Mervyn Mitton

The reverse

This is for the RAF - in silver

The reverse

A smaller type - with the SAAF initials hand engraved

The reverse

An example for the Royal Air Force - also 9ct. Gold

The reverse for the SA example

Since we no longer have a dedicated Forum for the Airforce - a pity, but just so few entries - I am posting here a number of Sweetheart brooches. These probably started in the time of the Boer War and were Regt. or, Unit insignia turned into items of jewellery for wives and sweethearts to wear - and therefore, show their support for their men. The practise became very common in WW1 and continued into WW2. Whilst many are still made they do not seem to be so common these days. The popularity for collectors really started with the books by the famous comedienne - Joanna Lumley. She outlined their background - showed examples of different types and gave a guide to prices. I have had may different examples over the years and have made previous posts - these are some good examples, mostly in 9ct. gold. British class distinction even extended to these little items. Those set with diamonds would be for senior officers' wives - gold - probably for officers' backgrounds - and silver or, chrome for the wives of o/r's. Thank goodness we have 'grown-up' a little since those day. This first example has the South African Airforce coat-of-arms and is in 9ct. gold and enamel.

The markings would indicate that this is an original revolver bayonet from the 1st World War period. Many repros were made, mainly using cut down French Gras bayonets - however, these do not have ident. numbers. Value wise - you must be looking at a considerable sum - they are not common. Contact one of the main militaria auctions - for an estimate. Could you perhaps post some additional photos of the bayonet and it's scabbard. Mervyn

TS - I had missed that you have already made the purchase. As I said in my IM , I feel that it is a genuine item - and therefore worth purchasing as they have become rare items. We will look forward to further pictures. Best wishes for 2012. Mervyn

And as I said on another Forum - they are greatly appreciated. Not everyone will be interested in every post - but, the information is there when - and if - required. The only thing I would say Jean-Paul is, don't be offended if the members don't answer you on every post - however, we would like you to continue. I suppose the interest generated will bear directly on the subject matter. Mervyn

Being on it's own she may have been local service. Hopefully on of our SA members will be able to help. Usually, if on Home duty they received the War and Africa medals. Interestingly, the Africa is 1 oz. of silver - to my knowledge only Canada and S.A.. used silver for service medals. Mervyn

Jean-Paul. For maximum readers on Kenya this should really be on the AFRICA forum. Mervyn

Steve - an interesting photo - and welcome to GMIC. I always like these period photos, they show the variations in how the uniform was worn. In the case of this one he has the whistle hanging down behind the buckle - and not in it's little pocket. I think 'o' was kept in reserve for any new body of men who had to be raised for a special purpose.

Alf - one of the reasons they were given this exalted rank at retirement - or, as an honour - is that it carries an enormous salary. Since the rank is given for life it effectively becomes a very large additional pension. When you consider Prince Phillip, he holds the senior rank for all three Services - and in addition is the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Marines. Goes a long way towards paying the rent ......... Perhaps you could put all of these senior rank boards into one picture - would certainly look impressive ? Mervyn

Thank-you Jean-Paul. Where would we be without your 'snippets' keeping us up to date with interesting news items. We appreciate your time and please keep going for 2012. Mervyn

Veteran - Ralph has given you some good advice - however, I think you have found a subject worthy of further research. The Church - in my opinion - would be the one of the places to start enquiries. Their archives must hold something to do with the award - also, the Order that he belonged to. British HQ for the area the camp was-in would also have been consulted - after all, despite his religious background - he was effectively still one of the Camp staff and therefore , recognition - other then a firing squad - must be unusual for the period ? I - and again this is a supposition - feel that he probably gave medical help and food to the wounded prisoners. Whatever he did , it earned him the respect of the British Officers' Committeee who would have administered the Prisoners' daily lives. Enough for them to remember his acts and take the matter further. With the turmoil at the end of the War this is unusual in itself. Good luck with your search - it won't be easy - too much time has passed. Why not try a few letters to main newspapers and also to the main Catholic paper - could just 'jog' someone's memory ? Mervyn

Thankyou Ian. I had intended to mention that the shorter ones often incorporated a dagger - however, I forgot. Interestingly the shorter ones had started to come-in to fashion in the Boer War - and some of these included a blade. Mervyn

Will - thankyou for posting these exceptionally rare certificates - I think William will be pleased to see them. Best wishes. Mervyn

Veteran - indeed, a most unusual and interesting award. Should you be able to research it further, then I hope you will post the full story on this Forum - although, I am sure, that it would be of great interest to our German members. One thought - perhaps the British Catholic Archbishop may have been consulted - why not contact Westminster Cathedral ? Mervyn

Lee - I think you've 'stumped' everyone for the moment. Personally, I think RA - however, some of the uniform experts should be back soon and , hopefully, it will be fully recognised.

We know all about the oversized beauties in Sth. Africa - some of the up-country visitors have to be seen to be believed. Happy Holidays. Mervyn

Thanks Mike - it's good to see this famous Award is still being made. Mervyn

This is an important Regiment and I am sure that Brian will agree with me that it is worthy of more in depth research. If you Arthur and Milhistry could expand with more details and illustrations , then we would be happy to make this a pinned article and award certificates ?

I think Dave is probably right - however, you are a collector of Staffordshire and paid very little. I think it will look very good in your collecting room. Well done. Mervyn