Mervyn Mitton

Certain events are destined to become icons in our memories - and indeed can be catalysts for far greater events. The 1936 Berlin Olympics are such an icon and even after 74 years are still the subject of great interest and discussion. Hitler inherited these Games - they had been awarded to Germany much earlier then his takeover in 1933. Many Countries wanted to withdraw and it was in doubt until quite late, as to whether they would take place. Hitler had seen immediately that they would be an intense propaganda tool for his new regime and enormous sums of money were poured into Berlin to give it a fine gloss. He particularly wanted to give a look of stability and so many of the buildings and statues had a classical appearance. Needless to say apart from the main entrance to the Stadium little remained at the end of the second World War in 1945. There are, of course, many photos still in existance - but, personal photo albums, particularly those belonging to a competitor, are rare. The name written on the inside cover is J.L.ORMOND - we think he may have been in our South African Boxing or, Wrestling Team - however, confirmation would be very helpful should anyone have access to team composition. I have found this very difficult to find. The photographs include a range of bought postcards showing the different buildings, stadiums, parks and gardens and the statuary made especially to adorn them. Rare in themselves - since there is such good coverage - he has included photos of a more personal nature, and as a competitor includes shots from inside the teams village. The overall impression of the album is that it was the memories put together by a proud competitor who wanted to show everything back in South Africa. The team must have travelled via Rome, as there are a number of interesting cards at the rear. I will show the pictures in the order that they are presented in the album. Should you need to enlarge, remember Hugh's tip - press Ctrl and + sign - to reduce - CTRL and - . These illustrations could well lead to discussion amongst our members - I sincerely hope that they will.

Brian - a nice old group. Always remember the old descriptive term - be it ,British, German or, any other Country. 'Mounted as Worn' - in other words - if that was how the owner wore it, then it should be left as an example. I am pleased that you are collecting SWA medals - there is a good market for them in SA and for European troops a high number covered only officers and NCO's - most of the troops were Askaris.

Kevin - this is an interesting subject that we have never gone deeply into. That large factories - such as the brewery - should create their own force of SC's makes sense. The strike was trying to close everything down - there was a strong Bolshevik influence and I think the intention was to have the Govt. collapse and a communist style one be put in place. Idiots like those spoilt Oxford under-grads - look as if they think it is a game - however, it could well have seen a major change in their way of life, if common sense members of the public hadn't rallied round. As a point of interest - who is the street urchin on the right - someones 'batman'? Going back to the 'baton' picture - you are right it is the star. This must mean that the three uniforms - incl. the Ch.Insp. are all Specials ?

Ralph - thankyou very much for that additional information. I checked his Gazette - but, it doesn't say anything, only the award. In 17 years this is only the second one to have been brought-in. Mervyn

This illustration and details of a DFC is shown for you to be able to compare it with the Air Force Cross - which immediately follows it in order of precedence. These copied items are from the Medal Yearbook. An annual publication in October - and one which all serious medal collectors should have a copy of reference.

I have just been able to purchase this rare WW2 group - there are two awards, one the Air Force Cross and the other, the Air Efficiency Award. Both give the right to have the initials follow the name. I will show separately the qualifications to receive each of these - however, in order of precedence the AFC is number 35. The Defence Medal is number 185, the War Medal number 186 and the Air Efficiency Award, number 220. The AFC was for Gallantry or, Meritorious Service on non-operational missions. It is rare in that only 2600 were awarded during the course of WW2. These are the numbers for other Gallantry awards during the same period. VC's - 182 : GC's - 139 : DSO's - 4,880 : MC's - 11,000 + : MM's - excess of 15,000 : DFC's - 20,000 : AFC's - 2600. I am also showing details of his Record of Service. I am still puzzled how he managed to get to Rhodesia in 1940 to get married. After the War he became a test pilot and was flying an Avro Anson with a test crew when it crashed and all were killed. This would have been about 1950. I am hoping to get some clearer photos of him and also some further details. During the War they would not let him fly operationally - since he was such a good pilot they had him on training - hence only Defence and War Medals.