muckaroon1960

Modern issue GRP.

Mark 4 I think dated 1952. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong?

1950's Royal Artillery Officers Cap.

Thought I would share with you my collection of British helmets and hats. Nothing spectacular, most picked up on the boot market, others from shops or shows and a couple from e-bay. I also have a small collection of foreign helmets which I may post later? I do display these on a shelf at home. This is dated 1939.

Thanks Guys for your comments and like you say Leigh it's not just about collecting it's also about Rememberance.

Thanks Brian, this is my own memorial to my Uncle. This is what I see every morning descending my staircase. I was born 20 years after my Uncles death but I know this event had a big impact on not only my Grandparents but his Siblings especially my Father who was only 14 when this happened. Not Forgotten. Top middle is a copy of the Atlantic Star, bottom left is the repaired/retouched photo as shown previous, bottom right an original postcard size picture of HMS Glowworm. I was promised by my Grandfather many years ago my Uncles medals but this never happened after my Grandfather died. I have no idea what happened to them?

This is a repaired version of the original picture.

Wasn't sure if to post this in the pictures section but as this is Naval history thought it better in this forum. My Uncle was P/KX89100 Stoker 1st Class Wilfred James Findon (Uncle Jimmy) killed in action 8th April 1940 aboard HMS Glowworm. HMS Glowworm was part of the cover for the minelaying operation "Wilfred" (apt name as its the same as my Uncle) off the coast of Norway, when she ran into the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Lt Commander Gerard Broodmeade Roope was the skipper of Glowworm and although outgunned rammed Hipper causing enough damage to force Hipper to head to Trondheim for repair. Out of the crew 111 were killed and 39 taken prisoner. The German Commander recommended Broodmeade Roope for the V.C. which was awarded posthumously after the end of the war. My Uncle is on the left of this original picture. I have no idea who the other sailor is or what happened to him? I know there was a larger picture of Jimmy in his uniform and his medals on the wall of my Grandparents house and they used to put a poppy on this picture every Remeberance Sunday.

Leigh, after using a magnifying glass and x 15 eyeglass and consulting my book on cap badges I am fairly certain (not 100%) that the officer standing centre and the one to the right are both East Surrey. The 2 badges do have dipped scrolls but the East Surrey has a 7 point star topped with a crown. Both the 6th service battalion of the Queens Royal West Surrey and the East Surrey regiment took part in the Battle of Arras April 1917 so the picture could have been taken in that area? Regards, Muckaroon

Thought I would share this postcard with you I acquired some time ago. It shows 5 officers of various Regiments and Corps. Written on the rear is the following: "Taken recentley behind the lines" Kind regards. G (S)? Short 2/LT 6th The Queens R W S Regt. 1917 I am assuming that this is the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment as the officer 1st left back row has the cap badge of this regiment and maybe the writer of this card? The other 2 in the back row have I believe cap badges to the East Surrey regt. The Officer seated front left is R. A. and his companion on the right is Royal Engineers. The R.A. officer seems to be miles away in thought? I wonder where their adventures took them all? As there is no location recorded on the back I can only guess somewhere in France or Flanders?

Thanks for your kind comments Brian. I did look through out the site to see if there was a section on the Red Cross or associated memorabilia? Perhaps this is something that could be done? As long as the section is associated to militaria i.e the Red Cross or the Womens Voluntary Service etc then these items could be posted and discussed?

The name has been written in pencil so I would assume it was unofficial?

Irish Gunner and Leigh, thanks for your comments. I know these are not military but they do have some significance to the 1st and 2nd World War. God only knows what some of the receipients of these medals saw and endured? I have a few other red cross badges, postcards and a shoulder badge. A lot of these items I have found on boot markets and emporiums. Some have been bought off E-Bay all at a reasonable price. The 14-18 boxed medal is probably my favourite and they are out there if you look. The last one I saw complete in its box was at Brackley antiques cellar but that was a few months ago. Cheers Muckaroon.

Medal for Proficiency in Air Raid precautions training. Named to 12130 H M Richmond.

Pack of playing cards issued by the British Red Cross and Order of St John War Organisation.

British Red Cross proficiency medals. Left hand medal is for proficiency in Red Cross Nursing with clasp for 1918. Named to 7447 M Walker Hopkins. Right hand medal is for Proficiency in Red Cross First-Aid with clasps for 1942 & 1943. Named to O18260 C N Smith.

This a WW1 British Red Cross commerative medal with original box named on rear to R Carr-Jackson (apologies for picture focus)

While collecting militaria over the past few years from WW1 and 2 I have also picked up along the way Red Cross medals, badges and other items. Here a just few items. This one is a Womans German Red Cross Helper badge with pin back.

Looks okay. Try this link? The Soviet Military Awards web page. http://soviet-awards.com/medals16.htm#medal29

Internal view.

Bought this U.S. ammo box today. Marked : CHEST. AMMUNITION CAL.50 M17 D39091 These were first used in the 1930's until the end of WW2. It has no maker marks and no rubber seal to protect the ammo from the ingress of water or dust which was it's major drawback. It has a webbing handle and is mainly of pop rivet construction.

It is difficult to say if the defense of Odessa medal is genuine or not? There is however a lot of detail on this medal. I have attached a copy of my Odessa medal I acquired recently. Did not cost me much so not to concerned if a replica?

"Swing and Roundabouts" comes to mind! With collecting medals or any other items there are days when you will undoubtedly find a bargain and others where you will pay over the odds? It happens to us all but like "Alex K" has said, we should enjoy "our"collections and I always say you have something to pass on when you are gone or sell if you decide you no longer want or need it? My only other tip to collectors is do your research and shop around. The internet has provided us and those people who are not mobile or live in isolated areas with access to greater choice but also provided a comparison of other outlets. I look to buy in all areas, from the internet, shops, shows and boot markets but I always try to research any particular item I am after especially the cost. Relax and enjoy!

Wow! Thats what I call collecting. Fantastic..........................