peter monahan

Did one have to DO anything to get the Allied decorations or were four limbs, a pulse and the rank badges enough? No insult intended to you, Diwe, or your man, but presumably the Belgian General Staff had a few 'duds', just like every other military organization in recorded history. I would think that someone who just didn't make the cut, for whatever reason, would be statistically more likely than an officer of general rank being in a POW camp. But just my two cents worth. Another intriguing puzzle and this group has pretty good track record on this sort of thing. [fingers crossed] Peter

In some of the rural places near where I live, the groom is the one in the clean overalls! Too many people with family wreaths instead of family trees.

I think this is why my mother taught me not to talk to strange men. And they don't come much stranger than you lot! Except for Chris of course, who's in a class all by himself.

I once had a very heated argument with a Welshman over the correct title of this regiment, he insisting - "And I know because I'm Welsh." - that it was the 'South Wales Borderers' who were annihilated at Isandlhwana. In fact, of course, the regiment was not re-named the South Wales Borderers until 1891, two years after their "unfortunate affair". So, this has the potential to be a very important piece of African/British military history! Peter

Oamotme Lovely group. I assume you had to break the '$10 each' for this one. Any problems getting them out of the country? Peter

I wouldn't buy it!

Today's Toronto Star reports that French air craft attacked Islamicist forces in northern Mali yesterday/last night. Trying to break up formations headed south. I hope they do! Peter

Brian As I say, I have a horrible fear that I tossed out the burner, which sat on top of my bookshelf forever. If I do find it, would you like it? As to the candles, I suspect that some modern hand dips use woven wicks because that's what Michael's craft store sells in the candle making aisle, but they don't date before the 1850s or so, I'm quite sure and by then all candles would have been moulded. I let you know if I find the burner. Peter

Ooook! As my first duty as a moderator I am going to squash this thread before itgoes any further. Yes, I know I stared it but I think we have reached the pinnacle of our depravity here and can move on to more enlightened and enlightening topics!

Brian Very educational! Just getting caught up here but have two things to offer, one figuratievly and one literally. My colleagues at the pioneer museum agree that neither tallow not hand dipped candles had woven wicks. Probably a relic of a 'living history' site or event. Dipping candles is a very common activity for school kids visiting muesums like ours [1837 pioneer farm] and historic reenactments set in the early 19th century. I have a burner like those shown in Post #43! Picked it up years ago because it looked neat but was never quite sure what it was or what I could do with it - meant to use it to heat edge finishing tools in my cobbler's kit but don't actually do thast work any more. I'll have to see whether or not I can find it - I have a hrrible feeling I may have binned it last clean up - but if I do I'll send in a photo of it.

Very lovely, one and all. From your personal collection, Mervyn?

I knew you guys were holding out on me! Every time I asked about the jacuzzi the head porter told me it was drained for sterilization. Which one of you was it who had the nasty rash anyway? Glad to join this august group! Peter

Great topic too! One wonders what happened to all the blokes with Roumanian or Italian medals from the First War who were still around in War Two. Did they keep wearing them or discreetly lock them in a bottom drawer until 'better days' came round again? Although he retired in 1937, I once owned a WWI Trio and Roumanian Order of the Crown to Captain "Branny" Branfoot, 37th Lcrs. An aquaintance from long ago lived next door to one of Branfoot's fellow officers and admitted to winding "Branny" up by suggesting that the Roumanian gong was because he didn't quite make the list for an M.C. he may not have been far wrong, either, as Branfoot had no connection with Roumania and it was apparently the custom of Britain's gallant European allies to send round bundles of medals and orders for the war office to deal out as it saw fit. Lovely medal though, with silver metallic thread in a powder blue ribbon. And a group of minatures which had been polished so assiduously between 1918 and '37 that they were thin enough to cut oneself on the edges. Peter

Nesderep Here's a website with some info. : http://www.rcnvr.com/P%20-%20RCN%20-%20WW2.php Good pictures of a WWII officer;s cap about half way down. Look for 'Piers' to go straight to the section.

Well done, that man! We'll save all the tough questions for you, Mike.

juno In the Indian Mutiny, 1855-56, General Sir Sam Browne lost his left arm to a tulwar [cavalry sabre] weilded by a reble sowar [trooper]. In consequence he had a belt designed which allowed him to still carry and draw his sword, without the use of a left hand to hold the scabbard. In addition, many officers took to sewing curb chains from bridles onto their shoulders to ward off such cuts. These were very popular and purpose made chainmail epaulettes quickly became a disntictive mark of light cavalry in particular. So, the epaulettes most probably date from after 1860, which would make them correct for both George III and George IV. General Sir Isaac Brock and several officers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment raised 1805, disbanded n1816] were Channel Islanders, though BrocK was from Guernsey. It seems to have been a place from which people came to the New World and the UK in search of careers. Peter

Yes, thanks for sharing. fascinating!

As I understand it, "Blackwater Fever" is in fact the result of recurring bouts of malaria which eventually damage the kidneys so that the sufferer is literally p***ing blood. hence the name. Not a nice way to go! Nor is malaria anything to be sneezed at. And I too speak from personal experience [Nigeria, 1978-80]. In fact, in the 19th century, the west coast of Africa along the Bight of Benin was known as "The White Man's Grave" because of the prevalence of nasty diseases. Thankfully, that is no longer as true. My younger daughter, who is studying International Relations with a minor in African history, tells me there is a vaccine for malaria now but that none of the big drug companies is very interested in marketing it as there is not enough money in it. Sadly true of many of the health problems afflicting the poorer nations of the Earth!

Desi Yes, I understand that Manchester is widely regarded as a tropical vacation spot for those who can't afford to go to Spainish Riveria. Much like British Columbia over here, wher the natives start to worry about drought if the moss on their north sides starts to wilt! Not finding the resources I thought I had on this topic, but I now have an introduction to a prof at one of our universities here in Ontario and have great hopes that he will have some leads for both you and I. More to come when he answers and we've had a chance to chat. Happy New Year! Peter

Desi I suspect you've already found this site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqTEZfh46AM - but I thought I'd include it anyway. Still looking for my copy of "The Tiger Strikes". I've come across "Indian Voices" but am still looking for a copy that doesn't cost the earth. Luckily I have a sister at the central reference branch of the Toronto Public Library and another at University of Toronto, so I can probably get loaner! Just out of curiosity, where in the world are you located? Peter

Desi Warrior By coincidence, I am just in the early stages of looking for similar info. from WWI. I work part time at a museum in Mississauga, Ontario, outside Toronto, Canada. 20-25% of the local population is south Asian and our curator and I are going to do an exhibit for 2014 on the Indian troops who served in France/Flanders in 1914. So, of course, I'm looking for local connections - folks in our area who had ancestors serving - and especially letters or diaries. I have to rush off but I'll write more later - I may have some places you can look. Peter

Komtur Can you give us a brief summary of how you tracjed down/identified the gent? Always interested in that kind of 'detective work'. Peter

I believe the cap is Russian and worn during the Afghanistan era. I know that only because a friend wears one as his summer sun hat.

"Those flags look really good. Weathered and all." A friend of mine is a retired academic who did a lot of 'digs' in Israel. He once explained "stamp out a bronze denarius, p**s on it, bury it in the back yard for a month and you've got a genuine Roman coin." I don't expect that weathering clothing and flags is much harder! As the man says, "Caveat Emptor!"

I agree. True artistry in this one!