Mervyn Mitton

The extra definitions help give clarity - although Smuts Commission were pretty exact on the requirements.Mervyn

Having worn the slouch hat in Australia during National Service and later, I must say that there is a way the Aussies have of setting the shape of the hat. The 'bash' in the top is something few other wearers accomplish. My point being - you are probably right that they are Ulster - but, just might be Aust.. Anyway, I hope you are right as it clears up a mystery for you. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2014/post-6209-0-96579200-1407937070.jpgclick 739 Pte.N.J.Webber. Grahamstown Town Guard The capital of the Eastern Cape - which included Port Elizabeth and East London. They had no major engagements , although a number of local engagements. He has a high number but about 200 at any time. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2014/post-6209-0-64517600-1407937521.jpgclick The Boere Oorlog medal was issued from the 1920's onwards. A double sided medal, this shows the Sth. African Republic Arms - with the ribbon having yellow to the right. About 12,000 were issued. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_08_2014/post-6209-0-71214300-1407937610.jpgclick This shows the side with the Orange Free State Arms the ribbon has the green side to the chest. This medal was awarded to Marthinus SWANEPOEL of ERMELO COMMANDO. This unit - under Commandant Grobler , had a total of 963 members throughout the War. They had an exceptional number of Battles and locations - several of which would have earned them Bars in the British Forces. Colenso ; Ladysmith ; Vaalkrans ; Brandfort ; Graskop ; Ermelo ; Belfast ; Blauwkop ; Diamond Hill.. The reason I have included these two medals together is to show their differences. We often see them on this Forum but, rarely together. They are both 1oz. of silver + the clasp. The big difference in their issue dates was quite simply because the Boers lost the War and we do not issue medals under those circumstances. However, during WW1 many Afrikaaners - as they became known - joined the British Forces. This was to be expected - during the Boer War, far more Boers fought on the British side then on the Boer. When WW1 finished many Afrikaaners complained that they felt disadvantaged by the British having the Boer War Medal. Field Marshall Smuts was Prime Minister and agreed that they should be eligible for a medal covering the Boer War. He created the Boere Oorlog for Loyal Service and the Dekoratie Voor Trouwe Dienst for minor Gallantry. Only 591 of these were granted. To qualify they had to provide proof they had fought the British without surrendering or, taking Parole or, The Oath of Allegience before May 31st 1902. People often collect medals without realising the full history behind them. I hope this helps.

Well, it certainly won't be this example - lighting is not even. Members - please check your collections to see if you have a good example ?

Brian - two nice examples. The German one must have been for trench use. The British Wootton was the lamp that gradually took over from the old oil lamps. This didn't happen in one go - Chief Constable's had to manage their own budgets - and were reluctant to spend money on something new. Mervyn

Thanks Odulf - I hadn't even heard of the bombing until I saw the Commander's logbooks. Mervyn

An interesting story, Zeb. I am surprised that with the strict moral feelings of the time that he 'got away' with having a mistress and a wife. Anyway, he did the honourable thing with his son. We had a number of campaigns to take Burma and it was a troublesome province. So, he was exDulwich College. One of the better Public Schools in the UK.

OK Zeb - you forgot to post the link............ that's usually my trick.

Tom - thankyou for your comments. I see from your profile that you have a number of research projects and are a Regular member of the Navy. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help - and post some of your work. Best wishes Mervyn

I would say the larger photo shows 4 Australian troopers - the slouch hat is set in quite a distinctive way. The others look to be British and one badge looks like Artillery. The smaller picture - he was probably given the hat by an Australian. I don't think you could identify these as being in Palestine - no identifying features. Perhaps a member will be able to help.

Hi Michael - can't understand how members have missed your post - lovely uniform. I suppose it could be a ceremonial uniform from before WW2 - or after. I am no expert on these uniforms and traditions of dress were very strong. The Feather Bonnet is a lovely example - and must be quite valuable in it's own right. They are made using ostrich feathers and different Regiments had different numbers of 'tails'. This one has three and I think it was the only Regt. to have that number. Others had one , or two. Having mentioned an early date, a closer look at the tunic doesn't show any of the loops to attach medals - so it may be later. Where did you acquire this lovely uniform - I suspect it must command a good price to a collector ? Mervyn

The more info. that you give us - the greater the response from members. Mervyn

That's interesting bushchook (chook is Aussie for a chicken.....) - I wonder if that means he sold them to raise money, with the proviso they be shown in the Aust. War Museum ? Mind you - he may have just donated them with that intention. Mervyn

Zeb - I don't think we have welcomed you to GMIC - I hope you will enjoy posting on our Forums. He had to have been Burma Police - he would have been 20 when he joined the expedition that conquered Mandalay in 1885. This was annexed into the British Empire in 1886. A high ranking officer and I see he was rewarded with the King's Police medal in 1917 - he would have been 52 - so, a young death at 55 in 1920. I am sure you can tell us more about him - do you have a picture ? Please use your name now when you post. Mervyn

Azyeoman - some splendid groups and the information is excellent. Always frustrating when you find the KSA missing - unfortunately it happens a lot - 'Aunt Bessie' had to have her 'keepsake'. Keep-up the good work. Mervyn

Shanakee - unfortunately, you have picked the blog section , rather then the Firearms section. This will not get you a lot of views. I suggest you re-post lower down the pages on the section designated for Firearms, Edged weapons and Armour. Please let me know if you have any problems ? Mervyn

Jerry - thhat was who I was thinking of when I saw the cartoon. Not very often we get asked about cartoons.......... UK in US - welcome to GMIC and use a first name if you are posting regularly - unless it is Batman ? Mervyn

Lars - I never suggested that - I am sure it is a contempory set. Maybe no. 3 was a local award ? I couldn't tell you why I thought no. 4 had been made locally - just a feeling. I expect they had a lot to issue and may have commissioned locally. Mervyn

Brian excellent subject matter - well reasoned out. However, I have to say that I am entirely on the side of the squirrels ! Throughout history empires have collided - well meaning people have tried to keep peace - but rarely with any success. WW1 and WW2 are already distant history to most people - particularly the younger generation. Who remembers Korea - or, Vietnam ? Perhaps families of victims but, few could remember individual battles. We are now well on our way to the next rounds of unnecesary warfare - the unpleasant Russians under Putin - trying to regain the lost Empire. The Middle East - the vast majority of Arabs not even knowing who their enemy is - but driven by leaders who have neither sense or dignity - just a strong belief that their religion is stronger then any other. The North Koreans with atomic bombs.......... It just goes on and on - just like the period that led to WW1. The Khyber Pass could be bombed permanently closed by the US - but, they fear public opinion more then military reality. I can only say that I fear for the safety of the World we know - and grew up in. I don't think it will have the same boundaries and links in 5 years time. Perhaps the squirrels are the best off - but even they are nasty little critters. They eat young birds in their nests - I shot 50 in 2 months in my garden in the Uk to protect them. Perhaps a desert island would be best......

Lars - I don't recognise No 3 as being British - in fact the fold over ribbon is very un-British. You are correct that No. 4 is the Brit. War Medal - but somehow it doesn't look quite right. I am not suggesting that it is a forgery - just wondering if it was locally struck by our Embassy ? Mervyn

No, Inspector's carried a shorter version - about 10 - 11 inches long (23cm). Had the usual strap and was varnished. I think the original WPC truncheon - although shorter , had a different shape to the shaft. The fiirst WPC's did not carry any weapons.

MetPolice - we prefer to use first names when we post regularly. The truncheon is quite short at 13.5 inches - perhaps a Railway or, Prison version. There is nothing in the shape to say Victorian - I would suspect that it could well be WW1. You mention a dog biting it - are they the ones on the first picture or, are they markings of some sort. I couldn't make them out. You could have a new strap fitted by one of those small shops that do shoe repairs. Value wise - unmarked ones seem to sell for about 30 pounds ($48). One thing to remember - a truncheon is an offensive weapon per se. That means that you can have no excuse for carrying one - under the Offences Against the Person , the old Act - it is a banned weapon. Mervyn

Ocad - the new carrier will be equipped with a new updated Harrier that the Uk and the US are developing jointly. Mervyn

Steve - superb work - worthy of a place in any specialist museum. Mervyn

I think the various items will be kept together - they form a small social history for the Met. of 47 years ago. Surprisingly, a lot of this equipment and the paperwork, will not have survived. New techniques and computers have taken over. Who would have thought today, that I did a two week course on how to operate a telegraph link with Scotland Yard. Like something ' out of the ark !'.