Mervyn Mitton

Hi - Rex. An interesting cape and I thinlk you will find it is for Cavalry ? Does the back pull out to cover the horse's withers ? I don't immediately recognise which unit used the wyvern - which I agree with you I think it is - rather then the Griffon. Let's hope one of our uniform experts can help ? Mervyn

Glad we could help Max. Strapper - you make an interesting point. For such a low value item, I can't see it not being original -I think they have just used a font that fitted the small space ? Mervyn

1314 - thankyou for that important correction. How easily in our minds we associate initials for something we are familiar with - and are quite wrong. I had wondered why a Colonial soldier would be in the Paycorps ? Mervyn

Some good background information Brian, that will help new collectors. Just as well Africa never had these medals - they would all have the Gold one.............

I feel almost certain that this is an award for Sports - organised at the Front to keep the troops occupied. The back is blank to allow for a name to be engraved. This may not necessarily be for France - we also had General Allenby's expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia. If I am correct then it is a very interesting item - particularly with the named box. I hope someone can add to my observations ? Mervyn

Under our Gusts Valuation and Identification Forum there is an interesting query on the origins of - what looks like a cavalry sabre. Please have a look and see if you can assist ? Mervyn

A sought after unit and the pouch badge still has the cross belt. However the overall condition is not good - a lot of moth holes and the bullion tapes are worn. This will keep the price down. Mervyn

Max - welcome to GMIC. I can't say the name of the medal rings a bell - look forward to the photo. Mervyn

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-69029700-1333113341.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

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Dear JP - I am sorry that you did not have more response. However, it is fairly unusual to see a Gallantry medal not in a group. The DSC ; the MC and the DFC were introduced in WW1 to give a wider range of awards. The suspender Bar could vary - but, the top inner bar with pin, was - I think - the same for all of them. I don't have a DFC at present - however, these pictures show the top pin for the MC. You should be able to order one from Spinks - in London. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-31336600-1333113082.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Hi - Jeff. I think this is really what good collectors do - try to establish all available information on the recipient. Well done - keep us informed of progress. Mervyn

Will do - thanks for your help Paul.

BUT - full marks to them for clean and very smart uniforms - and exagerated , but impressive drill. Our new Police uniform would look like ice cream sellers.

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Avro Vulcan in Falklands camo. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-36202700-1332856776.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

The Avro Vulcan bomber http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-26402000-1332856607.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

The Victor bomber - converted to a flying tanker http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6209-0-91327500-1332856437.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

Everyone should make time to watch this story of heroism and ingenuity. We sometimes forget, very quickly, the work and training that goes into these operations. When they were getting ready to sail to the Falklands our roads in Dorset and Hampshire were packed with convoys carrying equipment to Southampton and Portsmouth. Thankyou Chris, for posting this - I enjoyed it. Mervyn

Steve - there is no hurry at all. Don't stop posting these drawings - it's nice to see talent at work. I enlarged your original Medal and tank drawings to 400 - and they were still clear and clean - the true mark of an illustrator. I have been asked - some time ago - to do a small series of books on British Police. I have never accepted due to lack of an artist to draw uniforms and situations - I wonder if this has now changed ? I will speak on IM in the future. Mervyn

Chris - make sure you wear your lapel pin - might get you a higher price............

Bob - an interesting subject and I hope more members will be able to help. Welcome to GMIC.

The coat of arms are the post 1837 pattern. I agree with Mike - a high likelihood of it being a commemorative piece - although it certainly has an exagerated crown.

Paul - no there were no papers. The group was brought down from Lesutho. They will be difficult to find details for - Lesotho would probably not have them and in that case they would come under British Regs.. Had it not been for the GSM there would not have been a link and they would have gone down as British. Mervyn

Hi Crick - welcome to GMIC and I hope you will continue with the Forum. Unfortunately Leigh left GMIC for personal family reasons and we miss his detailed knowledge on British Regiments. I hope one of our other members with an interest in the 14th Hussars will be able to help you. You should be able to take a good impression of the earlier photo - let a photo shop clean it up for you. Best wishes and please ask if we can help in any way. Mervyn