QSAMIKE

Hi Kev..... I saw one of these at auction about 6 months ago but it still had the rubber mouth piece...... Now you will have to forgive this old minf but if I remember rightly it went for 325 Pounds....... Mike

Not into WW1 Victory Medals but here is my guess..... CYP, Cyprus FIJ, Fiji WA, Western Australia N, Natal CI, Channel Islands As I said just a guess...... Mike

Tommy By R. Kipling I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer, The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here." The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die, I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I: O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away"; But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play, The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play, O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. I went into a theatre as sober as could be, They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me; They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls, But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls! For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside"; But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide, The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide, O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide. Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap; An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit. Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll. We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too, But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you; An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints, Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints; While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind", But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind, There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind, O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind. You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all: We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational. Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace. For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!" But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot; An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!

Gentlemen....... I remember many years ago over 40 being at a Remembrance Day Ceremony seeing a man wearing a CBE and another neck badge that I did not recognize along with German WW1 medals and Canadian WW2..... Mike

And Just One More....... With a collection of Crowns and the Battle Honour that would have been sewn on to the regimental colours...... FORD, H. REG. NO.: 15345 RANK: PRIVATE REGT: ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS BARS: CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL Had to take at an angle due to flash reflection..... Mike

Bottom Half......

Of course if you click on picture it will make the picture larger.......

Closer........ This is a piece of glass that has been reverse printed...... I have only seen one other...... Mike

Good Morning Gentlemen........ Here are a few photos of some more medical Queen's South Africa Medals....... Mike

Mervyn...... NURSING SISTER I.P. MARSHALL....... Nursing Sisters Engaged Locally (South Africa) Marshall, I., 16 Stationary Hospital, Mafeking, Engaged August 8th, 1901 Great group of medals, I would grab them up if a reasonable price..... Mike

The Right Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal 17, Victoria Street, London, England TWYFREAAR COURT August 16th, 1900. Dear Lord Strathcona, I have been notified that Her Majesty wishes to have representatives of the different Colonial Corps now serving in South Africa parade before her at the termination of the war. In the regiment there are 26 officers and 459 men who desire to return home to Canada via England, and to take part in the review before Her Majesty. I do not know how many will be permitted to go to England, but perhaps your Lordship would be able to ascertain from Horse Guards. The great majority of the men are Canadians by birth and I think in a case of this kind they should be given first chance. I would be obliged if your Lordship would let me know as soon as convenient. We started our advance Northward on the 7th inst. The enemy was entrenched with guns in the Rooi Kopjes, not far off, and it was intended to take these and occupy Amersfoort that day. The 3rd Mounted Brigade covered the left and left flank of the advance and Strathcona's Horse formed the advance guard of the Brigade. The regiment had a very trying time of it as it was found necessary to change the front so often that the advance guard sometimes became the flanking patrols. In fact, at one time so many were out screening the Brigade that only one troop remained with headquarters. The object was carried out and "B" Squadron marched through Amersfoort and had picquets placed on the heights before the Army arrived. The losses in the Infantry were 25 wounded, 2nd Cavalry Brigade 5 wounded, our own 1 man, Regl.No. 304, Pte. Menteth, W.E.S., shot in the face and jaw. The men behaved splendidly displaying great caution. On account of grass fires the baggage and supplies did not arrive until the following morning, and we halted for the day. On Thursday the regiment again found the advance guard covering, with the 3rd Mtd. Brigade, the right and right front of the advance. There was heavy firing on this flank all day. One of the Imperial Guides attached to the Brigade being shot. The Pom-Pom under Lt. Magee did excellent work, killing four of the enemy. Two others were also killed by our rifle fire. 4 prisoners were taken. Lt. Pooley's troop did good work with his troop in driving a party of Boers who had taken shelter in a donga. We had a long march back to camp and the next day were kept in reserve. The next day in marching Begin-der-lyn we experienced a South African dust storm. One Squadron under orders from Lord Dundonald was sent forward to seize Ermelo, if possible. This was done. The telegraph and other public offices were taken possession of the posts established in the town under Major Jarvis. The army did not arrive until the day after. The town is a very pretty place and a good many of the people seemed to be well disposed and all viewed our men with considerable curiosity, being the first Canadian troops they had seen. The Brigade halted here on Sunday. Monday night was spent at Klipstapel, the source of the Vaal River. Tuesday was another interesting day for the regiment. About noon Lord Dundonald ordered me to send a squadron and one troop of "A" to go forward and search the town of Carolina. I sent Major Belcher in command. He was fired upon from stone walls close to the town. He advanced the men in skirmishing order, drove the enemy out of the position and through the town. The place was held long enough to allow the Provost Marshal to complete the work of searching. The contents of the magazine were blown up before leaving, and a lot of ammunition and two prisoners taken. Three of the men on the right flank arrived in the town after the squadron had withdrawn and were forced to stay there owing to the darkness and the condition of their horses. They pretended to the inhabitants, who were mostly hostile, that they were part of a big force which had surrounded the town. Before leaving in the morning they succeeded in getting a lot of valuable information as to the whereabouts of the enemy, the number of guns in their possession, etc. Our force had been fired upon by the enemy to cover the withdrawal of a number of wagons belonging to General Prinsloo's train. They also learned that a Field Cornet had been shot by our men in the afternoon affair. One man, Regl. No. 30, Pte. Nicks, Jno., was shot through the lungs in the afternoon but will recover. We are to remain here four or five days waiting for supplies before continuing the advance. I am, Yours very truly, (Signed) S. B. STEELE

Gentlemen..... Cut and Posted to a few other sites..... Mike

Yes for this regiment it is....... See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucestershire_Regiment 1801 The French revolution began in 1789 and from then on set the whole of Europe alight with conflict. Under the genius of Napoleon Bonaparte the French had won battles against nearly every major nation and now dominated the European mainland. She now turned her attention outward towards Great Britain and Her overseas possessions. France had sent an expeditionary force to Egypt with a view to the invasion of India. The 28th were sent as part of a British force under General Sir Ralph Abercromby to counter that threat. They made an amphibious landing near Alexandria on the 8th of March. The French General Menou advanced towards the British who were camped about four miles to the east of Alexandria. He had the advantage of 1400 cavalry and superior artillery. He made a feint towards the British left but made his main thrust at the British right which included the ground the 28th were holding which was an old ruined fort on the Mediterranean coast. The fighting was very fierce and whilst under heavy attack to the front and flanks French cavalry was thrown at the 28th's rear. Lieutenant Colonel Chambers who had assumed command when colonel Paget was seriously wounded was undaunted by this alarming turn of events and gave the order ' 28th, rear rank only, right about face, and Although assailed from both sides the regiment calmly repelled all attacks in fierce hand to hand fighting. By 10.00 am the French were in full retreat along their entire line. In honour of the 28th's conduct on that day they were granted the unique distinction of wearing a badge on the back of their head dress as well as at the front. This badge takes the form of a sphinx with the word 'Egypt' beneath. Mike

Hello Blueman..... I bought one about a year ago at an American auction....... Including auction fees and shipping from USA it cost me a total of $950.00 US....... Mike

Picture Three: Sorry for having to post them this way but they were too big to add all together.....

Picture Two and Four

Here you are Mervyn..... Picture One: Enlisted Cap / Helmet Badge, Collars and Shoulder Brass Picture Two: Enlisted Shoulder Brass Picture Three: Officers Silver Cap / Helmet Badge and Collars (Note it does not show up in these pictures but the word Canada and Cross on Crown are Gold) Picture Four: 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles, Shoulder Brass...... Hope you enjoy..... Mike

Good Morning Mervyn...... The badge in the center top is a helmet badge worn on the side of the helmet..... Mostly used during the Boer War and later by the militia...... It was occasionally worn as a slouch hat badge...... The two top and the bottom right are WW1...... The bottom left is WW2...... Will post some pictures of Canadian Boer War Badges later..... Mike

Good Morning Mervyn...... Take a look at this thread...... http://www.cdnmilitarycollectors.com/t1220-general-service-badge-varieties Mike

Copy of paragraph in the "Times":- "The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross on Sergeant Arthur Herbert Lindsey Richardson of Lord Strathcona's Corps, who claims have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, for his conspicuous bravery at the action at Wolve Spruit. On July 5th. at Wolve Spruit, about 15 miles north of Standerton, a party of Lord Strathcona's Corps, only 38 in number, came into contact, and was engaged at close quarters, with a force of 80 of the enemy. When the order to retire had been given Sergeant Richardson rode back under a very heavy cross-fire and picked up a trooper whose horse had been shot and who was wounded in two places and rode with him out of fire. At the time when this act of gallantry was performed Sergeant Richardson was within 300 yards of the enemy and was himself riding a wounded horse."

The Right Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal 17, Victoria Street, London, England Paards Kop, August 5th, 1900. Dear Lord Strathcona, "A" and "B" Squadrons of the Corps have been almost continually on the march for the last month. We had a couple of days halt at Greylingstad on the way back from Vlaakfontein on the 9th ulto. but on the 11th we were rejoined by the Brigade and the 2nd Division under General Clery. On the 12th the Division marched North coming in touch with the enemy almost at once. The day after we set out and while the Regiment was on the advance our flankers on the right came on a large body occupying a strong position on what is called Lone Tree Hill. Major Sangeneister of the Border Mounted Rifles attached to your Regiment was in charge of the troop on this flank and it appears that he was rather in-cautious in approaching the position with the result that he himself fell into the hands of the enemy together with four of my men whilst two were wounded - the names will be found in the casualty returns enclosed. Almost simultaneously with this affair on the flank the main body of the advance drew the enemy fire from the front. Very hot firing ensued and at comparatively short range. The guns of the Royal Horse Artillery ("A" Battery), The Colt Battery S.A.L.H., Thornycroft's Mounted Infantry, and Strathcona's Horse with the Pom-Pom were engaged. The enemy were driven out of their position and followed until sundown. The object of this march was to allow the Railway to be opened through to Johannesburg. This was apparently accomplished by the time we reached Leenspruit, near Standerton on the 19th, as after a day's halt here we returned to Greylingstad taking a route closer to the railway. During the whole of this march we were subjected to the sniping of the Boers and occasionally met them in force with guns. We were joined at Watervaal by the draft under Lieut. Adamson. I was very much pleased with their appearance and their conduct since has proved them to be a good class of men and interested in the work. We reached Greylingstad on the 24th., and marched for Zwickerbosch Spruit on the 26th. halting for one night at Vlaakfontein. The following day General Cooper's 4th Infantry Brigade marched for Heidelburg and "B" Squadron were detailed to accompany him. In the meantime, the 3rd Mounted Brigade received orders to proceed to Paardekop to join General Buller in his proposed advance on the 29th., we marched back picking up "C" Squadron at Watervaal Bridge. Lord Dundonald, commanding the Brigade, having left for Johannesburg on the 29th., I was in command until we reached Standerton on the 1st. We reached here on Friday and "B" Squadron joined us yesterday, so we are all together again. I wish to supplement my report by telling you what "C" Squadron has been doing at Watervaal Bridge during the month it has been on duty here. This is a very important post on account of the large bridge that crosses the Vaal River here, and there are some very good positions some miles to the North and South occupied by the Boers. The patrols have been subjected to the fire of the enemy every day they were out, and have been doing very good work indeed. Two unfortunate affairs occurred here. On in which Corp. Lee was killed and which has already been reported to you. The other occurred on the 30th., ulto., under the following circumstances: Two Boers came in in the morning and reported that a large number of the enemy were some four miles to North ready to surrender but were afraid to come in and wanted someone to go out and meet them. The Commandant of the post immediately detailed 17 men of Strathcona's Horse under Lieut. White-Fraser. The troop reached a point a short distance from the house which was flying a white flag when they were fired upon. Sergt. Parker and Private Arnold were in advance of the troop and had got within a few yards of the house. They were called upon to surrender and refusing were shot. Sergt. Parker was killed and Private Arnold lies in Hospital at Standerton in rather a critical condition, the bullet which hit him being an explosive one. The men of the regiment have conducted themselves in a satisfactory and intelligent manner. Lord Dundonald commanding the Brigade has expressed himself so to me and thinks the corps a very fine one. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.

Think that this section from the August 4th 1900 letter / report is quite interesting....... Poor Sergt. Parker who wrote you re his commission was killed on the 29th. He was with 18 men under Lt. White-Fraser sent by the Commandant at Watervaal Bridge to get the arms of some Boers who sent in word by two others that they wished to surrender, but preferred the others to think that they were taken prisoner. This was a "ruse de guerre". The men went out with two black scouts and at the house named the two blacks and Parker, who were sent on in advance were shot dead, and Pte. Arnold dangerously wounded from fire of about seventy Boers behind a breastwork near the house, which by the way, had a white flag flying. The Boers are a very treacherous people, and unfortunately are trusted too much. They are allowed into the camps to sell stuff on any excuse as long as they have passes to show they have given up their arms and taken the oath. These are their spies and so are the women. One of the latter near hear is reported to have employed her black servant to cut the telephone line.

The Right Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal 17, Victoria Street, London, England Paardekop, 4th August, 1900. Dear Lord Strathcona, I received to-day your kind favour of the 5th ulto. which gave me great pleasure and encouragement. Sir Redvers Buller was very kind to send such a flattering cable to you. Your reply gives me much pleasure. We arrived here yesterday on our march from the North. The troops are concentrating here for an important move. Gen. Rundle's division and another, all under Sir Redvers Buller will make a long march North some day through Swaziland. Lord Dundonald's brigade consists now of the South African Light Horse, the Strathcona's, "A" Battery, R.H.A., and three other corps, now enroute from the South. We guarded the train all the way from Greylingstadt, a very considerable responsibility, the supply column being at least three miles in length. From Standerton to here it was increased by the addition of one hundred mule teams. I put out a very strong rear guard and it was fortunate that I did so for the right rear was threatened by a couple of hundred of the enemy who seeing the rear guard did not venture to attack, but satisfied themselves with firing (without effect) upon our flankers. Poor Sergt. Parker who wrote you re his commission was killed on the 29th. He was with 18 men under Lt. White-Fraser sent by the Commandant at Watervaal Bridge to get the arms of some Boers who sent in word by two others that they wished to surrender, but preferred the others to think that they were taken prisoner. This was a "ruse de guerre". The men went out with two black scouts and at the house named the two blacks and Parker, who were sent on in advance were shot dead, and Pte. Arnold dangerously wounded from fire of about seventy Boers behind a breastwork near the house, which by the way, had a white flag flying. The Boers are a very treacherous people, and unfortunately are trusted too much. They are allowed into the camps to sell stuff on any excuse as long as they have passes to show they have given up their arms and taken the oath. These are their spies and so are the women. One of the latter near hear is reported to have employed her black servant to cut the telephone line. I quite believe it. Pte. Arnold was brought in and his wound was a severe one. He may lose his leg. Sgt. Parker was a dead shot, but rash. He had killed two of the enemy a few days ago at a very long range when he and one of the men were surrounded. He forced the enemy to retire. Both of the men killed on this sort of duty in "C" Squadron were ex officers of the army. The regiment continues to work well. Their scouting is excellent. The papers have, in Canada, said things against the horses of the Corps, purchased by Dr. McEachran. All of it is untrue, very few of the horses have died; they are the best in this army - everyone wants them. They are a good advertisement. I have already used up and received at least four hundred Argentines and others since I left the Cape, while only three or four Canadians have succumbed. They are really very fine and much more intelligent than many others. We expect to march tomorrow and hope we shall do good work. We did not blow up the bridge. It was considered too difficult an operation, the enemy having got information of our movements. The correspondent is Richmond Smith, who went out for the Star, with the 1st contingent, and then wrote of our presence with the other Canadians at Bloemfontein. It is a pity that such statements are made! Hoping that you are enjoying good health, I am, Respectfully yours, (Signed) S. B. STEELE

Hello John....... No he was definately from District K, BC and Yukon...... Note I mentioned this...... Please note that this is a heavily edited list, only showing some of the major armoured units and infantry regiments. In reply to your..... I am assuming that the block of serial numbers would be unique and allocated only once to one unit? No that is not the case...... For example: In Militia District 1 - Prefix A - Toronto area 1st Hussars (6th Armoured Regiment) 1 - 1999 so all numbers between 1 and 1999 would start withe the letter A In Militia District 7 - Prefix G - New Brunswick 5th Armoured Regiment 1 - 3000 so all numbers between 1 and 3000 would start withe the letter G So there could be different numbers 1001, and A 1001 and a G 1001 .... etc...... The numbers shown are only for MAJOR units, not including Engineers, Artillery etc...... He would not have been a member of Regiment de la Chaudiere..... Sorry John using your logic he could have been in 6 different units...... Not including Non-Armoured or Infantry Regiments...... Mike

Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, 17, Victoria Street, London, England. Greylingstad July 26th, 1900 My Lord, At the conclusion of this war there will be some of the members of the Corps desiring to join the Police Force now being formed in the Transvaal and Orange River country. They have the opportunity of doing so now but have joined your Lordship's Regiment and considering that they are in honour bound to remain with it until the end of the campaign, they will not leave. This is of course the proper spirit. I would respectfully suggest to your Lordship that if at that time any of them wish to enroll in the Police that the Military Authorities be requested to give them an opportunity of doing so. There are three officers who wish to be appointed to Commissions in the Police, but prefer to stay with the Regiment until the war is ended. They are very capable men, and should, if appointed, obtain at least captaincies. They are: - Major Snyder Lieut. Harper Lieut. Fall Major Snyder has 15 years experience in the North West Mounted Police. Lieut. Harper has 20 years experience in that force, 13 of which he held a commission. Lieut. Fall belongs to the Canadian Militia and is a good man of good standing in his community and is one of the best officers in the Regiment. Major Snyder and Lieut. Harper have been Magistrates for some years past and Lieut. Harper was Sheriff of the Yukon for two years. If your Lordship could do anything for these gentlemen, I am sure they would be very grateful for it. I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your obedient servant, (Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col. Commanding, "Strathcona's Horse"