peter monahan

I would think it likely that he was executed. In British common law, drunkenness has never been recognized as a defecne to any criminal charge, tough it may have a bearing on the sentence. In a case lie that one, epecially in war time, I would think it likely that an example would have been made and the convicted man given the ultimate penalty unless there were extenuating circumstance - extreme provocation, a previously spotless record or both.

Nice find! Maybe one of the more tech savvy moderaotrs can figure out the phot problem. It would be nice to see a photo of same.

Perhaps just a touch, yes.

Tony Thanks for the generopus offer! Actually, I was doing a quick scout out, as I don't yet own the medals. Will probably not acquire them but if I do I'll be sure to take you up on that. Thanks agai, mate. Peter

Cheers, Tony. That's a start. Peter

Thank you for the information, Eatmeat. I certainly would not have guessed Danish, as I believe you are right that there were no Dabes there in 1815.

As you say, that would make a small unit's medals even more scarce. Probably not possible to prove it one way or the other however. Having any paperwork is a bonus, however.

I wonder if any members have access to records covering the WWI service of 67366 Pte. J. Tomlinson, RAMC. Just came across his medals over here. Interesting that he served early enough for a 1914-15 Star but seems never to have risen above the rank of Private. Any help would be appreciated. Peter

Certainly for an officer, in most cases, the collars would have been regimental badges. Also true for many but not all of the CEF battalions, depending on how large and how long they lasted. Many of the higher numbered battalions - there were over 200 in all - only numbered 600-700 men when they reached England and were broken up for reinforcements. So, for example, my great uncle joined the 155th [Bay of Qunite] Battalion and went to England with them in early 1916, where the unit was broken up. He, and many of his comrades, fought in the 21st Battalion.

My sister found this colourized photo for sale for $1.00 on the street in Toronto and gave it to me. A sad fate for something which clearly meant a lot to someone once upon a time. The reverse says " SWAINE 146 New Bond St., W. Southsea ".

Not my area at all, but looks to me like a standard issue set of kit for a US GI. Here is a site which reproduces all these pieces and can provide you with the model and year of introduction for each: http://www.wwiiimpressions.com/newusarmygear.html Here's a shot of the canteen and cover, for example.

A not unattractive order. Do you have any information at all on what the recipeint did to earn the award? I suspect some members would also be interested in who makes the orders and whether or not their are multiple grades. Thank you for your post. Peter

Very nice, James. I recall the excitement a number of years ago now - probably not long after the movie came out - when a US dealer [?] offered a set to the Bushveld Carbineers for sale. No idea how common those were, but I suspect not very and I believe I recall chatter at the time to the effect that some members of the unit had their medals named or re-named to other units after the trial and executions. Thansk for sharing those. Any information on Trooper Condon's service with the unit?

The penny is probably the one presented to the candidate for induction into the Masons as his 'wages' for quarry work and 'Hiram, Tyrian, Widow's Son...' was apparently carved into one of the stones of Solomon's Temple, the premier symbol of the Masonic order. Here is a site which outlines the ceremony used in initiating candidates: http://www.darkfiber.com/tomb/htwsstks.html Peter

"I don't believe for one minute that the Royal Mint had a new staff memeber who didn't know the criteria, there is certainly something fishy going on there!! I would suggest that the Royal Mint simply produce the medals they have been requested to produce and have no say or question any of these medals." I completely agree. This sounds to me like the RM's version of 'P*** off, sir.' and 'We don't much care whether you believe us.' I also agree that it does, to some extent, detract from the awards to those who genuinely have the years in. That said, taking them back is likely productive of more heat and fuss than its worth, unless it becomes clear that there are many many cases like this. As to who cares, one could I suppose call the press. It would almost certainly get on someone's radar and a published story would certainly produce much heat, if not much light, on the topic. I suppose writing the Chief Constables wouldn't help but a letter might have them taking a little more care in future.

OFF TOPIC When I lived in Toronto in the 1980sour 'quarters' [25 cent pieces] had the same weight and obverse as a large number of coins from the various West Indian commonwealth members. Not surprising, as most were mad by the Canada Coin Company in Ottawa. However, they regularly turned up in change in the school cafeteria after some of my students had gone on hols. Most were worth 6-8-10 cents Cdn but I used to collect them from the staff.

And with that name he is almost certainly a Pathan from the NorthWest Frontier area. The same fellows who gave the British [and Russians, and Alexander's Macedonians] so much trouble for 150 years! Nice medal.

"Some fine images, peter, particularly of 'The Duke' on his rearing horse. I was curious. Who are those fine fellows (third from top) in bearskin caps with blue and white feathers, red coats and white pantaloons, attacking the British square?" I believe they are Dutch infantry, but not with my brigade so I'm not sure exactly which regiment. Peter

That is simply gorgeous! Thank you very much indeed for sharing the object and you talent. Peter

I would be very very leary of wetting [and shampooing] an old bearskin. You might well wind up with handfuls of loose fur and a leather bonnet instead. One idea, with is non-intrusive, to try and eliminate the odour is to enclose the piece in air tight plastic - a garment bag from your local dry cleaner - with an open container of coffee grounds, perhaps 1/4 pound. Let it sit for a couple days, stirring the grounds every day and see if that helps. Conservation, for musuems, has a key principle: NEVER do anything you cannot undo, which generally includes adding solutions to anything permeable - no oils, polishes, paints, chemicals etc. Musuems, of course, are in it for the long haul and you may want something to spruce up the bearskin for a few years but, caution should be your watchword. Here is a site of on-line resources for museum professionals. perhaps googling 'fur' and 'skins' will produce a solution for you. http://cool.conservation-us.org/search.html Hope this is some help. Peter

The joke while we were there was that all 6 of the Greys troopers hoped to be 'Sergeant / Ensign Ewart' by the end of the event. Not sure which, if any of them, was chosen. I saw some photos on another site of the 'French eagle' being landed in England and transported through London in a carriage, but it looked as if the escort were all gilded staff wallahs. I suspect Sgt Ewart got a hearty handshake, extra grog, and a 'Well done, that man!' before going back to the troop lines to groom his horse and polish his tack! The commission came along later.

Not sure I undersatnd the question. Sorry!

I probably should have known that! [insert mildly embarassed emoticon here] Thanks, Mike.

Yes, well a dollar was worth a dollar back then. And on a tangentially related note, I have just come across a WWI lad who got stoppage of field allowance and a fine of 25 cents per diem for the 78 days he spent in a hospital in France with VD, in 1917. But, as a military doctor friend of mine pointed out, nobody shot at him for 78 days either and, she says, it is alleged that one actually paid more in some brothels for the girls with VD! Intriguing notion!