Mervyn Mitton

Andy - you need to look at the listings on one of the British music stores. Virgin and I think, HMV can be looked up. List British Military Bands to get a wide selection. Mervyn

They were a Quaker Family and have always remained true to the non-violence teachings of that sect. During both WWs thay served as medical orderlies and stretcher bearers - suffering many casualties. Mervyn

Mickey - thankyou for posting that helpful infformation. However, I am curious why you say it is an USAAF plane ? The crew are obbviously South African, wearing the airforce battle dress - and the slogan is an Afrikaans one . Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Brian - we would also like to wish you a succesful 2015. Mervyn

In some areas they blew a a whistle to advise people that post had been delivered - particulalry where the box was separate from the house. I always thought the whistles they used were of the 'pea' variety , however, he may have worked with registered and had this for security. Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Dear Wilhelmina - your post is an interesting one - and you are very welcome , lady or not, to be a member. I think answers have been given to your questions - the only point I would ,make is 'who the hell does Cameron think he is ? ' The Award is well deserved, however it should have been made in the Queen's name - not a passing politician. When Malta received the ' GC ' in WW2 it was from King George 6th. Mervyn

Ed - I wouldn't worry - as Craig says, most of the modern Police whistles are not numbered. Mervyn

Tony - if you are a collector, then I think almost every day is like Christmas. I know I am always coming across items that I had forgotten in drawers and cupboards. Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Craig - did you ever see the post I made about the missing police dog in Durban - about the 11/12th. There is a picture of an enormous Rottie and I wondered what you though of him. Mervyn

Hi - Muckaroon. You have put together an interesting and eclectic collection. I particularly liked your extensive Red Cross badges and insignia. Recent years have seen a lot of interest in collecting the WW2 ones - I would advise you to concentrate on these -perhaps set-up another frame. You may have a couple of gold ones - check the back of the RAF wings and also the tie tack with the long pin. The tie pin for the Machine Gun Corps + the suspension badge below with the metal bow - these are "Sweetheart Brooches"- another big collecting field. Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Well done - that ends the speculation. I used to see a few , but they are not common. Let us know when your book is published and we will give it some publicity. Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Ed - a nice present and one that will go nicely in your collection. Whistles replaced hand rattles in the 1880's - tests had proved that they could be heard three times further then the rattles. The Metropolitan was the name given to it by the makers - Hudson and Sons in Birmingham. Most households made sure that they had one in case of emergency - no telephones in those days. However, not all of these whistles did Police service. Those carried by Police usually have the Constable's number engraved on the side. Does yours have this ? Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

Timo - he would have featured prominently on British Intelligence reports - and possibly on the reports of the Royal Irish Constabulary. He may have been harmless - however, his friendship with a prominent activist would not have gone unnoticed. Mervyn

Hi - Robin. I thought it was a lovely speech - with mention of all the right people and organisations. She looks very well for 88 - we must hope she has many years to go - I don't think I could face Camilla ! Best wishes for 2015. Mervyn

You must remember that Japan was an ally in the 1st WW - perhaps he was of a mixed marriage to get the surname ? Mervyn

The Queen's Christmas broadcast had Her seated next to a side table - in Honour of the WW1 She had framed photographs of King George 5th and of Queen Mary - who were of course Reigning at that time. In front of the Frames there's a 1914 Princess Mary Christmas tin on a stand. A very thoughtful gesture. Mervyn

You've done some brilliant research - and certainly made your quest clearer. Bow is a continuation of the Mile End Road and the road now goes either side of Bow Church. This is the Church that supposedly you had to be in sound of it's bells to be a Cockney. Just before you get to the Church is Bow Police Station - part of H Div. Not sure when it was built - probably not before your 1890's. The local Police Stables are at the back. I agree with you that he was probably at Bethnal Green PS - which was in service at the time you are looking at. From the Bow area a fairly short walk. Well done Mervyn

Peter - you a 'Pleb" - never. By virtue of your job alone, you became a Gentleman............... Mervyn

Trooper_D - to me it looks as if there is a different style to the cut away jacket or, frock coat. I am sure the one you show is Diplomatic however, I don't think that applies to the original photo. You have to remember that these frock coats with tails were very common - even the original police in 1829 wore them. Perhaps the one shown at the top is an original that has been messed around with - I'm afraid I am still suspect for both of them. Mervyn

A very sad memory.

Hi Badger - hope you are well. I have checked through the Index and Humber is still shown as a Member. However, he does not seem to have posted for quite a while. Perhaps leave a short message for him and also an IM. Mervyn

Good information - and if Odin has any copies of his book for sale, we will happily allow mention on this Forum. Mervyn

Mace1620 - Fascinating information and clearly shows how Bristol had become a rich Town at that point of it's history. Any further info and pictures will be be very well received - as will be you in your official uniform bearing the Mace. Thankyou. Mervyn

The 6th SA Armoured Division were under US command and performed exceedingly well. They came up with the SS in Northern Italy and were accompanied by SA Infantry - including the Kimberley Regt. Some years ago we had the only US Cross of Honour to be awarded to a South African. This is the next highest to the Congressional MofH - which cannot be given to non US citizens. I have not read the above post , however, the SS had been told to form defensive line positions to allow their main forces to escape. I have forgotten the name of the young officer - however, I am sure it will be available. He was leading a platoon of his men and they came across machine gun positions. He held his men back and advanced alone - it is recorded on his Award Certificate that he took out 6 mg positions. He returned to his men and led them forward - he captured a further mg position and his platoon of some 20 men took over 80 SS troops. A very gallant affair. The US initially awarded a Silver Cross , however, when the medal was awarded in South Africa some three years later, it had been up-graded to the Cross of Honour. The British awarded him a Mentioned in Despatches - this was because he was under US command. Still a miserable award - this was undoubtedly a VC action. Mervyn

There are two types of collector. Those who collect for the medal , it's history and it's original owner. There is also the collector who sets out to have one of every type for a given country. I imagine that there is where the un-issued MoH disappear to. Register your name and wants with a few of the top British Dealers and Auction Houses - eventually one will appear. Try , Morton and Eden ; Spinks; Christies , Liverpool Medals , for starters. Mervyn