Mervyn Mitton

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2014/post-6209-0-31469300-1405768624.jpgclick I am closing down my Bournemouth flat and intend to rent it. However, whilst it was being cleared a number of old items came to light. These included many of the items that will be in Wallis and Wallis sales over the next few months. See Pinned item at top. Some of the pieces found were my original equipment when I served in the Met. Police from 1967 to 1974 , when my Father died and I had to take over our Company. Rarely, I have my full set of official notebooks - rare, because they have to be handed-in. However, if you had Court dates coming-up they were left with you. I also had brought over my original truncheon. This will feature in further posts - however, today I thought I would cover my original whistle. Strange, that I would carry it for so many years - yet, I don't remember ever reading the front inscription. I was surprised that it turns out to be one of the very first issued. The original means to raise an Alarm for the Met. Police - was a rattle, which was carried in a pocket in the tail coat. These lasted for over 50 years, but by 1884 it was felt they were out- dated and also, they could not be heard easily with increased traffic noise. Tests were carried out between whistles and Rattles. The Rattle could be heard at approx. 400 yards - where-as the Whistle carried for approx. 800 - 900 yards. The first whistles were domed and used a pea inside. They looked rather like a Referee's whistle. The air whistle followed with-in a few years. The were always numbered for the officer they were issued to - however, common sense said that they would keep re-issuing them - even if the number was wrong. Mine has the key for the old Police Boxes - and the wording - The Metropolitan Patent METROPOLITAN POLICE Then address Details for Hudson's. Birmingham 031576 This last being the original constable it was issued to. Marched out in 1829 - progress to 1884, possible Warrant Number at that date - 031576. Whistles of this age are rare - COULD ANYONE HELP WITH TRACING THE NUMBER ?

David - two very nice QSA's. I could have helped with the missing bars , however, they went to auction when I closed the shop. City Coins - the largest Medal auction in SA has started and the catalogue is on line. I think you will find that they will have some bars. They are in Capetown and I will give a link in a few days as I have 180 lots - the remaining stock from the shop. I am in agreement that medals should not be cleaned - unless necessary - or otherwise interfered with. However, where bars are on the Roll then I see nothing wrong with adding them to the medals. You would be restoring it to original condition. Originals would be preferable to copies - although , as a stop gap, even these could do for display. Interesting to see what other members think ? Mervyn

This must be a local issue medal - the reverse certainly doesn't look like King George 5th - although he has a chestful of awards. Bahawalpur may be an Indian State - perhaps the portrait is of the Maharajah ? Mervyn

The belt is the standard British issue canvas waist belt for general wear with battle dress. Have you tried Ancestry ? As Peter says , not easy to identify from just a name.

Jerry - good plastic badges from the WW2 period are now very collectable. I have found that very often the Crown is mounted separately above the Signals badge. Mervyn

Please remember that for British Territories - Australia, India, Canada, Rhodesia etc. - we have dedicated Forums under the British Forums. Nothing to stop you posting under both headings - if you wish. Mervyn

Smithy - Good question. However, you have this under Sth. Africa - Canada is the next Forum down. I will see if Brian will drop it down - meanwhile Members - please go ahead and reply to Smithy. He is a new member. Mervyn

A most moving story of courage and conviction. One to hold in your collection with pride. Mervyn

I do not understand why Germany ever issued a Gibralter sleeve band ? They were never active - to my knowledge - in this area. Other then when HMS Hood gave help to the German Battleship bombed by the airforce loyal to the Spanish King , but this was in 1938. Mervyn

I regret that I am now closing this subject. The matter is a private one between Len and the family and should not be discussed as a general subject. Mervyn

Thankyou 1314 - appreciated. Mervyn

I would have thought more a commemorative medallion for the Royal Corps Of Transport. Perhaps remembering their running of trains in Berlin during the close-down ? Mervyn

Timo - I doubt if it is gold - probably silver that has been gilded. However, anything is possible. The casting is poor - look at the eagle's beak - but, then look at the enamelling, which is very good and untouched. Does it feel heavy in the hand ? How much is the shop asking ? Mervyn

May I ask any member that has info. on Smartie's request to please help him. He is a new member. Mervyn

I agree Chris - a rubbish report and he undoubtedly contributed to the injuries and perhaps the death of the young man. He talks about shooting the animal - then about the bullets not firing - due to the control being on eject - and then he says the rifle was in the tent. Are we missing something in the report ? Mervyn

Mike good post - and a sight of your collection - always a pleasure... Ray - rephotograph the swagger stick and try to get it in focus - I couldn't make anything out - perhaps the Pascal Lamb in the centre. Mervyn

His level of Bravery is really beyond description - the traditions of the British Army live with him. His Award of the Military Cross shows apprecition of the British people - his Family must be very proud. What is the framework around his helmet ?

Interesting Chris - however my feelings are that it is a pity he didn't aim lower................

There were many cloth souvenirs made with the synbol and wording from Kipling's Absent minded beggar. I think it was the Daily Mail that offered them to readers. Mervyn

Timo - you do find some unusual pieces in Dublin. This has been well described above - however, the question left hanging is - how did it get to Dublin ? Two possibilities , firstly something picked-up as a souvenir by an Irish regt. soldier. However, the Irish supported Kruger and his Republic - this may have been from one of the Irish fighting for him ? With the arms of the republic on the frame this will change values. Contact a London auction - or, ask Paul who will be able to help. Mervyn

Timo - some really excellent research on a distinguished Irish family. I enjoyed reading through. Mervyn

Jeff - whilst it would be correct for him to be shown with his title on official documents , whilst on service they would use his rank. Very 'non-you' to use a title when you have a military rank. Have you tried the British Air Force Museum - they may have something on him in their archives ?

Check the inside lofts very carefully - just prior to the War many Germans packed up valuables and hid them. The daughter of one lady still living in the family house in Germany, brought me in a Field cap from 1939, which had been left behind in the loft when he was sent to the Russian front. He was KIA. All of the documents were with-it , incl. the official letter from German authorities. All were wrapped in the newspapers of the day aand she said there were still 4 dinner services in the loft............ Mervyn

As I understand from the daughter - the medals were stolen in the 1980's - there is no record of a police report and it isn't even established that they were stolen in Sth. Africa. They think it was probably Zambia or, Rhodesia. I think that under the circumstances Len has behaved quite honourably - without anything to back the claim, he has been willing to sell them to the Lady whose Husband they belonged to. And, in my view he is entitled to ask a fair market price - let the family prove past theft that has been recorded in SA and it might become a different matter. However, on their word alone that is not sufficient. Mervyn

Jeff - you just have to keep battling away - you have quite a following on this and we are hopeful you will succeed in the ident.. Just a note on Viscount Acheson. The British peerage has the son of a titled person taking the next Honour down - so as a Viscount he was the son of an Earl - a second son would be a Lord and any after - Honourables. Whilst he is shown as Viscount, it is unlikely that he would use that title whilst in the Services. He would have become the Earl of Gosford on the death of his Father. Mervyn