side - and very many fought against their Countrymen. With the advent of the 1st WW many Afrikaaner (as they had become known) people joined the British Forces and fought bravely. When medals were awarded when peace was declared, many Afrikaaners felt at a disadvantage to their British comrades and Gen. Smuts pushed legislation for the two medals - The Boere Oorlog and the Trouer Dienst. As Darrell has explained only relatively small numbers were issued - either because of death or, a lack of interest. With small numbers they are both valuable and in short supply.

Hello Stephen - welcome to you and your Father on GMIC. You have a splendid collection and I am sure will find many other interested collectors. I am curious about photo 9 - the RCMP naval and petty officers badges - what is their significance ? I have just been approached on email by a German couple who have an extensive collectkion of RCMP items. They are particularly looking to purchase a pair of riding breeches. Please let me know if you have any spare ones and I will put them in touch with you.

These two daggers are either from Sudan or, Eritrea. I have often seen them being worn by herdboys when guarding the animals. I'm sure Will has seen plenty on his travels in that Country. Usually they are worn on the left arm and are not used as we might expect. The hand is put through the loop and it is pulled to the outside of the upper arm. The handle is worn pointing downwards towards the wrist. Should they need to pull it quickly, the right hand just reaches across to the grip and pulls downwards. Quite deadly. Both of these are of a good quality - with better metal then usually seen. The hide will be camel and it is nicely tooled for the decoration. Top and bottom on both, is python skin - which has many secret meanings to African tribes. One has a plain wooden handle, with simple blade decoration - the other, is bone, ivory or, more likely Hippo tusk. Inlaid and with a good decoration on the blade.

Odin - thankyou for taking the trouble - much appreciated. I looked-up to see if the Cor. roll was on-line, but couldn't find it. Makes the group more interesting to know his Force.

Sorry Timo - I'd forgotten you had said they were miniatures....

Timo - why do you think they are Police - what is the naming ?

Thanks, Paul. I'll have a look and report back. Mervyn

Chris - just a short note to your explanation. Pip, Squeak and Wilfred were the characters in a famous newspaper cartoon that was running at the start of WW1.

Simon - I hope you don't mind, your post has given me thought for a short post on the Lounge. Takes me back to my boyhood....

I rarely buy at auction - however, I liked his LS. I had hoped it was the bronze Royal Humane Society - it wasn't fully described - they are worth about £180 ($280). As Paul says, this is a qualification award - however, it is named and dated. Perhaps one of our Police medal collectors can help with his Force - I have no idea how to find it ?

I have just posted these under British Medals - however, it occured to me that many members don't always look at other sub-forums, so am including them here as well. Awarded to Inspector Herbert H. DEAN , his LS&GC is King's Crown. I don't know his Force and am wondering if someone can help ? The Defence Medal marks his War service and he was also, given the 1953 Coronation Medal. I thought it interesting that his Life Saving Medal from 1937 is still present in the original box.

This small group is named to Inspector Herbert H. DEAN - I don't know his Force. However, I will also post them under Police as many of our members don't always check other Forums. The medals are mounted as worn - with his War service marked by the Defence Medal. He was given the 1953 Coronation Medal and the last one is his 22 year LS&GC. I thought it interesting that his Life Saving Medal -in it's original box - is still present.

O.K -Simon. Now, we either have to take your word for it - or, you stage a demo. of it's effectiveness ! Do you have one of those camera 'thingies' on your computer ?

Two beautiful dogs, Ed. I wonder if you have any info. on dog units in the US military and police. One of those branches of service which we tend to take for granted - but, wouldn't want to be without.

'MOYANA' was of 52 feet in length (1560 cm) and the letters after the length are Lloyds Registry. She would have been one of those magnificent racing yacts from that period - and would have been owned by someone of importance.