Mervyn Mitton

The American firm of Collins and Co. established a very good pattern for an Army issue Machete. Within a hide scabbard - the blade was well balanced, with a strong handle. The demand was so high in the early part of the war - before the US was involved - that they had to allow manufacture, under license, in other Countries. This included Britain and an example is shown with the US one. Slightly smaller , and with a different grip - it is otherwise identical. Even to the fold-over at the bottom of the hide sheath. The US one was called the Legitimus and this particular one has an early number - 1250 and the date 1940. The British one was made by Marmadale in Birmingham and has a first batch number of 227. They used the crocodile as their trademark. The blade has suffered a little on it's reverse - people will use them to chop logs !

I would say, yes. I think it is called a cantle.. Look on Google for Scottish Arms and also Regimental Arms - should be easy to identify. The Argylls seems to 'ring a bell' for at least the end one.

Jason - is this the original ACE Star that you were discussing back in 2009 ? My general observation point for Stars is the stippling - the little raised dots behind the wording. There are of course several other ways to authenticate - and I think they were discussed earlier. Purely as a comment - I would not be 100% happy with this Star - there are areas where the stippling is not covering the entire area. Having said that it does appear to have reasonably even spacing, although not an exact sizing - a sure give away for some copies. From all of the Stars, Air Crew Europe is the most commonly copied one - purely from the price point of view. Perhaps worth a little closer examination ?

My homepage on iafrica had two newsreports today that I thought were interesting. One is from Germany and the other from Russia - who are getting quite annoyed and have been arresting the girls. The dog report, I think we will welcome Craig's expert opinion on what happened. I had always thought Schnauzers were a good breed ? I remember the Metropolitan Police in London experimented some years ago with Rottweillers - they bit so many handlers that they were withdrawn and the good old German Shepherds re-introduced. Personally, I think Dachsunds would be quite effective - my two - the terrible twins - are not afraid of anything - even the big dogs............

Harry - exactly the type of reasoned and knowledgeable reply that I hoped would be added. I must justify my Heading - which is most certainly a question for all opinions. However, it would be wrong in such a setting if I did not state my own views. You are right to mention the African population who fought on the side of the Colony. Unfortunately, the collapse was so quick that I don't think adequate provision was made for their future. Vietnam had the same problem at the end. South Africa has recently taken-in over 1,000,000 Zimbabwean people who are looking for a more peaceful future - and they will be an asset. I hope both yourself and Les will have time to add to your excellent observations.

Harry - I must tell you that I am enjoying your various threads - so many different subjects. Post 32 - attack on a Laager - this was the Zulu attack on the Boer Column at Blood River in Zululand. The Boers were able to defend themselves and killed so many - approx.4000 - that the river turned red. I think they lost two men. This lead to the first Boer settlement in Natal in 1838 - Pietermaritzburg. Have you had any of the South African cards - they were always with an album and fitted into spaces with descriptions. They are not very collectible in S.A.

Hi - Lorenzo. I haven't looked at your page for a while - you've been busy, some nice new additions. However, don't forget we are waiting to see on the Gardening thread to see if you can find any grass........... Keep well - when does your tour of duty finish ? Mervyn

This paper document was sent to me with a view to selling it - however, it is not my interest. I could put any of our members in touch with the chap. I am showing it since it seems to have unusual wording and also, appears to have signatures of inmates from many different countries. I was not aware that the Italians had 'concentration camps' - although I think it is intended here to mean a POW camp. Without actually seeing these paper items it is always difficult to see if they are genuine. However, do any of the details mean anything to our members ?

Dan - come in the first three in the Quiz and I will make one your prize. I never sell them - however, they are worth up to stg100 pounds with their provenance.....

Craig - this is a very nice First Day Cover - and hand cancelled with a police stamp. I can't read the where it was stamped - could you show a close-up ? The whole of the 1979 celebrations were low key and I would think this could be quite a rare item. When you say you 'were still at school' it makes one realise how relentless is the passing of time ! I left in 1974 to take over our family business when my Father died unexpectedly - however, 'H' Division staged a major exhibition at Toynbee Hall to mark the occasion and I lent the majority of exhibits from my collection.

This delightful old photograph - dating from about 1900 - or, even a little older - shows that there is 'life after death' for old British police uniforms. These are two member of the original Durban City Police - who existed from approx. the 1840's up until the changes of 1994. There are a number of these old photos in the Durban History Museum. Basically, in those days a European constable patrolled with one or, two Zulu policemen to assist . They were only allowed to deal with Zulus and were not allowed to arrest the Europeans. You will note that they are not carrying truncheons - but rather their 'traditional weapon' - an Iwisa or, knobkerrie. A very dangerous weapon and they train from 3 or 4 years old in stick fighting. The one on the left appears to be wearing an old Inspector's hat, whilst the other one has a plateless helmet. Jerseys seem to be the uniform. Note the old handcuffs - standard British pattern. The whistles are also British and it is interesting that they are tucked into the armband. This was a leather strap with an oval brass plate saying they were Borough Police. They always went bare footed. Makes a change from our usual uniforms ? p.s. - with the enlargement you can see the outline on both helmet and cap for the original badges.

Herewith the index of all officers in the book - please ask if you would like copies of any of them ?

Lt. Roberts was the son of Field Marshall Lord Roberts - the Commander in Chief in South Africa. He was killed in an attempt to save the guns during the Battle of Colenso. He was awarded the Victoria Cross.

General Penn-Symmons was killed at the Battle of Talana - just outside of the town of Dundee. This was the first battle of the Boer War - which we won, but had to retreat in the face of heavy Boer numbers. He had sent his troops to attack the Boers who were entrenched on the top of Talana Hill. Without good ground cover - and with the Boers being such excellent shots we were being badly mauled. Penn-Symmons advanced to the Front - drew his sword and said ' follow me' - he was then promptly shot dead by the Boers.