Mervyn Mitton

The lower one seems to say - 2nd. Brigade and then North D.... Will try to get some additional photos. Pleased to see a disbandment date - wasn't too sure on this. Would be interesting to learn if your interview with the Admiral gave you any relevant info. that would help us understand the situation from today's standpoint ?

Paul - do you have any idea as to a name - I have a special two volume set giving all details on VC awards.

Thanks,Mike. Just couldn't think of the name.

The Red Hand of Ulster was in fact the titled family who had that part of the country - I can't think of their name - perhaps someone will add. Both of these truncheons will - in all probabablity - date from the 1920's or, 1930's.

I do not intend this to be an in-depth post on the RUC - although I do think there is room both for this Force and the original Royal Irish Constabulary to be examined in more detail from the historical point of view. Peter Mc., Ulsterman and Prosper + all of our other Irish members will all have their point of view - let's hope we can keep within the framework of the Forum when it comes-up. I am waiting for some better pictures of an RIC carbine and bayonet to come from the collection in the UK and then we can see how best to approach the subject? Meanwhile, posts of two very rare decorated truncheons for the RUC - in fact the famous - or, infamous - 'B' Specials. They were (all Protestants ?) and the Specials of the Force and seem to have kept the tradition of painting truncheons long after it was given-up on the Mainland. Looking at them it does seem to have had a political purpose. I'm afraid I won't be able to answer a lot of questions on them - to be honest, I had forgotten I had them until photos were sent over. Still, if necessary I can have them re-photographed in greater detail. One of them seems to have a divisional or, district name - does anyone recognise it ?

A very interesting subject - and obviously important as it allowed battles to be won. I thought Chris' answer summed up the difference very clearly and I must admit that I had always thought the two to be the same. I always think a good example of volley fire would be the film 'Zulu' - where they formed up in three ranks inside the barricade and fired by ranks on the officer's order. Seems a simpler World to the one we live in today...

Thankyou for comments - I'm always a little unsure if people are really interested in Zulu history - they certainly have limited interest in Sth. Africa - I've yet to find a Zulu who can tell you all the Kings back to Shaka... With regard to 'if they could speak' - Tom raised this some time ago when he mentioned ' the washing of the spears'. This is a euphamism that the Zulus used to mean deaths each weapon has caused. We have good reason to work on roughly 10 to each one - however, the senior chief's , or Royal, example could number in the in the high tens !

Thomas - as I said privately, this is a really good group and to have the pair for Kimberley and the Rhodesia Medal + the rare Cape of Good Hope certainly makes it an investment. The mint mark on the Mayor's Medal is for Birmingham 1902. I hope you get further info. from members.

These are the final two threads to this post - perhaps more early ones will come in at another time. Battle Axes were only carried by Chiefs - partly status and partly because they were so expensive to buy or, have made. There are several different identifiable axe shapes in Southern African tribes - the Swazis, for example, use a head like two parts of a triangle. The Zulus have always used a hoe shaped head - like a half moon - and since they preferred to buy from other tribes, they are not at all common. You will see the top of each shaft finishes in a crescent (a little damaged on the smaller one) - this is very significant as the Zulus - under Shaka - perfected a battle formation that made them very succesful - even against the British. This was the Ox Horns shape. The centre of the horns was the main battle formation and the two wings , on either side, represented the horns. When battle was engaged the horns moved around the enemy - closing them in and preventing them retreating - and they then set-to to wipe them out.

Jonathan - the amount of information you have gained for this sword and it's owner, is really quite amazing. Surely an example of why collectors need to do their research and not just enter into a numbers game. I thought the engraving was actually in good condition - clear and not too rubbed. How fortunate he had his initials - probably a gift from the family on his Commission. As you say - now for the next 9.....

Hi - Bob - so glad we have a name - I kept thinking it stood for some of those weird initials they us in the US ?? I personally thought they were interesting and it would be good to have more on the Iraqi Police in general - after all they feature in the paper nearly every day. What period are these from - the three stars - weren't they from the time when Egypt and Syria made a pact ?

Eric - these items are always of interest - maybe not in great numbers - or, immediately, but they are the ref. material for the future. I certainly doubt that there are many left. This is why I have enjoyed looking at Leigh's various posts - not all are interest to me, but I can certainly see their value - and, only a dedicated collector with knowledge is in a position to know such detail about them. No wonder nearly every post on GMIC is taken by Google for their sites. I think we must be grateful to Leigh for taking so much time and effort.

Nice example Jonathan. What is the blade length and were you fortunate enough to get the field scabbard ? I've never really thought about it until now, but I wonder what difference to the price the Victoria cypher makes ? Edward V11 th. swords are generally regarded as having a higher price because they were only made for a comparatively short time.

Owain - really interesting to see these - thankyou. What period would they be - current , or the old Government. I must say that to see the old historical names of Baghdad and Ninevah - dating back 5000 years was quite exciting. Do you have some more Iraqi Police items you can show ? Apologies to 'bmsm' who I see actually started the post. First names help prevent these mistakes !!!

Very interesting Leigh - in fact all of these details and formation signs have provided good information. We tend to forget the old units so quickly - I particularly enjoyed the old Dakotas, apart from our members - who really remembers them and yet I believe, they were one of the highest numbers of a particular plane ever made. Do you have any info. on their numbers ?

Have just checked the copy of The Medal year Book that is kept in the study and material is shown as cupro-nickel. The copy is an oldish one that I keep here for ref. but I doubt they would change the metal. I think you will find that it is original polishing.

No - cupro-nickel, Leigh. They're not that generous. I suppose being kept in it's case the high polish has remained.

An excellent example Darrell - absolutely mint with it's original box. I'm sure you know that it was given for 22 years exemplary service. At one time it was also awarded in Australia, but I think they now have their own version. Do you know anything about him - where he served etc.? I only got the exemplary certificate - wasn't in nearly long enough for a medal... The Naval L.S. also looks as if it hasn't been worn - these are always very collectable.

Very interesting Nasredep - I take it these were for field use in wet or, dusty conditions ? Did all German rifles have these covers?

A superb group and he served in three major wars with his second WW home service pair. Thanks for posting - these get rarer all the time.