Mervyn Mitton

Whilst many Police lanterns were not marked for the Force - never-the-less , as Brian has pointed out, there are criteria which mark them out.Firstly, their has to be a means of suspension - secondly, a means to hold and shine the lantern and thirdly , a means to cover the beam with a metal shield when doing observations. These Bulls Eye lanterns were also the torches of the day and many more were in civilian hands then in Police. I particularly liked your example for the London Borough of Hackney. Unusual to see a Met. Police one so well marked. Mervyn

On first appearance it would appear to be a ceremonial dress uniform signaller's arm badge. With the circle probably representing the heliograph ? Will be interesting to hear other opinions. Mervyn

Dr.T - welcome to GMIC. I would suspect , since he held the Egypt Medal with Suakin Bar , that your medal is for an association of Christian comrades who fought in that Campaign. Purely a supposition on my part - but a possibility. Mervyn

Peter - very pleased to hear that you returned safely from the expedition. I would have replied earlier but have been very unwell myself. Have you fully recovered from the food poisoning ? It is always a problem where catering is on a mass scale and food sits around. Your photos are splendid and with Saxcob's give a good series on the formations. I think we are all hoping that you will find time to write a full description of the events and explain the movements of troops that we can see in the pictures. Did you manage to distribute any of our cards ? Any you have left share with Brian and Frank - between you we should find some more members. Anyway well done - I'm sure you and your Wife found it an unforgettable experience. Mervyn

Michael - thankyou for that confirmation - and welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

The top collector for these helmet plates is retired Ch. Supt. Vic Wilkinson - he has been the Chairman of PICA for the past 10 years and is about to retire. PICA is the Police Insignia Collectors Association and is limited to serving and retired Police officers. However, if you contacted him I am sure he would be of assistance. Please let me know if you need an email as you will have to go through the Assoc.. Mervyn

I agree with Brian that there is a possibility of it being a German officers or, NCO's sword. I would also put a possibility of it being French - basing this on the curve of the hilt. You are right that the guard has been dropped and has bent inwards - not a great problem considering the state of the weapon. The hilt has lost it's wire binding, the blade has totally rusted and there is no scabbard. I hope you didn't pay too much ? Personally I would oil it and hang it on a wall - something to keep the neighbours in order............ Mervyn

BJofW - are you referring to the helmet plates that for a short time pre-war identified the Division + number ? I don't remember an "H" in that series - perhaps it came under "J" ? Mervyn

All Police Officers are subject to the Official Secrets Act and issued notebooks have to be handed-in when completed. There are also strict rules about using notes that might identify an arrested person. What you have are the leather casings for the notebook - all relevant notes have been deleted. Because of this ruling official notebooks are extremely rare - although can be inspected on request at their storage site. If a notebook still has notes that may be required in a future trial it is left with the officer - when I left this had been the case with all of my notebooks and I still had them in my locker. I still have them today - a rare record of my service. Needless to say they remain under lock and key, but still make fascinating reading after my leaving 41 years ago. I have seen very old ones come on the market - and also Specials from the wars. Most of them are so boring you could fall asleep over warnings for blackouts and riding bikes with lights. Mervyn

INTERIOR OF BONNET. NO MAKER'S MARK, SO I PRESUME MADE IN CAPE TOWN ?

CLOSE-UP OF BONNET BADGE + TARTAN SQUARE AND RED DICED BAND

FROM FRONT

VIEW FROM RIGHT - THERE ARE 4 FEATHER 'TAILS' HANGING DOWN

FROM THE REAR - THE SILK RIBBONS COMMEMORATED QUEEN VICTORIA'S DEATH

Founded in 1885 as a kilted regiment , they were also known as the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn's Own. In July of that year they were augmented by the Scottish Company of the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles , bringing their numbers to 250 men and officers. They are a distinguished Regiment and have many Battle Honours. Their first engagement was the Langberg Campaign of 1897 - followed by the Boer War , where they served for the entire campaign and their total numbers involved rose to 996 of all ranks. Their uniform at this period was kilts , a blue patrol jacket and white helmets. They carried the single shot Martini Henry rifle. During the 1st WW they fought in South West Africa and in the 2nd WW were an armoured car regt. and later formed part of the Sixth SA Armoured Division. Due to joint service in the Boer War with the Gordon Highlanders their was a close relationship and in 1932 an alliance with them was officially approved. From 1928 the Pipe Major wore an ostrich feather bonnet. I would judge this example to be approx. 50 years old - a rare item. I will probably put this on our For Sale section. Mervyn SIDE VIEW - WORN BY DEV, MY PA.

Hi Ed - your Family spoil you ! I think it says Dept. of Corrections - any idea which area ? Mervyn

Saxcob - some lovely photos - thankyou so much for posting them. I wonder where our member Peter Monahan was during the re-enactment - he is there to take part. I thought some of the visitors should have been kept back from the troops - or used for bayonet practise.... The one thing I hadn't realised were how many people were taking part. Mervyn

That I can answer - over the years the Rank has varied between being of General rank and at other times - a lower status. At present a Brigadier in the British Army is of General rank - but has three pips in triangular shape with a Crown above. A Brigade still consists of three Regiments or, Battalions. Two Brigades is probably the full size of the British Army......................... Mervyn

The Air Force Cross was created in 1918 and was intended for Awards of Gallantry on non-operational missions and for Meritorious Services on flying duties. Some 2600 were awarded during WW2 - so much rarer then the DFC. Mervyn

The George Medal was created in 1940 and was for Bravery that did not merit the George Cross. Approx. 2000 have been issued - over 1000 of these to Civilians. Many of our Bomb Disposal experts have been honoured with this Award due to the extreme risks they have to take. Military personnel were also eligible for Bravery not in the face of the enemy. A wonderful historic Group to own. Mervyn

Jim Strawbridge - welcome to GMIC. Good to have confirmation on this medal - original posting goes back a long way. Mervyn

Dark Lantern - welcome to GMIC. Brian will answer your post as this has been mainly his excellent work. Mervyn

Timo - well done on being able to add a full history to his different services. Strange to think that he might actually have flown me at some time as that was the period I was doing a lot of travel. Thanks for posting the full story. Mervyn

Yethnk - you will understand that I am no expert on these badges - I would like to clarify one point - were they worn by the pro-German forces or, by the anti-German partisans ? This probably sounds a silly question to you - however, I want to be clear in my mind. Apart from the occasional picture this is the first old, original collection that I have seen. I will pass this reference onto Robin Lumsden, who is an expert on German WW2 items and studies the use of Skulls in military badges. Best wishes Mervyn ps. I see you live in Australia - which part ? I was brought up in Melbourne and Sydney - but a long time ago....

This has probably been asked - and answered a 100 times in the past - but, how were the current set of rank badges for US military personnel chosen ? Because of Britain's worldwide influence most of our ex-Colonies and Dominions follow the British pattern of Crowns , pips and for higher ranks, crossed swords and batons. Now , it is quite understandable that after the 1773 Declaration that Washington's New Army would not want to use the British style of badges , however, what lead to the Bars , and the different coloured leaves ? Why an Eagle for a full colonel when silvered Stars were used for Generals ? There must be extensive discussion papers from the past over this issue - but, I have never seen them. I would find it of great interest to know the history and also the dates of acceptance. Britain has now abandoned the rank of Field Marshall - except for Royalty - however a Generals' badge still has crossed swords and batons , with the addition of a crown or, pip to show the rank level. However, on rank flags and vehicles the level is shown with the US star(s). Mervyn