Kev in Deva

And hopefully they are wearing the 1957 pattern and not the originals Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, I was just watching on the National Geographic Channel on tv a program about the M1 Abrahns being refurbished from old, knocked out M1 tanks (apparantly no new tanks have been made since 1993), the carcasses are stripped of the 1,200 parts, and up-graded, as you get to the part in the program where they marry the turret to the hull it was interesting to see little Kangaroo stenciled on the front of the turret, so these must be some the ones heading off to Australia. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Darrel try this chaps web-site for info on Purple Hearts. http://www.purplehearts.net/index.html Kevin in Deva

Hallo Richard Very nice display, sometimes they say "a change is as good as a rest" Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, Wait till they see the fuel bill Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, I think its a pity to see an ex-serviceman with more bought medals from "Associations" than official issued service medals There is a Danish U.N Association offering an "Official" 50 year Commemoration Medal for the UN for over 80 Euros. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, this topic or one very similar cropped up on the Great War Forum, and was rated as British Press Propaganda, East Anglian Daily Times. (forunner of the "Sun" Monday November 16 1914 British Officer?s Iron Cross. Wounded German rescued under fire. Paris, Saturday. One of the noblest and at the same time, most dramatic stories of battle-field heroism that the war is likely to produce reached Paris today. It is as follows: During a recent combat German troops attacked the British trenches but were repulsed. They retired to their own trenches, taking with them their wounded, but one of the latter was overlooked and left behind. A comrade, observing him, left the German trenches to effect a rescue, but was almost immediately killed by the British fire, a score of bullets piercing him. A British officer, however, realised the situation and, having given the order ?cease fire? himself, went out into the open to pick up the wounded German. He was struck by several bullets and badly wounded, but the Germans as soon as they saw what his object was, also ordered the ?cease fire?. Thereupon the British officer staggered to the fallen man and carried him to the German lines. A German officer received him with a salute and, calling for cheers, pinned upon the breast of the British hero an Iron Cross. Then the Britisher returned to his own trenches. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross for this notable example of chivalry, but succumbed to his wounds. Signed Alfred J Rorke, Central News." I find it all very convenient, first a heroic German goes out to the rescue and gets killed, the British Officer orders cease fire, he goes out and in turn gets shot by the Germans, who then in turn order a cease fire, the German officer decorates the heroic British officer who despite several bullet wounds wanders casually back to his own trenches. And convieniently dies of his wounds A. Of interest is the way Alfred J. Rorke refers to the officer as "the Britisher". B. When supposedly rescued there was no firing taking place. C. It would be interesting to know, when the German Army first decorated any officers with the Iron Cross Ist Class in 1914, seeing as the war started in August, this event was reported to have happened in early November. D. Seeing as the Officer was reccomended for a Victoria Croos, a record of the event with the Officers name must be available somewhere. E. And surely as a propagada coup, the name of the brave British Officer who succumed to his wounds, would have made the papers back home. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo JimZ I would be more interested to know what their own countrymen would have thought of them, maybe held in contempt by the vast majority, like Quisling in Norway, Petain in France, and other lackys of the iii reich. With regards the names I quoted: RENEGADES, Hitlers Englishmen, by Adrian Wheale ISBN 0 297 814885 Kevin in Deva

Hallo JimZ I suppose history has many examples to offer, with varying degress of sucess or failure, a list from WW2 alone could be compiled using many British names including; William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw), Benson Railton Metcalf Freeman (RAF pilot captured by the Germans and Waffen ss) Duncan Alexander Croall Scott-Ford (dismissed from the RN for petty crime joined the Merchant Navy.) Harold Cole (Deserter and petty con-man, who betrayed the "PAT" escape route to the Germans and began active collaboration with the Germans). Other British citizens were: Theodor Sch?rch, "Sergeant" Styles, and Marirtte Smart. I am sure there were others in the mold of Carmelo Borg Pisani, from Egypt, Greece, Albania, India, Belgium, France, Norway, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, etc.. etc.. Might be an idea to start a seperate thread called Traitors of WW2. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Jacky, not 100% sure but his Beret insignia, I believe is connected to the Dutch Marines Kevin in Deva

Hallo Jorge I dont see how the political instability can reflect on the troops rediness to fight, either the troops were well trained and well equipped or not well trained and well equipped. From http://www.worldwar1.com/france/portugal.htm : "After the German declaration of war on 9 March 1916, the Portuguese government pledged to send an expeditionary force to fight on the Western Front. Overcoming considerable difficulties, Portugal managed to raise a well equipped and trained force in just three months. This astounding achievement, of which a celebrated parade held at Montalvo in 22 July 1916 was the crowning glory, became known as "the miracle of Tancos" (Tancos being the camp where the forming of the Portuguese units and the training of its soldiers took place)." (Again, no disrespect intended but this reads more like wishful thinking on the part of the Portuguese, and it is a well known fact that you cannot generate a perfect soldier in just 12 weeks ready for combat). Also, this parade was held on the 22nd of July 1916 yet it was the 2nd of February 1917 before the troops began arriving in France!, were the first troops who were on the parade of 22nd July 1916 held in Portugal, or did most of these troops travel to serve in the African campaign?? And by the way to bring ths thread back to the original topic, Jorge I am of the orinion that the "C" bar in the picture at the start of the thread was never intended to fit on the Victory medal ribbon, do you know the diamensions of the ribbon for: Commemorative Medal of the Campaigns of the Portuguese Army. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo JimZ at the end of the day, the wishes of his immediate family should be respected, after all Italian (and German) Planes were bombing the island constantly in WW2, to accept an award from Italy might be misconstrued by the families neighbours and acquaintances. I supose there is no evidence that entire family was pro-Maltese liberation or allies to Italy?? or that they wish to re-write history, (their son was not a Maltese freedom-fighter) their son was caught in the service of Italy, in civilian clothes, therefore under the Rules of War, a spy, and he paid the price. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, I have had a copy of this very informative book now for about 10 years, and have taken the liberty to quote from it with regards certain items connected to wound badges and next of kin insignias. It is a little dated with regards to what was known at the time about Wound medals and insignia in the communist-block countries, Romania for example is very scantly described. But still a very good read. Kevin in Deva.

Nah Guys, he is a peg-leg maker using the latest squirel powered peg-leg shaver, depending which of the 3 sockets the wooden peg is placed in, affects the diameter of the peg-leg, a technical wonder for its day. The bells are rung to announce which stage the process is at by the squirrel. Having a real peg-leg operator was a major advertising advantage as the man could answer and potential customers questions with regards the items being made, such as a good wood for wet ground (particularly of interest to any one-legged swamp-dwellers from the Fens Do the straps chaffe . . .etc. . etc. . However a unscruplous company might hire a "civilian" dressed in military uniform as a cheap trick, accounts have been recorded, that when such a trick was discovered the man, machine and squirel were deposeted in the nearest cess-pit Kevin in Deva

Hallo Jorge, May I ask one question, you state in your post 7,500 dead but on the web-page you posted a link to: it states: "The total losses of the CEP on the Western Front in 1917-1918 amounted to 2160 dead, 5224 wounded and 6678 prisoners." Did you mistakenly combine the dead and wounded figures?? Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Jorge many thanks for your quick reply to my comments, I fully understand what you mean with regards to the wearing of such devices (I wonder why though we have never come across more than one "C" device before now on a Victory Medal ribbon). Personaly I think Mr. Laslo (who, we have to remember was researching, and eventually published a book on the Inter-Allied Victory Medal of the Great War) and not doing a combat evaluation on the military forces from the various countries. I have come across various references as regards the qualities of the Portuguese in books, (see The Imperial War Museum book of 1918 Year of Victory, pages 84 - 86) where it states: . . . (Ludendorff's). . "attack caught the Portuguese in the act of being relieved. They broke and fled in confusion." And. . . from Captain R.G.C Dartford, British Liason Officer attached to the Portuguese his account suggests, of which the following are brief extracts, also suggests that among those who did not retreat, including some ofthe attached British, there were many casualties: 9 April Tues. Woke at 4.10 a.m very heavy shelling. Guessed from the start it meant an attack. Phoned to brigade - every communication cut already. Next 3 hours we could do nothing, but nearly got aphyxiated by lack of oxygen owing to having to keep the gas blankets down. Heavy fog on and everybody seemed isolated from the others. I think the Boche must have taken our frontline about 8.30 and the B line at 8.45 and was up to battalion HQ by 9.15 or so. One message from X. de Costa (C.O. 29th Battalion) said he no longer had any command and that it was now a question of individuals fighting out. He was killed we learnt after. So was Captain Montenegro, O.C. 20th Battalion (right) and nothing is known of Montalvao (left) and Woodrow and Sgt Ransdale. I know there is a tendency when things go wrong to look for a scapegoat and possibly the Portuguese took a lot of the blame, but also the following comments by Brigadier-General F.P. Crozier, a senior officer of Irish extraction and doughty reputation, has left a terse but vivid description of the state of affairs on the eve of the German attack, and of the opening of the attack itself: On the night of the 7th - 8th April we arrive in the line south of Armentieres. On the right are the Portuguese. I don't like the feel of things - all is quiet - too quiet. I go down to the Portuguese front with a Colonel. We walk seven hundred yards and scarcely see a sentry. We examine rifles and ammunition lying about. All are rusty and useless. "Where are the men?" I ask my companion. A snore gives me the answer. Practically all the front line sleeps heavily and bootless in cubbyholes covered with waterproof sheets, while their equipment hangs carelessly about . . . "Our communications trenches are fearfully bad," says the Colonel, "stretchers can't move with ease in them!" "I know", I say, "I'll see what can be done about them, but from what I can see," I think we'll be shot out of this at dawn, via, the rear!" I go back to my headquarters in a farm, and report what I have seen. "They're always like that", says a member of the British Mission attached to the Portuguese, on the telephone. "They should not be there", I say "thats the crime". In the early morning of 9th April, a deafening bombardment wakes me up. Before long my batman Starrett arrives, "Put this on" he orders, holding out my gas respirator, "and get dressed at once. You'll be wanted. I'll pack the kit. Get you to the telephone place, it's strong." I obey! All is mystery and gas. The Portuguese bolt and leave the way open." I would like to know if any members of the forum have any information pertaining to the days before the German attack against the Portuguese postions, normaly attacks are launched at quiet or weak sectors of the line, German recon reports from this period and postion of the line might give some clue as to the expected resistence from the enemy. Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to fix the blame on anybody and certainly dont want to imply that the men who gave their lives did so without good cause. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Alex K The particular gentleman mentioned (Hunyadi of the 15th Century) has a castle up the road from me in Hunedoara. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Jorge thanks for the additional information with regards the Portuguese awards, to me, it does not cite that a Portuguese soldier could wear a "C" device on a victory medal ribbon, the Victory medal is not a campaign medal, good service medal or valour medal. The victory medal just denotes the participation of Portugal on the winning side in the Great War for Civilisation. I still believe the "C" device on a Victory medal ribbon is totaly unofficial, and against regulations, while I have seen many pictures of the Portugeuse Victory medal I have never seen one with the "C" device, (not counting the one featured in the start of this thread) and unless one turns up being worn in an old picture by a veteran, then I will continue to believe its not official or permitted. I have seen mention of the clasp, authorised by Decree No: 5:400 of 12th April 1919, the clasp "Batalha de La Lys, 9-14-1918" to the Commemorative Medal of the Campaign of the Portuguese was instituted for those wounded in combat on that fateful day. Provisions for the "FRANCA 1917-1918" Clasp to the Commemorative Medal of the Campaigns of the Portuguese Army, are contained in Decree No: 5:400 0f 12th April 1919, Because the Victory Medal was now associated with the "FRANCA 1917 - 1918" clasp, Decree No. 5:400, in effect, also outlined eligibility for the Victory Medal for personnel of the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps. Personnel entitled to the Commemorative Medal with "FRANCA 1917-1918" clasp and award conditions are summarized as follows: a. Soldiers, nurses, and civilians who are part of the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps and in the war zone for more than two consecutive months during the period of 4th March 1917, the date of the formation of the Corps in the war zone, to the Armistice on 11 November 1918. Hospital personnel of the Portuguese Red Cross were considered to be part of the Expeditonary Corrps. b. Personnel of the Independant Heavy Artillery Corps between 2nd March 1917 and 11th November 1918. c. Foreigners of either sex who were deemed worthy of entitlement by virtue of their services in the war zone to Portuguese units. d. The war zone included the locations of: Brest, Etaples, (Paris-Plage), Boulogne, Ambleteuse, and Calais. The original Decree which established the the Portuguese Victory Medal conformed with the intent of the Inter-Allied Commission that the medal should be reserved for combatants, while the amending Decree extended entitlement to both combatant and support forces. To partially rectify this disparity, Decree No. 6:756 of the 10th July 1920 established a silver star suspension and service ribbon device to recognise those persons who served in combat as defined by Decree No. 6:186. This five pointed star has a radius of 3mm and was to be placed in the middle of the ribbon buckle. The star is secured to the ribbon by two prongs which are pushed through the ribbon fabric and then bent over. Decree No. 6:568 was later amended by Decree No. 8:993 of 17th July 1923 to include those military personnel refered to in Law No. 1:123 of the 4th March 1921. Law No. 1:123 established clasps for the Commemorative Medal of the Campaigns of the Portuguese Army for services during the war in the maritime defense of the "Entrenched Camp of Lisbon" and the cities of Funchel (Madeira Islands) and Ponta Delgada (Azores). These clasps bear the legend "C.E.L., Defesa Maritima 1916 - 1918", "Funchal, Defesa Maritima 1916 - 1918 and "Ponta Delgada, Defesa Maritima 1916 - 1918." In all of the above, I see no mention to a "C" device (??) Kevin in Deva

Hallo Alex K, When you have a moment could you post close ups of the 1870 Iron Cross, front and rear please. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Doc, glad to be of help, anytime Kevin in Deva

Hallo Alex, the stampings on Austrian medals can denote the maker, or that the import tax has been paid on them when they were sent to Hungary or other Austrian Provences There is probably a far more complicated way of stating it but I only know the simple way Charles a.k.a Hunyadi will probably chip in here, (if he is not to busy celebrating Easter this weekend ) Kevin in Deva

Hallo Alex K You only need the ribbon, as the Swords on the "Karl Troop Cross" ribbon should not be there, in my opinion. Sometimes finding the Austrian swords alone is very hard Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Alex K, this is the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef Bravery award, it can be found in Bronze and Silver (the Silver was also issued in a large size as well) please see page 6 Post 106 at: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=7352&st=100 I have never encountered a zink version of it, and maybe some of the other Forumites could add there comments here. Old F J kicked the bucket in 1916 and Emperor Carl / Karl / Carol started to issue his version of the Austrian Bravery Medals, they have got Carls image and the word "Fortividini" to the rear, instead of "Der Tapferkeit". Kevin in Deva

Hallo Alex K, even with the wrong ribbon its a sweet cross and box, feel free to post a picture of the rear. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Greg I must say a really stunning display and very well presented, in the new house take two rooms for display purposes, as you can never have enough space. Kevin in Deva