Mervyn Mitton

I think this is a most dramatic picture from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. An original from the Illustrated London News of that year, we have the B&W lithographs water coloured by a top artist in the UK. The scene is of the barge from H.M.S. TENEDOS, the guard ship anchored off the mouth of the Tugela River. The barge was made from teak carried on board - amazingly she still survives 130 years later and is hidden in a marsh. We have tried for years to have her rescued and taken to a museum - the money is just not available. The barge carried a half company of troops and was attached to ropes which pulled it across this big river. The main Fort Pearson was on the Durban side and across the river was a temporary camp - Camp Tenedos. From left - an Artillery or, A.S.C.officer ; only signalman - of 5 on board - who came ashore from Tenedos - and therefore, had the 1879 bar on his 1877-79 medal. We had his medal, but I forget his name now. Then there are Zulu Guides and two Naval officers.

An original Illustrated London News print from 1879 . A good naval subject - The Naval Brigade , drawn up prior to the battle of Ginginhlovu - which we won. The troops always knew it as 'Gin gin I love you ' ! For the naval enthusiast the details of the uniform are clear and the straw hats interesting. I think the expressions on the oxen are superb - it could almost be a photograph - not a 130 year old hand drawn print.

I think you are quite right about the aigulettes - however, on the field this wouldn't always be visible - the red band would.

Jonathan - to me it looks like 'L'. I think everyone is foxed - no rush to offer opinions ! Let us know if you're succesful?

I think I spelt Namibia wrong in the first post. South African senior officers have a Protea flower on their peaks - SWA used to use a diamond. Remember - this is the diamond coast, where you can pick them up on the beaches. Except they shoot anyone on the protected beaches !!!

This cap is for a full colonel of the old South West Africa Police - when it was under Sth. African administration. Now, of course, it is known as Namibibia. Note the S.A.arms on the badge. Before Will goes 'walk about' again, I am hoping that he might have some other uniform and equipment from them ?

When I look at these historical objects, I think it is necessary to try and think back to the period when they were being worn. Who was he ? Where were his family when he was fighting ? Did he get issued with this belt or, have to puchase ? Did he really want to fight - or, was it peer pressure and accursed politicians ? So many questions - so few answers - but thanks to collectors like Will, at least something has remained and been accorded proper respect and research. (me being philisophical!) Best Mervyn

This was obviously the owner's idea to have these fittings inserted into the pouch. Makes it a useful wallet and notebook. To see a puch and crossbelt being worn see under World Police sub-forum Indian Uniform.

This is the badge for the front strap of the cross belt.

All meatal is heavily gilded - and on this quality the under metal will be silver.

We have been seeing some really good - and rare items recently. However, I haven't seen any cross belts and pouches. This is a Victorian example - possibly Boer War, but, could easily be much older. This is for a Surgeon - Doctors did not have the additional badge on the front of the belt. There are always exceptions and I would value input on this ? Cross belts originally were used to hang swords from - later, with the early wheel and flint lock muskets, they added a pouch to carry balls - the powder was always in a horn. Later, when they used to carry pre-made up cartridges the officers , also had a pouch. These were always more decorative and for Regiments often had the arms in gilt on the front. Later they were added to full dress uniform and by the time this one was made ,they were exquisite (must remember this word for Scrabble!!) works of art. Needless to say, they are very collectable and very expensive. I hope other members will show any they have, and I will add some more examples at a later date. (Will has shown a number of Sth.African pouches in his Police postings.)

I always understood that the red - on cocked hat or, cap - was to ensure that troops and units gave them clear passage, as they could be carrying important despatches. I have Met. Police , asst.commisioner's bi-corne hat and it has blue over white feathers. Mervyn

Thanks. The militaria society won't get a freebie... Anyway, I'm a 'plod' - how many of us - really - knew that the sub. service don't have a fouled anchor??

Further to Tom's photos, I found we had an 1887 Queen Victoria golden jubilee to a Met. P.C. - he was still serving in 1897 and got the diamond jubilee bar.

Helen - thankyou for your comments and helpful link. I am trying to find the list of shops in Grahamstown in case the name was for a gun shop - records for that period are not easy. I was going to IM you - there is a topic on The Lounge that could benefit from your input as a museum curator - basically, it is a discussion on what to do with your collection when you 'leave this mortal coil'! There are a couple of posts you have made that have not yet been answered - I could probably have a 'shot' - but would prefer someone else to answer - I'm sick of seeing my name !!

This is an interesting memento of the Boer War. The coin - a Kruger 1/- has the date 1898. The hallmark on the 1/2 watch chain is for 1907. My feeling is that he was in the Br. Army and picked up the coin. Perhaps in 1907 - or, later - it was mounted as an 'Albert' or, decorative suspender. Watch chains could be 'full' or, 'half' - if full, then the other end had a choice - it could be a sovereign holder; a snuff box - or, a vesta case for matches. Perhaps members can add their comments...

Not too often that you see a group of medals issued from Vice Regal Lodge Simla. This was the summer home for the Viceroy, when it was too hot to be on the plains. The original full set was stolen in Rhodesia, some 25 years ago - but even these mins. make a fine display.

Gordon - thankyou - very interesting and informative - I have enjoyed looking at the different pictures. We all have our own collecting fields and it is good when we have a chance to see - and learn - something new. I do have one question - how long have the German army policing units been wearing these gorgets. I was never aware of them until we had the shop - however, I have never come across earlier examples. I do appreciate that all Gorgets - British and German - are the remnants of armour and to show status officers in the 17th and 18th. C's. wore silver gorgets - with armorials - around their necks. But, how did they become so unique to the German army?

Will - so good to see these rare pieces put together in such a legible way. To think you're posting from darkest Sudan - and your wife is taking the photos and sending them to you. You make a great team - you must bring her to Durban when they give you time 'to breathe'!

A smart uniform - the one that has a tunic looks a little like an American one?

Very interesting - I had never known submarine service had a different anchor - do you think the top 'sweetheart' is genuine ? We don't see many submarines off Umhlanga - the shark nets get in the way !! South Africa has just bought three new German made ones - I think the first one , or, two have been delivered.