Libya - The Big Three

[oamotme]

Gentlemen, and of course Megan,

I attach details of the big three of the late and unlamented Colonel.

First the Order of the Republic. The badge illustrated weighs some 92.6gms and is 62.9mm in diameter. Two part construction and no makers mark - probably Italian. There is also a pin back breast star of the same diameter. The red, white and black centre indicates this is from the early years of his regime when Libya was known as the Libyan Arab Republic

Regards,

Owain

[oamotme]

....and the reverse,

Owain

[oamotme]

Next the Order of Bravery, again from the Libyan Arab Republic and weighing in at 88.5gms and 66.9mm in diameter. Also of two part construction and the reverse bears the makers mark "BOMISA MILANO". Ribbon plain red.

Owain

Edited May 31, 2012 by oamotme

[oamotme]

And finally the Order of the Jihad - from the same period - the early years of the Libyan Arab Republic - see colour scheme on reverse. Weighing in at a massive 132.2gms and 80.1mm in diameter. Of one piece construction and the upper right of the reverse suspension bears the makers mark "BOMISA" and an 800 silver mark. Ribbon unknown but possibly green.

Owain

[oamotme]

With regard to the Order of Bravery I attach a picture of the brave Colonel wearing the medal from a red ribbon.

Owain

[oamotme]

Dear All,

Another photo of Comrade Brother in a delightful powder blue number, wearing the full set. The sash from top to bottom:

• Order of Bravery - cannot see if this is a pin back star or a breast badge converted for wear in this fashion.
  
• Order of the Republic - the 1969-79 issue - unknown if a second "green" type exists.
  
• Order of the Great Conqueror - this could be a sash badge converted for wear on this sash as the full size breast star appears to be visible to the right.
  
• Order of the Jihad - usually a breast badge and this may have had its suspension removed.
  
• Order of Good Work - 2nd Type - the first type has red, white and black stripes in the centre.
  
• Order of the Good Citizen (to be confirmed) - usually a breast badge and this may have had its suspension removed.
  

To the right of the sash an assortment of Arab awards:

• Top - Egypt Star of Honour, Egypt Military Star; Unknown - not visible.
  
• 2nd - Libya Order of the Great Conqueror; Lebanon Order of Merit Exceptional Class; Oman Order of Oman (Military).
  
• 3rd - Not visible; Tunisia Order of 7th November; Not visible.
  
• 4th - Not visible.
  

To the left of the sash

• Top - Uganda - tbc.
  
• 2nd - Africa - tba ; Benin - tbc.
  
• 3rd - Aftrica - tba; Unknown; Mauritania Order of Merit .
  

No doubt Emmanuel will be able to clearly identifiy these African awards.

Regards,

Owain

[922F]

Stars Below sash: Top Uganda Order of Source of Nile. 2nd row Chad Order of National Merit, Burkina Faso Order of Merit [2nd version] 3rd row UNKNOWN Malta Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit with collar Mauritania National Order of Merit

[oamotme]

Great - many thanks for the prompt identification of these awards. Owain

[Dragomir]

Stars Below sash: Top Uganda Order of Source of Nile. 2nd row Chad Order of National Merit, Burkina Faso Order of Merit [2nd version] 3rd row UNKNOWN Malta Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit with collar Mauritania National Order of Merit

Unknown is Ukraina's Order of Yaroslav the Wise.

Dragomir

[oamotme]

Dragomir,

Many thanks. I suspect that the Ukranian Order is of a relatively recent institution. Whilst the Colonel's aspirations to African leadership are well known and hence his various African awards I was unware of any interaction between him and Ukraine. A quick seach notes a visit to Ukraine by the Colonel in November 2008 to discuss oil development - the order could have been awarded by President Yushchenko at this time. The photo of the two leaders has the Colonel with a selection of his personal female guards in a variety of uniforms - no medals or ribbons.

Regards,

Owain

[oamotme]

Gentlemen,

The inscription on the Order of the Jihad is a quotation from the Koran and reads:

“And Allah prefers the Mujhadeen and bestows upon them great reward over those who remain behind.”

Regards,

Owain