Mervyn Mitton

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We don't seem to see many of the more modern British Groups on the Forum - so, I was pleased when this very nice group of three came-in. .......................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-39125600-1366119696.jpgclick........................ The Operational Service medal is on the left - in the centre is the Award for H.M. The Queen's 50th Anniversary. This was issued in 2002 - unnamed. The third one is the NATO medal - the bar marking service in Former Yugoslavia. The Operational Service medal is the important one - it was issued for Service in Afghanistan - Sierra Leone - and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The only way to distinguish which area is by the border of the ribbon. With this one having Buff we know he served in Afghanistan. This campaign started in 2001 - and he would have received the Ann. Medal in 2002. I haven't had time to do any research - help is always appreciated from the experts - however, I will have his papers drawn.

Marabout : Look at the first post under Badges (the next Forum). I have brought back from an earlier post a very interesting page on the Dorset's. Leigh is sadly not with the Forum now due to family commitments - however, he found some really amazing things - including the early muster roll. Strangely enough we found my surname amongst those listed. Not sure who he was - we are a Shropshire family. Best wishes Mervyn

Because a new member has a great background with this Regiment, I am bringing Leigh's very informative post on the Dorset's back to the top. Mervyn

Marabout - welcome to GMIC and thankyou for an interesting thread to Spaz's post. The info. that he has found is quite remarkable - a lot of hard work and dedication. Since I live in Dorset I have always had an interest in the Dorset's and in Dorchester. Mervyn

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German Picklehaube This is a little later - and made in France. The wording says - in French - a Souvenir of France. I would date this to 1919 and the years following. The period of WW1 was to 1918 - however, visitors were not allowed to travel to France until 1919. Just so much War debris to remove, Families were desperate to visit - they needed closure on where their loved ones had been killed or, injured. Many just wanted to see where such terrible fighting had taken place. This applied to German families as well. The French made them as welcome as possible - but, it must be remembered that industries had been badly damaged and food was scarce. The visitors all wanted mementoes - or, souvenirs to take home - but France could not produce enough. The RFC box is British made and from during the war. This Picklehaube was made in France - I suspect it was aimed at German visitors - but, would have been bought by everyone. Perhaps they made different subjects aimed at the British - at this stage, we just don't know. Perhaps you can help ? One thing we can be sure of - being made from brass, it will have been re-cycled from shell cases. The other big souvenir were lace envelopes with dates on and a handkerchief inside. Time passes and memories fade - but, in 1919 the events were still fresh and people still grieving. Such a small thing, yet so evocative.

Showing the case with the matchbox which just slides-in. .........................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-93054300-1365951204.jpgclick......................

The worn, galvanised interior .......................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-41799000-1365951095.jpg...............................

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.......................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-15736900-1365950258.jpgclick............................ This would have been made at a time of change for matches. Gentlemen were still carrying sulphur matches during the 1st World War - they would be in a silver case which hung from the left side of a watch chain - this was called a Vesta Case. However, safety matches had been introduced and were in boxes similar to the more recent one shown with this box cover. The box carries the motif of the British Royal Flying Corps - the first airforce in the World (Sth. Africa was the second). I believe it to be quite genuine - you will see the wear and tear. The RFC gave way to the RAF (Royal Air Force) in 1918, so this would pre-date the RAF. I think we are looking at a rare item of Militaria interest. Should have any early matchbox covers please add them. Mervyn

Gavin - the most important point to remember is that their are a lot of fakes being made - mainly for the higher awards. Also, with the original 1890's medals - be particularly aware that the original dies were stolen from the museum. I will not buy any 1896 unless it is in a group - or, has provenance. Mervyn

The forgotten - and sometimes overlooked history, that many of our Police veterans have is always a surprise to many people. You could write a book just about his exploits and happenings. I'm sure both he and his companions for that special visit had a great visit. Such a pity that more of our retired members don't come out of 'hiding'. There used to be a programme running in the East End of London, where museum experts interviewed older people on their memories of the area. They would be asked to talk generally on the area and their neighbours and to pinpoint where shops of the time had been. What a wonderful project for the Met. Police Museum. Take on educated youngsters - train them and then let them visit our pensioners. That is how records should be kept. Mervyn

Paul - they are a nicely made medal and were given for Service to the Country - mainly servicemen and police. This was only for the period of UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) 1965 - 1980. They were also given to the Africans serving Rhodesia. I usually have them in the shop for around Rands 200 - which is about 15 pounds. I have two with basic papers for the Army - drop me an IM if of any interest. Peter is right when he says getting in early with a collecting field is always good. Whilst this is the most common of the Rhodesian medals it is still fairly low in numbers - give it time and Rhodesia will come back as very collectable. Mervyn

C'mon Craig - dealing with them every day has made you cynical ! Mind you, I think you're right................ Mervyn ps: I meant to say - an interesting post Rory.

The question now - is what medal do they have in the safe ? We will have to wait until next week. Mervyn

Chris - that thought occurred to me as well. Although you will note that the SA Vol.Medal has the Queen's Crown and cypher - this was the 1950's. The Korean War was under the sphere of influence of the US - so it may well be one of their DFC's. I will try to find out. I have just phoned the chap that brought in the Group - it is an American DFC. He says the first one was taken away following a fight - and later restored. This would make it very unusual. He will bring it in next week for photos. Is one of the medals on the Bar the US DFC ?

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Are these US Awards ? .....................................................................http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2013/post-6209-0-20564200-1365676700.jpgclick...........................

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