Mervyn Mitton

This is his ceremonial sword - probably issued when he became a Lieutenant in 1939. He may also of worn it as a WO1 - there is no distinction for NCO's swords in the SA Forces. Unlike the British patterns which have a pierced guard, the SA pattern is more of an Artillery 3 Bar. This is now quite a rare sword as the coat of arms is from the 1910 forming of South Africa. ..........................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-15064100-1363617245.jpgclick....................

This letter accompanied his WW2 medals - sent to his wife. ...........................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-39963000-1363617074.jpgclick...............

The letter that accompanied the Memorial Plaque ...........................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-00907600-1363616887.jpgclick.......................

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Issued May 1936 - I was born in Dec. of that year............. ...................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-62380800-1363614908.jpgclick..............

Thankyou for your comments - I wouldn't dream of deleting any post that someone has taken the trouble to write. I think this will end-up having a total of over 70 threads - however, it will provide ref. on a period that has long passed. We now move on to his official passport. I said earlier that he probably was part of a planned visit to the Airforces of the Countries visited. This official Military passport must be a type of Diplomatic issue. ......................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-07284200-1363614481.jpgclick.................

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This is the seven page letter written to the Col's wife by a fellow officer on the life raft. I don't suppose his bravery was ever reported - but in my book he deserved a high decoration for saving as many as he did - and in comforting the dying. 7 in one night taken and eaten by sharks. ....................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-94518300-1363539995.jpgclick..................

This shows a longer perspective .....................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-56582600-1363539777.jpgclick................

For ceremonial occasions pre-war he would have worn the pattern of pith helmet that was peculiar to Sth. Africa. It was called a Polo Helmet and these are the gilt fittings for the helmet. The Top is a winged Springbok and the badge is larger then the ordinary cap one. These hats are rare now - but when I find one at least it can be put together. ....................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-88927700-1363539478.jpgclick..................

Some of his badges - originally gilt. Lt.Col. shoulder rank on left. At top the two small badges for HMT Devonshire - perhaps he travelled on her on a previous occasion. ...........................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2013/post-6209-0-66179600-1363539184.jpgclick......................