Kev in Deva

Hallo naoki matsumoto When Germany was defeated in WW2 it was forbiden to display the swatika and SS insignia on anything, including medals and decorations, German veterans removed the swastikas from their awards and badges to conform with the new regulations. In 1957 the German government allowed the issue of replacement medals and insignia, which were authorised in a new version without any nazi insignia, (only military awards) polltical and SS awards / insignia still being banned. Many veterans kept their de-nazified awards though. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo JimZ As far as I can recall we got matching sets, i.e. either it was all press studs or all "buckle" type, but I have seen Reserve soldiers being issued mis-matched sets. We used a commercial Blanco of a light-green colour, we had to buy it and the "Brasso" in the Barrack Canteen. And we used the famous "Button-Stick" to help clean around the brass fittings, but no matter how well it was done some poor bugger failed and had to leg it around the "Square". Irish Army Button Stick: Kevin in Deva

Hallo Ed, the sellers description was "an unknown base metal!!" Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gents, May I get your opinions on this piece. Originals I believe were in Silver? Thank you. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo JimZ Another point of interest is some types of these webbing pouches and wallets can be found with press-stud fastenings the other with buckle-type fastenings. In recruit training we had to scrub and re-blanco the webbing as well as shine all the brass bits nightly ready for next mornings parade and inspection Any one failing the inspection got drill with full-pack and to jog around the square with the rifle held over the head of course you had to stop and salute any officer who happened to be passing as well Kevin in Deva

Hallo Jimz, we used this style of webbing in the Irish Army in 1976, before moving on to the 1958 Pattern, then the reserve Forces got lumped with it, looking at your set, the Ammo pouches seem to be two different sizes. What I dont see is the small ammo pouch for Webly rounds, and the bino case both in webbing as well. Also the pick-axe carrier is not included in your set. And a set of expanders to accomodate a larger pack. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Leigh, Traditional battlefield casualties were buried where they fell, depending on the size of the losses, some soldiers would be repatriated to their homeland. I wonder was the reason for the Argentinian War dead being left on the Falklands because the Argentinian government refused to bring them home? Have they (the Argentine Government) ever looked for repatriation of their war dead? I doubt if the British would have footed the bill for repatriation, seeing as they had taken casualties themselves and it would have been hard to explain to the British tax-payer why they were footing the bill. It long past time the anamosity was over, the Falkland Islanders I am sure would welcome the visitors to the graves, and show hospitality to the Argentinian families, as long as there were no flag-waving politico's accompniying them on the visits. Kevin in Deva.

Hallo Gents any comments on this item, its posted at WW2.ro and the owner is trying to id if its the real deal. Many thanks for any comments or thoughts. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Hardy and did you notice his Gulf War Dennison Smock http://cgi.ebay.com/BRITISH-GULF-WAR-PARA-...1QQcmdZViewItem Kevin in Deva

Hallo Christian, I will agree with regards Ww2 and very early Post WW2, but since the advent of the R.P.G and the more improved Western sholder fired and ground fired Anti-tank rockets the T-34/85 was easily knocked out, large numbers being lost in many conflicts around the globe. AND The U.S. Sherman probably served as long as the T34/85 in various countries as well post WW2. Kevin in Deva.

I see the above mentioned medal is at US $519.00 with 5 bidders competing. Kevin in Deva. P.S. Another mystery is: why is every-thing-irish blocking me from bidding on his items? anything to do with querying about the 1916 Set at the start of this thread?? I do hope not. Kevin in Deva Brendans response via ebay: "Hi Kevin, For some reason some people who ask me questions through Ebay go on to my blocked bidder list, I have contacted Ebay about this several time but I might as well be talking to the wall, come to think of it I probably am talking to the wall. I have just checked my blocked bidder list and deleted 15 names off it, I have only put one on and that was a guy who didn't pay for an item. Tell Kevin in Deva I am sorry for the hassel. Thanks, Brendan. Kevin in Deva

Chip, many thanks I cannot ever recall seeing any German State ever wearing such headgear either, it at first reminded me of a picture of British Style head-gear, but now you mention Bulgaria it has their look more so. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gentlemen I spotted this while surfing ebay, did Bavarian Military types actully wear this style of cap?? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...DME:L:DBS:US:13 Kevin in Deva.

Argentinian war dead memorial offer Sunday April 1, 03:58 PM http://uk.news.yahoo.com/01042007/344/arge...rial-offer.html Relatives of Argentinian soldiers killed in the Falklands War are being invited to hold a private memorial ceremony on the Islands later this year, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced. Mrs Beckett said they were being offered the opportunity to travel to Darwin - a settlement in Lafonia on East Falkland - for a ceremony at the Argentine Military Cemetery. The move comes after an earlier offer by the UK Government to hold a joint commemorative event in London was snubbed by Argentina. Speaking on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the invasion, Mrs Beckett said: "The resulting loss of life on both sides is a source of continuing regret. The commemorative events this year, planned in the UK and on the Islands, will be a fitting and respectful tribute to all those who fought in the 1982 conflict." She added: "The UK remains keen to foster a constructive relationship with Argentina, and to promote practical co-operation both in the South Atlantic and on broader issues of international co-operation." Mrs Beckett said the UK had offered to host a joint commemoration in London "in the spirit of reconciliation, and with a genuine desire to recognise the loss of life on both sides". But this was rejected in February by Argentinian foreign minister Jorge Taiana who claimed it was being given "the character of a victory celebration". In a statement, Mrs Beckett said: "We have now, with the agreement of the Falkland Islands Government, offered members of families of the Argentine armed forces who fell in 1982 the opportunity to travel to the Islands towards the end of 2007 to hold a private commemorative event at the Argentine cemetery in Darwin." She continued: "The principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination remain as important to us today as they did in 1982." Mrs Beckett hailed the islanders as "dynamic and forward-looking", adding: "I congratulate them on the achievements of the past 25 years, and wish them every success for the future." - - - - - END OF ARTICLE - - - - -

Hallo Dan I see Ebay have removed this "abortion" from sale, wonder where it will turn up next Kevin in Deva

Hallo Gentlemen, opinions on this one as well please: http://cgi.ebay.com/Eire-Ireland-WW1-War-S...1QQcmdZViewItem Of particular interest is the fact its missing its suspension bar. Kevin in Deva

Your right Jack, you are allowed a mistake its the 1914-15 Star. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Laurence, I will be the first to say I would not believe it until I had seen it with my own eyes, this must rate as one of the most unique awards ever won by a serving soldier, thanks for posting all the details. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Rick I recall it went for 150 Euros, if it was offered in the USA it probably would have drew a bigger price from an American-Irish collector. Kevin in Deva

Hallo Johnsy, I was not thinking Tiger tanks but the 88cm Flack-cannon modified for Anti-tank / anti Armour use. Kevin in Deva

Err...... it sure dont look 88mm proof whats that mounted to the rear a 2 pounder pop-gun? Kevin in Deva

1. Circular writing on medal placed into modern script reads as follows: "?rd-Comhairle na Saoirse in Aimerioc? Do Bhronn 1931" Translated: "Presented by The High-Council of Freedom (in America)1931." 2. Straight Script (Center of medal) as follows: " I dTaobh a Saothair Ar Son na h?ireann Um C?isc 1916" Translated: "On Behalf of (his/her) (work/contribution/exertion) for Ireland at the time of Easter 1916. Many thanks to: S?a ? Neachtain, Baile ?tha Cliath, ?ire. for the translation Kevin in Deva

Hallo Rick, many thanks for the additional information, I believe it must be a rare piece, wether just issued to the Captain & Crew of the ship I dont know, or, even if there was any official Irish input ito its design with regards the Irish citation to the rear. Hopefully / soon I will have a translation of the text and will add it here. A unique naval item into a little known phase of the Germans running guns to Ireland in WW1, Any forum members interested in more details can use "Roger Casement" in a www search. Kevin in Deva.

I would also ask the dealer to send a picture of the rear of the cross, they are issue numbered. Kevin in Deva

Hallo O. o. V, the cross appears to be the Polish Order of Military Virtue, the insignia possibly a Polish Regiment Badge, again caution is needed with these items because like Russian Imperial items there are known fakes, but I suggest you ask Lukas to have a look being our resident Polish expert Kevin in Deva