Mervyn Mitton

Hi - Brian. I had overlooked this post myself. However,I think it sad that only 40 members have taken the trouble to even read this. Theirs is the loss as you raise some interesting thoughts. I hope you are keeping to your new timetable ? Mervyn

John - with the date and the unit, I think you can assume that it is a Sweetheart badge. Mervyn

I have made a 'pinned' message of support for this debate on the Lounge. I hope it will bring many more members to join-in. Every country has it's own view point - please tell us how you see the events that led to WW1 ?

I would say for a Naval mid-shipman - the size of the scabbard indicates a Dirk. Could be British - however, to me, it doesn't look the right pattern. Theodore may well be right and it is Bulgarian ? You could sell it to one of the new immigrants ............. Make a few more enquiries - many countries copied British naval styles. Mervyn

I would say that it is a commemorative badge - perhaps not a sweetheart. It appears to be Welsh in origin - the animal is a Griffen and the two vegetables are Leeks - the symbol for Wales. I'm not sure what the lettering might be - perhaps his name ? There may be an association with Freemasonry - however, we will need a member to make an identification. Meanwhile, I am having trouble reading the silvermarks on the reverse. Please take a photo with them right way up and make it a close-up. Mervyn

August Bebel comments - shown at the end of the articles - were just so true. Bad leaders are the cause of so many Countries troubles. The pictures show a lovely City - but as they point out, the citizens could never have imagined the events of the next 50 years. I visited Berlin in 1965 - driving-up the autobahn and being frequently stopped for the car to be searched and mirrors put underneath to see if refugees were hiding. The City was in the process of being re-built, however, much of it was still in ruins from the bombing. You have to think - all so pointless and needless...........

If this is to be a fair discussion, then it needs a larger contribution from many others of our Members. The BBC in the last thirty years have shown a very biased opinion about our overseas Colonial period and seem to take every opportunity to run the Country down and blame us for everything from slavery and trade, onwards. They need to be brought under control - they are paid for by Taxpayers money through the License system. I don't think anyone with an historical background could fully support our officer class in the 1st WW. The senior ones just had no experience of this type of warfare - despite having had the training of the Boer War. Despite this we did have many excellent General Rank officers - and as the war went-on they had more opportunities to show their abilities - Allenby comes immediately to my mind. I would submit to you, that the War had it's origins much further back then you are allowing for. When Bismarck took control of the German Principalities to set up the Empire, he put Saxons - who were allied to many European Nations, under the control of the Huns - who even the Romans feared. This was the German expansionist period that led to seized Colonies in Africa and other areas. However, the British and the French had already made the good selections and I think the race for supremecy and "National Honour" really started at that point in time. The business of the fleets was undoubtedly one of the 'flashpoints' , that over a number of years led to increased rivalry. Germany wanted a fleet to safeguard it's new colonies - however, it is important to remember that Britain had been protected for over four hundred years by it's Navy. The Fleet allowed protection for the overseas countries in the Empire and safeguarded imports and exports. Therefore, the start of a major fleet building programme by Germany was of serious concern. Lord Fisher was the main person in Britain who pushed for a reform with our ships - and the result was at the turn of the 20th Century we developed and started building a new type of Battleship - the Dreadnought class. Every country in the World - of any importance - had to immediately copy them. Just a comment on the early heroes - perhaps some did exaggerate - however, one of the statements of recommendation for a VC has to be from a Commissioned Officer. Once granted by the King how rude that someone trying to sell a book , or an article, should attack that Award. Brian is right to be angry about the Canadian Museum putting the sign on display. Now would be a good time to write a few letters to the papers - what the Museum staff has done , is the same as the BBC is doing in denigrating the heroes of the past. Perhaps Chris - with his different background doesn't realise the offence given by these nonentities ? Just my comments - and I've enjoyed the multiple posts. Mervyn

Robin - hopefully you've answered your own question. I could find very little on the wearing of these badges. Mervyn

Robinson is an unpleasant little left winger - and I agree with the comments that the BBC will take any opportunity to belittle their own Country and the Armed Forces. Perhaps it's time the Govt. stated to take back some of these treacherous organisations and educate the youngsters to know how 'Great' Britain was - and still is............ Mervyn

Jonas - that helps a lot. I wonder if he had an estate in Britain and adopted a British coat of arms. My book of Latin Mottoes shows only the ones I listed. I was also a little puzzled by the item - it can't be a die for striking the badge - the lettering would be in reverse. Perhaps a pre-made example to show the purchaser before ordering ? Also, the Lion with his parted hair is very strange. I hope other members will give us their thoughts. Mervyn

Danio - I would suspect that in this small size that it was intended as a coat button - perhaps for a staff uniform. The Latin motto - FAMAM EXTENDERE FACTIS - means, TO EXTEND FAME BY DEEDS. This motto was used by the All Hallows School - near Lyme Regis in Dorset. Also, by Viscount Galway (Monkton-Arundel) ; Viscount Monkton and the Lords Monkton. However, in 1767 the famous Swedish Botanist - Carolus Linnaeus ( 1707- 1778) - who created the system of naming plants and animals by genus and species which is still used today - was ennobled by the Swedish King. He used the same Motto and with the different lion this could be for him. Perhaps he had linke in Britain ? I hope this will be of some help ? Monkton is a famous British Family and active in politics until recently. Mervyn

I saw in the paper that the inventor died over Christmas . The Russians were planning a State Funeral. You have to ask yourself - just how many people have been killed - world wide - by this weapon ? Mervyn

I count 9 guns - what would they be worth today ? Mervyn

Troy - a great collecting field and I believe the early ones have high values ? The ones you show here look very interesting - do they have high values ? Let's see if others will join in with their collections - to give them incentive - how many do you have ? Best wishes for 2014 Mervyn

Ed - Hi. They make a lovely display and have a lot of detail on them. They would be very effective in a glass display case. Do any other of our members collect this type of model ? Best wishes for 2014 and please remember me to your Mother. Mervyn

Yes - it particularly has the steps at the front that Ross was having problems with. This would seem to indicate an American Presentation piece - which in recent years have become more common. What do you think Ross ? Brian - would this tie-in with the type of wood you were discussing and the workmanship ? Mervyn

Well done everybody for finding that important info. for John. Welcome to GMIC. Mervyn

David - if you click on my name on the side bar , it will take you to a panel . Click on profile and somewhere you will find my email address. Send the pictures to me and I will repost on the forum. This may take a few days as I am having problems myself with posting pictures. Mervyn

George - you are right in that the Queen chose King Edward's Queen to be the official one when she became the Monarch. However, there are a number of different shapings that have been adopted over the years. Georgian Crowns appear to be a softer curve for the arches - whereas King William 4th (1830/37) adopted one with angular sides. Queen Victoria continued with the Wm. 4th pattern, however, over the years it became less angular. I would have to say that this style is for an earlier period - however, I am beginning to think that it is a later piece for a specific presentation. Should this be the case , then the sculptor could have carved as he felt it should-be. You may have some good ideas with an American origin. I have seen - and heard of more - examples of tipstaves being made as gifts to retiring officials and in one case (I forget the State) the Chief was encouraged to carry it on parade. Could you post a picture of the US Engineers badge for comparison ? Mervyn

Well done for posting this fake Ross. At least one member has been saved from wasting money. Have you seen this seller on before ? Sebastien - welcome to GMIC - good that we were able to be of help and we look forward to seeing you post. Mervyn

Kit - well done, some nice badges. I don't think we welcomed you to GMIC. The first helmet badge has a King's Crown and early wording - would this have been the pattern at the time of the Japanese invasion ? I know they took over and used , the main prison in Singapore - was that Changi ? Mervyn

Kit - our Chairman has a section at the top of the Forum which sets out how to make posts and pictures. It is in a box where other problems are covered. Should you have any problems after reading this, then please get back in touch. We will look forward to seeing the pieces from your collection. Mervyn

That's always the problem Timo. Real life intrudes on the things that you actually find interesting.... Happy New Year. Mervyn

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were very prominent in the Battle of Talana - the first Battle of the Boer War. Our troops were in camp just outside of Dundee in Natal. They had troops also on the hills above Dundee. Major General Penn Symonds was in command. Early on the morning of the Battle figures could be seen moving on the hills and shots heard. This was reported to the General, who took no notice and ordered the artillery horses to be watered. When messengers arrived he discovered that his outposts had been overun and the Boers were in possession of the small hills behind the town of Dundee. At one point I had the diary of the RSM of the RDF - and he was very scathing of the incompetence of Penn Symonds. Eventually our troops were ready to march on the Boer emplacements and we formed up at the base of the hills - approx. where the fine museum stands today. Our troops were sent up the hill - a serious mistake with Boers in position. Their accurate shooting caused heavy casualties and we started to retreat - Penn Symonds, personally lead a counter charge and was shot and killed. The Boers retreated to regroup and we claimed a victory. However, further bodies of Boer troops were brought-up and in turn we retreated on Elandslaagte. The whole of the Dundee area was important for the coal mines - vital to the British when all trains and shipping were powered by coal. Elandslaagte was the rail head. The RDF eventually fell-back on Ladysmith and formed part of the 13000 British troops in the siege. The RSM was captured and held in Pretoria - eventually to be exchanged. He took his discharge in Durban and became the RSM for the Natal Mounted Rifles. He was commissioned as Captain in 1914 and eventually fought in East Africa. To answer your question on Carolina - this was part of the campaign in the North East after we had captured Pretoria. The Boer Army was basically defeated by the end of 1900 and the further fighting was the period when the Comandoes were active. Carolina was a small Dorp (or village) on the way East. Hope this is of some help. Mervyn

Jeff - a lot of work, but well worth the effort if you can name him. Please continue to keep us posted. Mervyn