azyeoman

I’m bumping this is the hope that Freiwillige has new items to post. What an interesting collection. Thanks for sharing!

I recently acquired a death plaque group that had had Velcro attached to the reverses of the medals and plaque in order to display them. The dealer from whom I purchased the group removed the Velcro, but there is a sticky residue remaining and I would like to know what suggestions anyone has for removing it and not damaging the metal nor changing the original color, which is essential to me. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance. John

Excellent research on a man who deserves to never be forgotten; capture, death marches, a hell ship and possibly dying alone all horrible experiences for a fine young soldier fighting for the free world. This emotive group is a good addition to your collection. Thank you for posting it

Thank you. It’s so nice having a photo to go along with the medals and biographical details.

G.S.M EIIR 1918-62, bar Arabian Peninsula to 766 Cpl. Ahmad Salim. T.O.S., Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal 1967, bronze; As-Samood Medal 1976, bronze; Peace Medal, bronze; 10th Anniversary Medal, silvered; Accession Medal 1970, silvered, a rare attributed group mounted as worn

Hi Tony, Thank you for responding; I really appreciate it. You may very well be correct and as of now, it appears to be the best option. Initially, I thought it might have been something from a shipping company like P&O, but there RC makes sense. Perhaps these ribbons were worn somewhere on a MN uniform; although I’ve yet to ever see that. I wonder if the RC has its own uniforms; it certainly liked medals and date bars as you’ve noted. Thanks again. John

Nursing Sister Elizabeth (Lilly) White Gray RRC was born on 30 June 1868, her father, Henry, was 44, and her mother, Sarah Jane (nee McClinton), was 38. She had four brothers and four sisters. She died on 19 October 1938, in Gravesend, Kent at the age of 70. When she was born, the family lived in Broughton, Lancashire (1871 census). Her eldest sister Sarah Ann who was born in 1856 died in 1889 in in Chorlton, Lancs. Her elder sister, Mary Jane who was born in 1857 died on 22 March 1902 in Kingston Upon Thames, Middlesex. Her brother John who was born in 1861, died on 22 October 1925, in West Kirby, Cheshire (3 Townfield Rd., West Kirby, Wirral, Cheshire). Her sister Henrietta (Ettie) who was born in 1864 died on 5 May 5 1928, in Surrey. Her brother, Henry Stuart (09/1872 – 1948) who later lived in Greater Manchester, Lancs. Her Father died in Bangor, Down, Northern Ireland at 59 years old in 1883 and her mother Sarah Jane passed away in 1922 in Manchester, Lancashire at the age of 92. Lilly was a nurse and qualified at the Royal Hospital, Salford. On 7 May 1897, she joined the Princess Christian’s Nursing Service Reserve, and her personnel number was 555. (AO 365). In July 1901 she was at No. 5 General Hospital Wynberg, S. Africa and in September 1901 she was at No. 12 General Hospital in Springfontein, S. Africa (A1598). She later served at No. 13 General Hospital, Wynberg, S Africa (AO 365). She is listed on the QSA Medal roll dated September 1901 in Springfontein (TNA WO100/229 pp.45, 79 and 163) and on the KSA Medal Roll (TNA WO100/353 p.28). There were on 587 KSAs awarded to nurses. QSA and KSA are both officially named to Nursing Sister E Gray (not officially re-impressed as often found). Sister Gray is also on the War Office Nominal Roll of Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service (Reserve) for 30th September. The 1911 census shows that Lilly, as a single 42-year old head of the house, was living in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey with her 80-year old mother Sarah Jane Gray and a single 42-year old servant, Mary Ann Shaw, who is the domestic general servant. Lilly’s occupation is “Hospital Nurse & Masseuse, QANR”. Her address was Broomlace, Latchmere Rd. Kingston Upon Thames, a house with seven (7) rooms. In WWI, Matron Elizabeth Gray was in the Territorial Force Nursing Service / Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service. Her start date was 1 January 1914 and her end date was 31 December 1920. (WO 399/23277) She was entitled to a BWM, Victory and TFWM. She arrived in France & Flanders on 29/05/1917 (WO372/23) She was also decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace with the Royal Red Cross (1st Class) on 27 June 1916. It was gazetted on 3 June 1916. (5602). If anyone knows where her BWM, Vic and TFWM along with her RRC are located, please contact me as I would like to reunite her medals. Elizabeth (Lilly) White Gray died on October 19, 1938, in the Gravesend and North Kent Hospital in Gravesend when she was 70 years old. She was living at 1 the Drive, Hill Side Old Road, East Gravesend, Kent. There is a probate record dated 20 December 1938.in which she left L1,360. 6s 2p to her spinster sister Margret Gray. She was interned in consecrated ground C 4735 on 22 October 1938 at the Kingston cemetery. For more information on the QAIMNSR see: https://boerwarnurses.com/boer-war-nurses-database/ Sister & Matron Elizabeth (Lilly) White Gray WO-372-23-16731.pdf Matron E Gray RRC .pdf

I recently acquired these as a lot. It's obvious that the three ribbon bar (pin back) consists of the BWM, MMWM and Victory Medal for World War I service. But, what I'm not familiar with are the two red and white ribbons bars (sewn on) with 1940-41 and 1941-42 respectively embroidered on them. Any help in identifying these and who would wear them and wear on the uniform would be greatly appreciated. They came together and I assume that someone from the Merchant Navy also served in WWII. Thanks very much in advance, John

A nice little group. I’ve not seen the Harrow medal before; it’s quite elaborate. It’s always great to put a face to a name! It’s too bad here wasn’t able to escape.

A lovely medal; what does the locomotive on the ribbon signify? Thanks, JL

Hi Rob, Great research on another escaper group. I look forward to your next post. john

As mentioned above, here are close ups of the '39 Star enamel ribbon bar. Has anyone see similar enamel ribbon bars for other WWII medals?

A very welcome addition of a rare QSA with two clasps to a corporal in the Farmer's Guards. QSA with OFS and SA01 officially named to: 33 Cpl. J. T. Smidt, Farmer's Guards. Confirmed as having served in A Troop (W)100/247) The Farmer’s Guard (formerly known as the Burgher Police) was formed in November 1901 from surrendered burghers who had to enlist for a 3-month period for of 5/- per day. They were responsible defending the property and cattle as well as for the safety of surrendered burghers who were farming in the so-called “protected area” of more than 30 km radius surrounding Bloemfontein. Their reported strength was 600 and they commanding officer was Major E M Morris. The majority of the men came from the vicinity of Bloemfontein as well as the Southern and Eastern Free State. By Feb 1902 the radius of the area had been increased to some 65 km. The outposts were spaced at 9 km intervals on the perimeter and were manned by groups of 5-10 guards.

Q.S.A. single clasp Talana. One of only 18 to the regiment and of 533 total single Talana-clasp QSAs. 5106 Pte. S.J. Jackson, 1 Leics. Regt. Taken prisoner at Talana Samuel Charles Jackson,a laborer, born in Sheffield in1879 and resided there too. He was the son of James of 26 Orton St. in Derby and had two brothers. He enlisted on 12/10/1897 in Leicester when 18 years and two months old. He was transferred to the 1st Bn. On 13/05/1899 when the regiment left for S. Africa. He was in S. Africa until 06/06/1900 (one year and twenty-five days) It is noted that he was missing after the Battle of Dundee (Talana) from the 20th to the 26th of October 1899. The roll confirms the single clasp, Talana. His service papers note that he was missing at the action and later released. He was returned home 7/6/1900, and was discharged on 27/02/1914. Jackson S C 5106 Private 1st Btn. Missing - released at Dundee. 26 Oct 1899. Source: Natal Field Force Casualty Roll, page 73 line 9 Jackson S C 1st Battalion, Volunteer Service Company Source: QSA and KSA medal rolls Jackson S E 5106 Private 1st Btn. Missing - released at Dundee. 26 Oct 1899. Source: Natal Field Force Casualty Roll, page 71 line 10 Jackson Samuel C 5106 Private QSA (1) QSA known to exist Source: List of QSAs with the clasp Talana from the Talana book The 1st Battalion was stationed at Glencoe, in the north of Natal, when the war broke out. It thus formed part of the brigade of General Penn Symons, the other battalions being the 1st King's Royal Rifles, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, and 2nd Dublin Fusiliers. There were also at Glencoe the 18th Hussars and the 13th, 67th, and 69th Batteries RFA. Actual fighting commenced at 3.20 am on the morning of 20th October, when a Mounted Infantry picquet of the Dublin Fusiliers was fired on and driven in. At 5.50 am the enemy occupied Talana Hill with artillery, and commenced shelling the camp. The troops were soon set in motion. To the Leicesters and 67th Battery was assigned the duty of guarding the camp with its great quantities of stores. The general decided to attack with his other infantry and artillery. These moved away and were soon in extended order advancing to a wood, which the commander had decided to use as a breathing place. The wood was gained between 7 and 8 am, the 13th and 69th Batteries meanwhile keeping up a heavy and accurate fire on the enemy's positions. About 8.50 the infantry again advanced, and as they left the wood had to face a terrible rifle-fire both from their front and flank. Sir W Penn-Symons, who had been exposing himself with rash bravery, fell mortally wounded about 9.30; Brigadier General Yule, now in command, directed the infantry to move to a wall stretching some distance along the hillside, from which wall a very heavy fire was being kept up by the Boers. The two batteries redoubled their efforts. The 1st King's Royal Rifles on the right first reached the wall, followed by some companies of the Irish Fusiliers; the Dublin Fusiliers also made their way up a little later. After another breathing space under cover of the wall the troops jumped the wall and scrambled up the steep face. At 1 pm the crest was gained and the enemy fled. Then followed the first blackguardly use of the white flag. Within easy range of our artillery were to be seen "clumps of 50 and 100 men on which guns could have inflicted great loss. The enemy, however, displayed a white flag, although they do not appear to have had any intention of surrendering, and in consequence the officer commanding Royal Artillery refrained from firing". One can scarcely acquit this officer from being very easily taken in, as the enemy's continued movement contradicted any idea of surrender. The infantry had done magnificently; the same cannot be said of the Hussars, or at least those under Colonel Moller, who managed to get lost among the enemy, and was taken prisoner with 200 men. The artillery did well, but it seems beyond doubt that they fired at the hill-top after it was occupied by our people, causing some loss, particularly to the King's Royal Rifles. The range was short, and artillery officers with proper glasses should have seen when the British troops were up. The Leicesters lost 1 officer killed, 1 wounded, and 1 man wounded. On the 21st General Yule moved his camp to a better position. On the 22nd he resolved to retreat on Ladysmith. At nine at night in silence, without bands or pipers, the force set out by the east or Helpmakaar road, the dying general, the other wounded, and the doctors being left. A great mass of stores had also to be left to the enemy, as its destruction would have made him suspect the intended retreat; while, on the other hand, a twelve hours' start was absolutely necessary. To have fought their way to Ladysmith would have been an impossible task for Yule's column in that hilly country. As it was, the Boers showed that inexplicable want of energy which seemed at times in the campaign to paralyse them. Probably the good things left in Dundee had something to do with the lack of activity. Fortunate it was that General Yule was not interfered with by the enemy, but the elements were not favourable. The rain at times fell in torrents; roads knee-deep in mud and swollen spruits made marching very heavy work, while but little sleep was obtainable between the 21st and 26th. For more information on the battle: https://www.britishbattles.com/great-boer-war/battle-of-talana-hill/

This is a very nice group! It's just the sort I would enjoy in my Boer War PoW collection. Congrats and thanks for posting photo and research.

Wow Mike, That's a spectacular group and I can see why it's your best and favorite. I look forward to your posting on the Colonel who was staff for Allenby and Lawrence; I suspect that might end up being your favorite. ; ) Cheers, John

Hi Mike, Great collection. How's your roll of existing Canadian Scout QSAs for the Boer War going? I hope well. Are you going to do the same with the any other units?

Hi Christophe, Although it resembles a RN LSGC, the white stripes are too narrow and that ribbon is not watered. I don’t think it’s British. All the best, J

The pair to Sivil is exceptionally nice. Thanks for sharing!

This is a very interesting group to a 1919 recipient of the OBE for war services regarding his repatriation of British PoWs from Rotterdam and Belgian refugees from Hull. The group consists of an OBE (type I, civil) with the reverse hallmarked 1919, a BWM and Mercantile Marine Medal officially named to Leonard D Pinckney. Pinckney's OBE was noted in the London Gazette of 26 of March 1920 under the King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services in connection with the War, to be dated 1st January, 1920:— Captain Leonard Durnford Pinckney. Master, SS Khyber. Captain Leonard Pinckney received his early training in Conway and in due course entered the P & O Service. In August 1914 he commanded the Somali, and was engaged in the trooping service to and from India and Gallipoli. The P&O steamship SS Somali was built in 1901 by Caird & Co of Greenock, Scotland. She acted as a Hospital ship conveying wounded Australians at Gallipoli during WW1. Later the Somali was equipped as a hospital ship and then he conveyed wounded from Gallipoli to Malta and Alexandria. She was broken up in Denmark in 1923 SS Somali Later, while in command of SS Khyber after the armistice, Capt. Pinckney did eminent service in connection with the repatriation of prisoners of war from Rotterdam and Belgian refugees from Hull. SS Khyber was owned by the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O Line) and used on the India/Far East service where she conveyed Australian troops home after WW1. She was sold to Japan as scrap in 1931. Captain Pinckney died suddenly at Port said on 23 October 1925 while commanding the P & O liner SS Mantau on an outward journey to China and Japan. Capt. Pinckney who was 55 years old had gone ashore and was at a luncheon table when he had a seizure and expired almost immediately. He was very popular with the traveling public and his officers. SS Mantua HMS Mantua was a 20th-century ocean liner and armed merchant cruiser. She was launched in 1909 as a passenger ship. Mantua was outfitted as an armed merchant cruiser in 1914 and served with the Royal Navy during World War I. On a voyage to Freetown in 1918, the passengers and crew of Mantua inadvertently spread the 1918 flu pandemic to Africa. HMS Mantua

Thanks for the info. I appreciate you looking him up.

This is a great thread. I look forward to your next one! Thank you!!!

That’s a beautiful miniature. I’ve never seen anything like it. Thanks for sharing.

I just came across another British enamel ribbon bar of the 1939 star. Unfortunately, there are no maker's marks on the reverse. I'll post better photos, once I have them in hand.

This is a great help Michael! Thank you very much. I found the three editions of “The Castle”online that list that he served as you’ve mentioned. I will write the regimental museum and see if it’s possible to get some more info and perhaps even a photo. I suspect the MID may not be available, but hope springs eternal! Thanks very much again! John