Mervyn Mitton

Blueman - please do a further close-up of the helmet plate - and also the interior. Mervyn

Gordon - I'm sorry to see that no-one has been able to help with a price for this weapon. I think it is too specialised for most members. I wonder if there is a speciaist gun club in the US that could help ? Mervyn

Brian - sometimes these were called 'carriage pistols' - however, the common name for them was 'manstopper'. The large bore - at close range was very effective. Your one has a belt hook still in position - this "might " indicate that it was carried by someone on an official duty. Jobs that spring to mind, could be Prison Warders ; early Police ; Coach Guard, etc.. Equally - it could just be for a gentleman to wear under his jacket in case of footpads or, highwaymen. It was legal to carry guns and swords until the Offences against the Person Act of 1864. Personally, I have always thought this should be repealed - a small Uzi would be useful in some Countries.

Nick - very interesting information - thankyou. I presume your two groups were mounted as worn - many of the old sailors were not aware of the correct order for the medals. For some reason - pronbably at time of issue both medals were stuck to the card and I don't want to destroy it. Mervyn

The origins of the brooch are clearly detailing Horses Heads - which I think was sacred to the Celtish tribes. They were widespread over Europe for many hundreds of years. However, it made me think of the original Hindu 'swastika' - were the turned over tops also representing an animal's head ? Mervyn

Aurelius - whilst we will be very pleased to see pictures of the collection, it would seem that - as a collector - he already has his research in place. There are a number of important auctioneers who he should be considering. I will llist them and he should make contact. Aviation groups - and, particularly Battle of Britain - are valuable. He should discuss commissions to see if they will make a lower rate for such valuable items. The auctions I would recommend - all of whom speciaise in medals are : Bonhams Spinks Bosley Wallis and Wallis Dix,Noone and Webb He should be able to find them on line by adding .com We will look forward to seeing some of the groups and meanwhile, please tell your friend to contact us if there is any other way we can help ? Mervyn

Nick - you are quite right - The Met., along with Dorset and the others you mention , did have a badge to wear on the left side of the chest - above the pocket. With the Met. only a few Divisions were issued with them as a trial. They were made of plastic and looked 'cheap'. They didn't last long - however, they now command quite high prices from collectors. If I remember they had the new Met. coat of arms above a space for the Force no. - which was stamped out on those plastic strips. I think I still have one and will post if I can find-it. Mervyn

Amazing how often medals provide links to families. However, it is obvious that it took your research to make contact. Well done Monkey. I hope the meeting goes well and that you will let us see a photo and have a brief report. I wonder if they have any idea if the 'old man' resembles any of his descendents ? Mervyn

You receive an Honour - and immediatey sell on ebay. TRASH ! Why were they on the list in the first place.

If Graham was from the East End - did you check your wallet after he held you back ? ! (Just joking..............) Interesting article - and oh ! so true.

Bjoern - a very well researched article and on a subject we tend to overlook. Obviously the need for exhumation and reburial is a most important one - but, I think most people see the graves without thinking how the bodies arrived there. You rightly point out that for the work details it was a harrowing and very up-setting experience. Does anyone else have any research or, even personal experiences that could build-up our knowledge on this subject ? Mervyn

Thankyou Jock - sounds as if a replacement was made ? This is an o/r's pattern ? Mervyn

Even if you're not sure on the Force - do join-in. There will be an interesting prize for the for the member who gets most right. Steve - try to find ones with some identifyable badges. Mervyn

G'day Geoff. Upgrade to be a subscibing member - that will give you the space for posrting pictures. Where do you ive in Australia - I was brought up in Melbourne and Sydney. Mervyn

All interesting information and nice that it included the US. Oduf was right to raise the queries - it is how we establish fact from fiction. Alex - one of the Soviet experts will have to answer your question on the Russian awards. The main document seems to have been the one with the medals pinned to it - and then a couple of printed sheets. Mervyn

Oswald - what a pity Stuart Bates is no longer with the Forum - he wrote the book on these helmets. Since the label says Naval outfitters - then presumably the Blue band represents Navy. Gieves are one opf the top London outfitters for the Services. Hopefully a member will be able to establish who P.M.Archdale was - the initials ARC are interesting - I wonder if they have anything to do with Ark Royal ?

Odulf - I agree with you that there is nothing to show he was a P.O.. Perhaps he served on board one of his postings where a bosun's whistle was required ? Mervyn

Hi - Frogprince. I often find that peope are not quite sure about the proof marks. Because of the surrounding 'Star of David' many peope think they have a Jewish sword. Well done for showing earlier proof marks - if you have the interest - and the time - this would make a good article. Mervyn

Brian - these days I've lost track of the remaining parts of my collection. Should it be at the Bournemouth flat then you can have it to go with your Staffs. version. Mervyn

Odulf - your interest is appreciated - however, I don't agree with all you say. I will comment as follows - Google shows that a Bosun's Whistle was called by this name - also, it was known as a call. Hugh tells me that in the US Navy it is known as a pipe. I have always known it as a whistle and there are many silver versions. Earlier generations bought many items for their own distinction. The Crown with RN may well be cut from a blazer badge - I wil take your recognition - however, my intro. cleary showed that he was seconded from the Sth. African Navy and received his MID as an anti-aircraft gunner. The earier detail aso identified the different flotillas he served with during the Burma Campaign - they, and the Motor Torpedo Boats were important for in-shore work. I liked your translation of his name - I did say at the beginning that he was from SA - so, probably an Afrikaaner of Dutch descent. You certainly haven't ''killed my enthusiasm'' - I woudn't take the time to post 17 pages if I didn't think it an interesting subject. However, I am surprised that you overlooked all of his pieces - incl. the Russian Awards ? Thanks for replying. Mervyn

The pattern of helmet with the double chin strap was for the Velocette air cooled m/cycle. Initially introduced by the Met. in the early 1970's , it was intended to be used as a Beat patrol m/cycle. They did not last long, if I remember correctly. Where they scored was in being able to offer assistance quickly and also, in delivering messages. The Met only used two patterns of helmet - the normal full sized one - with extra sheets of cork glued inside and a later smaller, squatter version. This was from an idea submitted to Scotland Yard by a friend of mine - he was awarded a cash sum for the idea. They are very rare. I think Brian had my version of this and perhaps he will post. I have never seen a white version of this helmet - only the blue. However, a number of Forces adopted the Velocette and - as we all know - Chief Constables are a law to themselves.

Discharge certificate http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-05058600-1337617930.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Some of his pins. RNVR ; Burma Star Association. Sth. African Navy in centre. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-57425300-1337616989.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

From a 2nd WW publicity booklet - our man - bottom right. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-32201100-1337616813.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

From his service record shown on the reverse of his collar, you will see he served on armed motor launches in the Burma campaign. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-6209-0-71856100-1337616332.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE