peter monahan

Nasty, flashy thing, Jock. Why not just bundle it up and post it off to me for decent burial? Seriously, it doesn't look that bad from where I'm sitting and I'm sure one of the members would be happy to take it off your hands, for spares, as you say, if nothing else. Your bins must be far more exotic than any I see over here in the frozen north! Peter

Impressive!

Aussiesoldie There is a reference in a novel by W.E.B. Griffin to the fact that the US military, at the outbreak of WWII shipped out 5 or 10 thousand sabres for the 26th Cavalry [Phillipine Scouts]. They never got farther than Australia where, after the 26th ate their horses and went into Japanse captivity, they were ground down to make machetes. Always meant to fllow that story up. It's one of those that sounds too bizarre to have been made up!

I have acquired a badge for an Austrian Great War Red Cross Volunteer: "FREIW. HILFSKRANKENPFLEGERIN" Vom Roten Kreuze. The reverse is marked 'F.Orth Wien' and the number '1749' Other than the fact that these volunteers assisted with the wounded as they arrived back home, can anyone cast light on this organization. And, pushing my luck, what are the chances that there is a registry of the numbers? Any help much appreciated. Peter

Wonderful stuff, Steve! Thanks for sharing. Is there a price list on your web site?

The other possibility, though it would be harder and more expensive to achieve, would be to get a few yards of cheap cotton and run up some cloth drawstring bags. Half an hour on a sewing machine would easily produce 20 bags, if you used a standard size, and twill tape makes good drawstrings. Use it myself for period looking bags for 19th century stuff. just be sure to launder the cloth first to get out any sizing and dye residue. Yo can then letter the bags in permanent marker or tie or staple tags to the strings or t a corner of the bag.

Perhaps the US Army Center of Military History? Contact detauils here: http://www.history.army.mil/inquire.html Four months ago I could have provided a name as well but Steve Allie, a fellow re-enactor and true gentleman died very suddenly in January within weeks of being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. RIP Steve.

I wondered, actually. I thought perhaps he was a [colonial] member of the German Imperial Army. Odd that an African army never occurred to me, I suppose, unreconstructed imperialist that I am!

Parker, RA if I'm reading the band lettering correctly. perhaps one of the UK members can suggest how likely it is that you'll be able to ID the owner. I suspect, sadly, that there were very likely more than one and possibly more than 10 Col. Parkers in a copr that large! A very quick Google turns up at least 3.

Bluerinse According to the Drawing Number on the label, what you have is a FS Type 1942 B-6 WW2 shearling flying helmet, as worn by the US Army Air Force [bomber] crews. Nice piece!

Bog standard WWII British gas mask, I think. Not expert enough to say whether it is military or civilian issue, though one of the members is sure to know. Looks to be in good shape; pity the case is missing. I wonder if that suggests civilian, as I think I recall that some of those actually went out in cardboard or press board containers early in the Blitz.

Mervyn I would be more than happy to act as an ambassador for the GMIC, if that doesn't strike the rest of you as too risky a proposition, given my past record for... Indeed, if you or Nick wish to suggest a suitable text and graphic - I agree that business card size would be best - I would be more than happy to spread it round the Allied forces at Waterloo. Among the Emperor's troops as well, should opportunity arise! Peter

Sounds like you set for a while, Hoss. If I'm ever down your way maybe I'll drop in and sub-let a few ounces from you!

I have one second hand story which is quite entertaining, if that's of any interest, from an RN National Srevice man who actually saw 'service ' ashore.

Mervyn While the Fenians strategy was laughable and their leadership on the pathetic side, many of the men were veterans of the Union Army and, as such, a cause of considerable worry for the authorities north of the border. In fact fear of the Fenians was a strong factor in the decision to create a united Canada in 1867 and lent some urgency to the plans of John A MacDonald and George Cartier. Further, the bulk of the defence of Canada fell on the Canadian militia, which was hardly a stellar fighting force at the time. One unit, for example, were partially equipped with new breech loading rifles but supplied with only a dozen rounds apiece. At the Battle of Ridgeway they engaged the enemy until their rifles were empty then, prudently, retired, earning themselves the nickname "Quick Out of Ridegway". That name will still earn you a fat lip if used today, as the unit, having served in most of Canada's wars, continues to exist as part of our Reserve Force. I'll let the other Canadians supply the name of the regiment in question!

I would think he was posted FROM "11 OBD" to "3rd ... Ordnance Field Park" on the authority of the ADOS of the 3rd Br. Infty Div. And, I'd assume that "11 OBD" is 11th Ordnance B... Depot, his new unit. Does that make any sense at all?

That is a dandy sword indeed, leigh. Thanks for sharing it - first I've seen that way. Jolly clever, what?

Bob I have never collected Third Reich but I do know that 30 years ago, when I had the money to collect anything, cuff titles were already a minefiled for the unwary and I also know that the percentage of fake TR stuff has skyrocketed, along with the expertise of the forgers, in the intervening years. I'd suggest you re-post your query in the Third Reich uniform and equipment forum further up the page, where the experts may more easily find it and give you informed opinions. Good, luck! Peter

Good to know, Hoss. Is Ballistol a brand name and, if so, is it readily available commercially? As I do a little leather work I'm always on the look out for something like that.

Fair enough. I always seem to find the ones to fit Corporal Schultz or the little guy on Fantasy Island!

I believe I recall a photo with the post originally. Perhaps this is due to the re-boot of the system?

CB Welcome aboard! can we have a first name to address you by, perhaps? I'm afraid I can't help much with this particular query, as British badges are not me forte, but I'm sure some of our very knowledgeable members will be along shortly to chip in. Peter

It was, and I apologize for the error! I looked at the last post, yours, not the whole thread. very Careless of me. Emmanuel, thank you!

Lovely! Thank you for sharing. Was the fact that it clearly fits you a happy accident or a major reason for the purchase, if I may be so bold?