QSAMIKE

Good Morning Belgoman.....

There is no mounting bar on a British DFC unlike the DSO which does..... All there is a pin style bar on the reverse......

Please see here.......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Flying_Cross_(United_Kingdom)

Mike

March (Date Unknown) 1900:

Canadian Horses for South Africa:

The following is an extract from a letter from Dr. Duncan McEachran, Dean of the Faculty of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Science, McGill University, respecting the horses purchased by him for Lord Strathcona's Corps:-

"I am glad to be able to report that I have secured 536 horses about 15 to 15-2; a few of them are about 14-3. 95 percent of them are thoroughly broken to cow-boy work. Taught to rein by the neck, stop suddenly, turn on the hind feet as a pivot, stand with the reins over their head on the prairie, ford and swim rivers, and go at a rapid pace up or down steep hills. They are stout animals with good short legs and strong quarters; good bone and as active as cats -- horses which know nothing of stables or grooms; accustomed to be ridden half a day or more, and at night are simply stripped of saddle and bridle and turned loose to find their feed. Except 24 head bought by police officers I bought every one myself - the riding horses and pack ponies in Macleod, Pincher Creek, on the range along the Foot Hills from there to Calgary, High River, Maple Creek, Regina and Lethbridge. The wagon horses I bought in Montreal - mostly Ontario bred - but there are a good number of Quebec Province horses. They are 15 to 15-3, stout, short legged horses, good movers and weighing 1200 to 1300 Ibs. In conclusion, I would say that hitherto it was not considered possible to purchase horses in Canada for army purposes. There are thousands suitable for mounted infantry - not all broken, it is true, but they are being broken now, and I have quite a number of letters and telegrams offering me horses. I feel convinced that the mounts will be so approved of by the Generals at the front that the question will be asked "Can more like them be bought quickly?", they can."

Ladies and Gentlemen.......

No one have any idea !!!!!!

Does anyone have an idea where I can go to find information.....

Mike

Hello Chris.....

The first one even though made by a British company I feel is not for a British medal......

English companies made Orders and Medals for other countries.....

The crown on the case is European.....

Mike

March 17th. 1900:

Telegram from General Lord William Seymore, Halifax to Lord Strathcona:-

"After inspecting Strathcona Horse can congratulate your Lordship and Colonel Steele on smart solderlike appearance, combined with orderly embarkation. Queen's message received with enthusiasm."

March 17th. 1900:

Following telegram from Dr. Duncan McEachran:-

"596 horses embarked good condition. Steele greatly pleased with them. Best ranch horses. Cannot be excelled mounted infantry scouts Transvaal. Congratulate you general excellence and efficiency of force

STEAMSHIP "MONTEREY"

16th. March 1900

Dear Lord Strathcona,

I am sending you to-day an official report of events since my last. The Regiment left Ottawa on the 12th. and arrived here yesterday. I hurried the embarkation of the horses as there was no place for them on shore. Dr. McEachran gave me every assistance and inspected each horse personally before it was placed on board. On our arrival in Montreal the men were detrained and we marched about four miles through both the French and English portions of the city receiving the greatest ovation that has ever been given a corps in our time. The streets were packed from one end to another with the houses and other buildings decorated in the most tasteful manner. Laval had the whole buildings (sic) decorated and the balcony and windows full of cheering students. McGill cheered the Laval men, and good feeling is the result. After the march we were given a luncheon in the Windsor Hall. It was attended by the majority of the leading citizens of Montreal, and the gallery packed with ladies. The Mayor and many of the gentlemen present made speeches, all of them eulogizing your patriotism and praising the efforts made by the Government and myself to carry out your wishes. I had the honor to reply to these giving a short account of the organization. The men, although treated with lavish hospitality behaved with the greatest sobriety and common sense, showing plainly my endeavours to fill the corps with a fine respectable lot of men had not been in vain. I left Montreal in the evening after a stay of six hours.

To-day the whole garrison of Halifax was represented in a triumphal march through the city. In the armoury speeches of a patriotic character were made by Lord William Seymore, Governor Daly, Dr. Borden and others. We then marched (headed by the Leinsters (Old Hundredth) through the whole city for four miles at least, the route being lined by an enthusiastic crowd of people. We embarked in an orderly way in twenty-five minutes from the time we went to the pier. I immediately published all the orders required by the Queen's Regulations and after consulting with the Captain made necessary regulations all of which will be strictly and I hope tactfully enforced. The men will be lectured on musketry, and drilled to stand to their boats, and are told off in crews.

The horses are first class and a great credit to Dr. McEachran. The draught animals were purchased in Montreal and are splendid ones. All have been shod as directed by the Queen's Regulations.

The men all through, since I took them to Ottawa, have behaved well. Lord William Seymore and all others admit that no finer, if as fine, a body could be found. All bronzed, hardy looking Fellows.

I am proud of the honor you have done me, and so are all concerned. I may add further that Lord William Seymore spoke highly of my brother officers saying that they went about their work in a most satisfactory manner with out a fuss.

Colonel Cotton of the Militia Department who commands in Ottawa, and the whole staff, treated me well and assisted me in every way. I am satisfied with the results.

The regiment was presented with four beautiful guidons. The people of Sudbury, Ont., of Campbellton, N.B., and Monckton (sic), N.B., gave us beautiful flags which I hope we may be able to hand over to your Lordship some of these days with credit. Every flag is of beautiful silk hand worked by the ladies of the Civil Service of Canada.

Dr. Borden, Lord William and many prominent persons saw us off to-day.

I cannot say too much of Dr. Borden's treatment of me. He left nothing undone and the Military Store Officer, Lieut. Col. Macdonald worked hard for us and has expressed himself pleased with the way in which our quartermaster pushed the work of his department.

Hoping that you are quite well again, I am,

Yours Respectfully,

(Signed) S. B. Steele

HALIFAX HARBOUR

March 16th. 1900

The Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona & Mount Royal, G.C.M.G.

17, Victoria Street, London, ENGLAND

My Lord,

My last report was principally confined to the organization of your Corps up to the time of the concentration in Ottawa.

I have now the honour to report on the after events, bringing it up to the time when we are standing out in Halifax Harbour, ready to sail for South Africa.

On the date of my last report only a portion of the regiment had arrived in Ottawa, and I have now the honour to state that the Corps is at full strength -- Officers and men. But notwithstanding this fact it might be well to give your lordship a brief summary of the events which have occurred during the time we were quartered at Ottawa, and also, on the trip to Halifax.

Clothing and Stores.

When the stores were received at the Barracks at Ottawa, in accordance with Military Regulations, a board of officers, comprised of members of your own Corps, was appointed and sat upon the clothing and stores issued by the Department of Militia and Defence. The Board took expert evidence upon everything issued with the exception of the so-called Stetson hats, all the clothing, saddlery and equipment were found to be suitable for the campaign.

With regards to the hats, I may say that after a thorough test it was ascertained that they were not such as would resist the slightest moisture, and also, that they were not the hat used in the West.

When the finding of the Board was communicated to me I immediately took steps to replace the hats for a quality with which I was familiar in the West, but unfortunately, owing to the shortness of the time, I was unable to collect sufficient number, and consequently the original pattern was retained in the absence of something better. However, I understand Mr. Taylor is arranging to have a better hat forwarded to the Corps at Cape Town.

Horses.

Since arriving in Halifax, I am in receipt of your despatch regarding the horses. In reply to the same, I stated that they were satisfactory, and I have now only to add that in my opinion they are perfectly suitable to the work expected of them.

During our stay in Ottawa, Mr. Beith, M.P., one of the best judges of horse flesh in Canada had a look over all the stables, and he expressed to me his opinion that they were best horses of the kind that could be found.

Parades.

Although the regiment had been doing drill every day since it arrived in Ottawa, it was not until the 6th. inst., that I was able to have a full mounted parade which proved satisfactory in every particular. The horses behaved well, and the men showed an interest in the work which was encouraging. During the course of the parade we were visited, informally, be His Excellency the Governor General, who expressed himself as being well pleased. On this occasion we were presented, through Mr. Klock, M.P., with a beautiful flag, together with an address, a copy of which I herewith enclose.

On the following Thursday (8th March) the regiment paraded mounted - nearly full strength - and proceeded to Parliament Square where it was met by His Excellency the Governor General, the Members of the Senate and the House of Commons, the Mayor and Council of the City of Ottawa, together with thousands of citizens.

The regiment was presented by the Ladies of the Civil Service with four Guidons, exquisitely worked in silk and which show on them your lordship's crest and motto. I may say that the Guidons have been the admiration of people all along the line and the generous donation to the Corps by the Ladies of the Civil Service is very much appreciated by both the officers and men.

On Sunday the llth. inst. in accordance with orders issued by the Officer commanding the Ottawa Brigade, the regiment proceeded to church, full strength. I was exceedingly well pleased with the appearance of the men on this occasion. There was a steadiness and interest shown which was encouraging considering the limited time they had to pick up foot drill. But all along the men have shown a business front, fully realizing that they are on serious duty.

We commenced our departure for Montreal on Sunday, the above date, that is we entrained the horses, 539 in number, including three for General Hutton, in two trains, per C.P.R. for Montreal. A sufficient guard was detailed under the Veterinary Officer, and on the morning following we proceeded to Montreal. On Monday morning the 12th. inst. - after turning over the quarters occupied in Ottawa in a perfectly satisfactory condition your Corps entrained in two trains for Montreal . You have doubtless read in the newspapers a description of the enthusiasm with which we were received there but I do think it possible to adequately describe the demonstration beyond the fact that there was a cheering multitude, beautifully decorated streets, and everything to indicate the esteem with which you are held in the estimation of the people of that city, and the interest which they take in your Corps. A banquet was given by the City of Montreal at which eloquent and patriotic speeches were delivered.

The regiment entrained in three trains for Halifax at 9.30 on Monday evening, but owing to the heavy trains our progress was slow. This, however, did not prevent us from getting an enthusiastic reception everywhere along the line. At Campbellton, N.B., at 3 o'clock a.m., we were met by a large crowd and presented on behalf of the town with a fine silk flag. The same thing happened at Monckton (sic), and at Truro, N.S., late at night, an address was presented.

The Corps arrived at Halifax early Thursday morning and the work of

embarking the horses was immediately commenced and successfully accomplished by evening.

The men were quartered for the night, one squadron at the Armoury and two squadrons at the Exhibition Grounds. A smoking concert was given in the evening by the City, and a dinner to the Field Officers at the Halifax Club. The same enthusiasm displayed in other places was shown here. A march of four miles was made through the city yesterday, previous to which Her Majesty's message was read to the regiment in thee Armoury. The regiment was also inspected by General Seymore.

The embarkation at Halifax was completed half-an-hour after the Corps reached the dock, and we are now ready to sail.

I shall let you have a report from Cape Verde should we call there.

I have the honour to be my Lord,

Your obedient servant

(Signed) S.B. Steele, Lt. Col.

Commanding Strathcona's Horse

(Note: Cape Verde report missing.)

March 16th. 1900:

Following telegram from Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia, to Lord Strathcona:-

"Your splendid force embarked to-day amid the cheers of thousands of citizens of Halifax and Nova Scotia, and representatives of all the Provinces and Territories of Canada. Lord William Seymore and Governor Daly addressed them in the presence of thousands of your fellow Canadians. I also had the honor of addressing them and reading the message of Her Gracious Majesty and your own - both of which were warmly applauded by your force and by the people. The enthusiasm was unbounded. Representatives of the Dominion Parliament, the Provincial Legislature, the City Council and the local Militia participated in the imposing parade through the streets of Halifax. Officers and men in the best of health and spirits and eager to reach the field to assist in the defence of the Empire."

Chris......

Just don't ask them to search anyone named Smith or Jones....... LOL....... :lol:

Mike

Hi Chris......

Looks original to me.......

Got the info from the C.W.G.C. free website, they allow you to serach any fallen Commonwealth Sailor, Soldier or Airman from WW1 to the present.....

Mike

Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery

Country: Belgium

Locality: Ieper, West-Vlaanderen

Identified Casualties: 1802

Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery is located 5 Kms west of Ieper town centre and to the south of the village of Vlamertinge (Vlamertinge is the modern spelling of Vlamertinghe). Vlamertinge is located along the Poperingseweg.

From Ieper town centre the Poperingseweg (N308), is reached via Elverdingsestraat then straight over two small roundabouts in the J. Capronstraat. The Poperingseweg is a continuation of J. Capronstraat and begins after a prominent railway level crossing.

The cemetery is located after turning left in the village of Vlamertinge onto the Hugo Verriestraat. This road crosses a railway and the main road N38, where the name of the street changes to Bellestraat. The cemetery lies 200 metres on the left hand side of the Bellestraat, after crossing the N38.

Historical Information

For much of the First World War, Vlamertinghe (now Vlamertinge) was just outside the normal range of German shell fire and the village was used both by artillery units and field ambulances. Burials were made in the original Military Cemetery until June 1917, when the New Military Cemetery was begun in anticipation of the Allied offensive launched on this part of the front in July. Although the cemetery continued in use until October 1918, most of the burials are from July to December 1917.

The cemetery now contains 1,813 Commonwealth burials of the First World War.

The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

STEWART, WILLIAM THOMAS

Rank: Bombardier

Service No: 317228

Date of Death: 10/07/1917

Age: 37

Regiment/Service: Royal Garrison Artillery 1st/1st (Kent) Heavy Bty.

Grave Reference IV. A. 10.

Cemetery: VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

Additional Information:

Son of David and Mary Ann Stewart, of Hawe Farm Cottage, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent.

Hi Chris......

No it is perfectly allright...... That way you can find information on him on thr CWGC website and there are a number of people that are trying to re-unite the mans medals with his memorial plaque.........

There is one collection that I know of where the collector has all 26 letters of the alphabet and most of the medals that go with them......

Take a look at this........

http://www.britishmedalforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=36456&hilit=memorial+plaque

Mike

Hello Chris......

What is the name on the memorial plaque??????

Mike

March 15th. 1900:

Following telegram sent by Lord Strathcona to Colonel Steele:-

"Very sorry cannot see my force embark. Have transmitted to Dr. Borden gracious message I have received from Her Majesty which he will publicly convey to you and the men under your command. Have also asked him express my best wishes to all of you that you may have a pleasant voyage, every success and safe return. Appointments of all officers gazetted and they will receive their acting commissions from the Queen. Hope to forward them so as to reach you arrival South Africa where in any case you will find a letter. Immediately on arrival report yourself to the General Officer Commanding Cape Town."

March 15th. 1900:

Following telegram to Minister of Militia, Halifax from Lord Strathcona:-

"Please express to Colonel Steele, Officers and Men my great disappointment not being able to witness their departure. I looked forward with keen pleasure to opportunity of personally wishing them Godspeed and safe return. Am quite sure they will acquit themselves bravely and gallantly in any service entrusted to them, and that they will do credit to themselves, to the Dominion and to our beloved Queen.

"Please read to my force following gracious message received by me through Her Majesty's Private Secretary, and after reading kindly see it has proper publicity. Begins - Her Majesty will be glad if before they start you will convey to them an expression of her confidence that they will prove themselves worthy comrades of her Canadian soldiers who are now so gallantly fighting for the Empire's cause. The Queen wishes them all success and safe return to their homes in the Dominions. - Ends. In my reply I stated that both officers and men consider it privilege to have honor of serving their Sovereign and the Empire, and may be relied upon to do their duty as Canadians and as Loyal British Subjects, and to justify confidence in them to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to give expression."

Here are the photos.......

It is mounted in a bezzel.......

Mike

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen.....

I have just purchased a Spanish American War Welcome Home Medallion.....

On one side it is named: Presented by the State of Montana to Montana Rough Riders

On the other side: First Army Corps, Spanish American War 1898

Metal: Silver

Size: 42.5 mm / 1.675 inches

Does anyone have any information on this piece and if possible a value.......

Thanks for your assistance in advance.....

Mike

I will try to post some pictures later.......

Take a look at these sites.......

I disagree with most of the Canadian ones though......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regimental_nicknames_of_the_Canadian_Forces#Corps.2C_Branch.2C_and_Nonspecific_Nicknames

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nicknames_of_British_Army_regiments

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_warships_by_nickname

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicknames_of_U.S._Army_divisions

Mike

I have seen a Bavarian award in a Boer war WW1 group..... The man was a POW and saved the lives of 2 children after they fell through some thin ice and they gave him a Bavarian award and after the war he used to wear it along with his other medals......

I am not sure what it was but it had a White Ribbon with Dark Blue Stripes......

Mike

Thankyou Gentlemen for your kind comments......

Mike

March 13th. 1900:

Extract from letter from War Office;-

"The new commissions for the officers of your corps will be prepared and submitted in due course to Her Majesty and the Secretary of State for War. When completed they will be forwarded to your Lordship for transmission to the officers in question.

March 12th. 1900:

Following letter from Lord Strathcona to Sir Arthur Bigge:-

"Dear Sir Arthur Bigge,

I am in receipt of your letter of the 9th. inst., and beg that you will convey to the Queen my respectful acknowledgments of her most gracious message.

This significant mark of Her Majesty's consideration will be communicated to the members of the corps by whom it is certain to be received with affection and gratitude.

Both officers and men consider it a privilege to have the opportunity of serving their Sovereign and the Empire, and may be relied upon to do their duty as Canadians and as loyal British subjects; and to justify the confidence in them to which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to give expression.

Believe me to be,

Yours very truly,

(Signed) Strathcona & Mount Royal

March 12th. 1900:

Telegram from Mr. E. S. Clouston:-

Force expected to arrive Montreal 13th. March at three o'clock in afternoon, and to leave at seven o'clock the same evening.

Dr. Borden, Minister of Militia & Defence to represent Lord Strathcona at embarkation of the force at Halifax. Pressure of Parliamentary duties did not permit of Sir Wilfred Laurier being present on this occasion.

March I0th. 1900:

Following telegram from Governor General to Lord Strathcona:-

"It has been greatest pleasure to me. Your corps magnificent body of men and horses very good. Everyone deeply regrets that you have not been able to see them."

March 9th. 1900:

Telegram from Mr. E. S. Clouston, General Manager, Bank of Montreal:-

"Your force passed splendid inspection yesterday by both Houses of Parliament. Were given addressees by His Excellency, the Premier, Dr. Borden, Sir Charles Tupper and others; and there wasan enormous and enthusiastic gathering to witness it. "

March 9th. 1900:

Following letter from Sir Arthur Bigge:-

Buckingham Palace

March 9th. 1900.

'Dear Lord Strathcona,

The Queen understands that the body of Scouts from the North West Territories of Canada which has been raised and equipped by your munificent liberality, is on the eve of departure for South Africa.

Her Majesty would be glad if, before they start you would convey to them the expression of her confidence that they will prove themselves worthy comrades of her Canadian soldiers who are now so gallantly fighting in the Empire's cause.

The Queen wishes them all success and safe return to their homes in the Dominion.

Yours very truly,

(Signed) Arthur Bigge"

Can you please ley me know if this is actually being read...... Mike

It is possible that he is a CanLoan Officer...... Canadian Officers loaned for service in the British Army.....

Take a look here.....

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/feature/normandy/norm_report/canloan

Mike