Kev in Deva

Inner stampings, can somebody do a translation please? Kevin in Deva

Rear view. Kevin in Deva

Right-hand side. Kevin in Deva

Left-hand side, flap pulled a little to the rear to show ventilation hole. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents on another visit to my garage, I came across this item, while looking for something completely different Russian Infantry Mans cap with fold over ear flaps. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Carol I I have an email address somewhere in my office for a Mr. Marcel Iliese whom I believe is connected with the Romanian Air-Force, as soon as I locate it, I will send him an email and ask for clarification with regards the 1- 2 - 3 significance. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Carol I thank you for your post, but, I am told the Romanian Communist military grading system ran like the Romanian school grading system where exam results are graded 1 - 10, (and 10 being the highest). Romania Military proficency being graded as 1 - 2 -3, with the more exams / tests being passed. Also my wife who worked in the Romanian Airforce as a ground to air radio operator with a radar unit also explained the significance of the 1- 2 - 3- badges. Post edited as I have found out my statement with regards the grades was incorrect. Kevin in Deva

Number 3. Kevin in Deva

Number 2. Kevin in Deva

Close up of Number 1. Please notice the number is slightly offset from the center!! Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gentlemen, I recently acquired this set of Romanian Communist Airforce Mechanics Grade Badges. The badges differ in the Numerals on them, Number 1 being the highest Grade of proficency. Size: 50mm X 38mm. In the center of the insignia is a small enamelled Romanian Communist cypher Fixing system: Vertical Broach fastner. Plese note: The number 1 badge is a maker variation having a smooth back and longer pin than numbers 2 & 3. Kevin in Deva

Wrong again Mr. Keating, I am not Irish, I was born in Nottingham and have a nice big crown on my Birth Certificate, futher more my mother was of English blood, the only connection prior moving to Ireland to live was my mother married an Irishman. And I am proud to have served in the Irish Defence Forces for over 21 years 174 days. Mr. Kevin Ryan

If at any time the Chairman or Vice-chairman or Moderator feel I have overstepped the line then they will surely contact me with regards the issue, I wont be stand idely by listening to you ranting and raving of imagined vendettas, its an old trick when confronted with ones mistakes to shout and scream, hoping to distract the attention away from your own faults and misdeeds, its not the first time I have seen this particular tactic tried on but it does not phase me one bit. This thread and my posts have been here for weeks, only now in a fit of spite at getting your knuckles rapped over what you posted in the Lounge, did you bother to post so much with regards the "Heros of the iii reich" Seeing how this is a democracy I posted my views, especially when it concerns the admiration of the fascists by the old guys proudly wearing there nazi medals, As I have posted here and else wear we in the west have moved on beyond the point of pro-communist and pro-fascist, we may be pro-capitalist but many people can live with that. How you can mention the Old I.R.A. in the same context with the S.S. is beyond me, The Old I.R.A were fighting for the freedom of their country, as I recall, The SS on the other hand were spear-heading the invasion of Europe on the pretext of fighting Comminisum and eradicating the Jewish race, and the sub-human species of the east. (Or was that all Allied Propaganda)?? As for the blueshirts, what few survived the Spanish Civil War, were no threat to the stability of Ireland, and had not the political clout to invite hitler to come and join them. So you had Uncles who took the King's shilling, (like you took the Queens) but they went off to fight Fascism this I can respect. It seems that you cannot bear anybody to post anything contra-keating, without ranting and raving about alleged past spats, or members of the GMIC out to get you, andwhat has happened on other forums. Then deliver threatening emails and P.M.'s to the perceived offenders, very paranoid actions Mr. Keating, very paranoid. Mr. Kevin Ryan.

PK you can dress it up any way you want, rewrite European history to convince yourself the iii reich did no wrong, but you are convincing nobody, especialy not me. Kevin in Deva

I think it says 800 SILBER (but my wife says I do need new glasses) Kevin in Deva. P.S: there is also a mark on the cross in post 1: Grand Commander with Turquoise: Badge

There is also variations between the shape of the oak leaves and the sword tips, the I. R. Sword tip being more rounded. Kevin in Deva

Interstingly under the I. R. can be seen the "ghost" of I I I, I believe some of the WW1 tooling was adapted to produce the I. R. version. The ghost: Also there is a variation in the tops of the crosses, where the ribbon ring is mounted. Kevin in Deva

Rear. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gary, these two Crosses are in my collection, WW1 on the left, WW2 on the right. Front. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Pat I think its going to be a very long time in that particular drawer Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Gary Potted History of the Italian Cross of War: Acting on the recommendations of his Ministers for the Army, Navy and Colonies, King Vittorio Emanuele III established the Croce di Guerra by Royal Decree No: 204 of 19th January, 1918. This was designated a decoration to be granted at state exspense, to those who had conducted themselves ". . . . in a manner worthy of public recognition." All awards were made in the name of the King by senior officers (Commanders-in-Chief, Army and Corps commanders and their Naval counterparts), and were accompanied by a brevet or award certificate. Like the corresponding Belgian and French Croix de Guerre, the Italian Cross of War could be awarded on several grounds. It was for example: Granted to servicemen who had spent at least one year in Front Line duty or otherwise engaged with enemy forces, or who were wounded in combat and subsequently granted a decoration. In addition, it was to be conferred on individuals who had participated with gallentry in significant actions, and had been cited for bravery but not awarded a decoration. Those promoted for exceptionally meritorious service in the field under combat conditions were also to receive this decoration. Article 7 of the enabling Decree made provision for retro-active awards. It has not been acertained whether the decoraion was granted posthumously as well. Finally, provision was made for multiple awards, individuals could be granted up to three Crosses, the aditional awards being designated by 6mm bronze Royal Crowns mounted on the ribbon. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ So far I have no information stating it was granted to foreigners. With regards your spange, it has to be asked: Why would a German sport the Italian award and in particular why this WW1 award?? After the Italian Forces went over to the Allied side, Hitler gave an order that all Italian awards and ribbons were to be removed immedietely from German uniforms, this was, I believe rigidley enforced. Kevin in Deva Ps I attach a picture of a typical WW1 Group showing swords on the ribbon of the Cross of War.

Front view German Rucksack. With regards the 1958 Pattern Rucksack, two canvas straps over the shoulders, hooking into to "D" rings on the Yoke, two side clips hooking onto the rear of the ammo pouces, for more stability could be placed above the "Kidney Pouches". Kevin in Deva

Maker Stamp, dated to 1936 or 38? Kevin in Deva

Hallo Tony, please see pictures of the German Rucksack strap fittings: Kevin in Deva

Hallo 3mxd, what is the purpose of your post??? Kevin in Deva