Mervyn Mitton

I thought this was a well made model from the 1st World War - however, I'm not sure exactly when it was turned out - probably in the 1920's. Perhaps someone can help ? Probably a Sopwith Camel fighter - but, again - hopefully this can be confirmed.

A good example Megan - and one that doesn't come on the market very frequently. One point of interest to collectors' - the number on the reverse is not the recipient's - as perhaps in the UK. Rather each medal issue has it's own numbering - which can make research quite difficult.

Paul - you are right - I can't be 100% sure. However, I have just bought a good collection of Rhodesian medals and these were amongst the 'odds and sods'. I would say that it is almost a certainty - unless you say otherwise..........

During the long years of World War 1 there were many periods without fighting - and the troops became bored. They then turned to hobbies - exactly as they would have at home. The big difference was that materials were in short supply and improvisation was the order of the day. Engraved and hammered shell cases, wooden carvings - some beautiful pieces made in the base workshops - many have survived to the present day. Sometimes the items were practical - as was the case with these lighters. Looking closely it appears that large nuts were used to assemble the lighter - the wick would have been soaked in petrol - however, I'm not sure where the spin mechanism would have come from. The Unit decoration seems to have been greatcoat buttons. One example here is for the Royal Engineers - the other one is the standard pattern South African button. I don't really know much more about them - perhaps members can add their thoughts - and also, other examples of trench art ?

David - photos of my medal - I think they must be the same. Not sure though, which is the correct ribbon. This tan one looks to have been properly fitted. I was told some time ago, that these were intended for City Workers who had commited to extra work during the War. I think that there would be more around if they had been given to all ex-Servicemen ? Mervyn

We have had medallions from South Africa in recent posts - they used to hand them out to school children and are almost a National obsession. However, these are some of the first I have seen from Rodesia. One marks the State Visit in 1947 - which also took-in Rhodesia. ; the Middle one is to mark the end of WW2 in 1945. The one on the right commemorates the 1937 Coronation of King George and Qeen Elizabeth. The Coat of Arms is for Southern Rhodesia.

A very nice pair, Leigh. Officer and KIA - and you have found some interesting background. Were there no WW2 medals ?

One of the British Raj's most illustrious Regiments. Skinner's Horse was also to be known as the 1st. Bengal Cavalry. They were formed in 1803 as Captain Skinner's Corps of Irregular Cavalry. He was British - but, married to an Indian Princess. This initially barred him from joining the Honourable East India Company (HEIC). He created the unique and famous yellow uniform - which gave the nickname of The Yellow Boys. After many succesful actions against breakaway Indian principalities he was commissioned into the HEIC and given the rank of Lt. Colonel - however, he was a Brigadier at local level. He died in 1841 at 63 years of age. The Indian Mutiny brought about many changes in the old HEIC army and both Police and Military were reformed in 1861. This was the date Skinner's became the 1st. Bengal Cavalry. Their last change of name was in 1921 when they became the 1st. Duke of York's Own Skinner's Horse. The Indian Army took over the Regiment after Independence in 1947 and they are now a tank Regt.. Their long - and illustrious history is still carefully preserved and honoured. I bought this beautiful porcelain hand made and handpainted figure a few weeks ago - I had planned to have it at the house, but really have no place left to show it to advantage . It is in the shop and I will envy whoever buys-it. The sword is the 1912 Officers' pattern cavalry sword - so this uniform will be for the final period 1921-1947.

Rod - we don't seem to have heard from you since August - hope everything is OK - any new additions ? Chris welcome to the Forum - we must look forward to hearing some details about your service - presumably in the Qld. Police ? Mervyn

I said it before Robin - you keep your medals - in an 'exemplary' manner......... Going back to this business of retired police - there has been corres. on the pinned Canadian thread - about retired RCMP officers' carrying a badge for identification. I would be interested to hear more about this - and, the circumstances under which it may be used ? No-one would expect an older exOfficer to get involved in violence - however, I can see circumstances where he might want to identify himself to serving Police. After all, the experience doesn't disappear with retirement and a professional eye could be valuable in Court. What do other members think ?

Simon - so nice to see you back after a gap . For myself, I don't think there is a standard laid down - mostly what pleased the Col. at the time. However, I'm sure that someone will now produce the order.....

Hi - David. I think your medal should have a tan coloured ribbon with a top suspender bar. They were given out by the Town Council to all returning soldiers. There must be a roll of some sort in the archives - but, how to access it these days ? I don't know of any Country outside of South Africa that was more generous with commemorative gifts to mark special occasions.

Leigh - 'Old money' or, not - if they didn't pay me - then I want it..... I may have only done 7 years before my Father died, but they were very happy ones. My old Relief have just had a reunion and sent me a very nice letter - I was very touched. Not many Reliefs can still be meeting 36 years after we all went our different ways. I was sorry to hear that character references have gone - time the Governement stopped 'running scared' - I would have said it was very important that an exPolice Officer be shown for his background and trust-worthyness.

Paddywhack - I have looked carefully and can't see any direct impressions from a re-naming. I don't particularly like the horizontal lines in the rim metal - but, these could be from any number of reasons. Unless you can actually see an old impression, I think you are OK - but , Paul and Dan were right to mention it to you. Having said that, I've just had another quick look and the lettering doesn't seem even on the 'A' 'T' and 'S' on Paterson ,with the gap wide between the 'R' and 'S'. Perhaps it is just the magnification ?

These are a couple of questions that have come-up in conversations recently - and, which I haven't been able to give an answer. Perhaps someone will be able to help - apart from that I think they are quite interesting. Firstly : When were at Police College - for me Hendon - did we get paid ? When I was first posted to Bethnal Green I remember having to open an a/c at NatWest for a direct transfer - however, I don't recall getting anything - other then abuse - when at Hendon. Secondly : On leaving the Force we received a certificate showing our service. A grading was given - which was important for exPolice looking to find a 'cushy number' in an office. I was shown as 'exemplary' - and I am told that there were five grades in total - what were the others ? Doesn't anyone have something interesting to post before Christmas ?