j-sk

By the way, what does "R3" stands for? Is it some kind of "rarity class" used by Tiainen? Regarding "variation 3", does it mean that numbers 1000-1059 + unnumbered crosses were ONLY manufactured for museum and collectors… OR were they ALSO manufactured for museum and collectors? If only variations 1 and 2 were issued to SS veterans, I make out that only circa 720 of them received the cross, although about 1140 could have received it out of the 1408 who voluntered in the Finnish SS battalion (circa 270 were killed or missing) = 420 suitable beneficiaries did not receive the cross… Unless they got one of the variation 3 type…(?)… It is slightly puzzling, I must say...

Splendid ! Thanks a lot ! This is an invaluable information. Regarding "R3" for museums and collectors, is there any reason why 60 (1000 - 1059) were numbered when the others were not ? That sounds weird, doesn't it ? Is there a specific significance ? What is so special about the numbered ones ?

How interesting! Thank you very much for your offering to scan the pages with the SS cross. I am quite interested! You can Indeed PM the scans to my address (kfamily@hispeed.ch) or share them here on GMIC. All the best.

Thank you JohanH for your message and information. I have heard that the first batch of crosses (up to circa n°400) were made of iron. One such medal was sold by the Canadian seller Emedals. But I know that Jani Tiainen is THE reference on this topic. I have read extremely positive feedbacks about his book and I have always tried to get one copy, but I do not know where I can get it (and my knowledge of the Finnish language is about… well almost ZERO...)

Hi again, Does anybody know if the cross issued in 1958 for the Finnish SS volunteers was ONLY made of iron? Any variation as regards the metal used (bronze, brass, etc.)?

Thank you all for your invaluable comments.

Good evening Gentlemen, Can anyone of you help me identify this Finnish (… or is it Finnish…) medal? Reverse: blank / Diameter: 33mm Thank you in advance. Cheers, Jean-Sam. Karlen

In the mean-time, I have found sources indicating that it could be related to: - the Intelligence Corps, or - the Yorkshire Volunteers. … but am I right…?

Good evening Gentlemen, Does anybody know what regiment or corps this button made of gilding metal is related to (the badge of this OSD cap had been removed before I bought it)? Cheers, J-SK

Another interesting link. Thank you Tony.

Since this jacket was issued in 1942, was it worn with the 1937 pattern webbing belt/equipment (or with an earlier equipment; e.g. 1925 pattern) ?

Thanks. I'll follow that lead.

Thanks a lot TONY for this most valuable link! Regarding the collar badges (flaming grenades) they are similar to the Royal Engineers ones, but without UBIQUE. Territorial Army? What about the shoulder titles then (lacking here)? Was it common practice in the British Army (excluding other Commonwealth forces) to wear them?

Good evening Gentlemen, A very good friend of mine has recently given me what looks like a 1907 pattern other ranks' jacket with Royal Engineers collar badges. I recall he bought it in the mid-eighties. In the inside, apart from various off-white painted markings, there is a tag with the Broad Arrow stating "... 1942", printed in blue. (See the pictures in attachment). Was this pattern still in use in the British Forces during WW2? I thought it was already replaced then by the waist-long battledress. Or is it a relic from "Dad's Army"? Could anyone help me finding out? Thank you in advance. Best regards, J-S K

Thank you Makedon for this invaluable information.

Thank you Megan for your help!

Thank you for your information. I hope someone out there will be able to translate those "Greek legends".

Hello Gentlemen, Can anybody help me identify the four Greek medals in attachment. As I do not speak Greek, can anyone translate the legends? Thank you in advance. All the best, Jean-Sam.

Since we are "straying in Italy", does anybody have information about the following pilot's wings (period, qualification, civil or military, etc.)? What's that "I" in the middle refering to?... unless these wings are not Italian at all... Thank you in advance. All the best, Jean-Sam.

Hello, Although I am not 100% sure about it, this medal would have been issued to members of a special corps of the Italian Resistance during WW2. Whether it was given for a special deed, for valour or as a commemorative token, I do not know. Above: the head of a wolf with "In bocca al lupo" (i.e.: [shoot] straight into the wolf's mouth), an Italian saying meaning "Good luck". Below: the Italian flag and "C.V.L.", standing for "Corpo Volontari della Libertà" (Freedom Volunteers Corps). Reverse: should be blank. I hope this helps. Al the best.

You may not speak Italian, Hugh, but your translation is absolutely spot on.

If you want to know ALL about the current insignias (medals included) of the Swiss Armed Forces, see the following link: http://www.armee.ch/abzeichen or order the "Reglement 51.009/III dfie" (issued in German, French, Italian and English) at the following address: Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics FBL; 3003 Bern; Switzerland. RE the medals: ONLY the ribbon bars are worn on the uniform, NOT the medals (officially called "mission insignias"). The medals are only issued to servicemen as a commemorative token, to be displayed on their mantleshelf or kept in a drawer. Please note that OFFICIAL orders, distinctions and medals (such as the French Legion d'honneur, etc.) CAN be worn by Swiss officials (such as an ambassador, for instance) PROVIDED they get a special authorization from the Federal Counsel (Government), although NOT on uniforms. Also note that the Pope's Swiss Guards do receive Vatican medals and wear them on their rather colourful uniform, even on such occasions as the visit of the Pope in Switzerland or other Catholic celebrations.

Thank you both for your comments & infos. All the best.

Hello Gentlemen, I have recently seen the following and rather attractive US medal. It looks like a WW1 commemorative medal, but I do not know which organization issued it (US Army...? A veterans' association...?) and when. What about the ribbon and it's mounting brooch? Any idea? Should anybody know, his comments would be most welcome. All the best. Jean-S. Karlen

Thank you all for your interesting replies. Jean-Sam.