Armourer

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ARMOURER

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■ Infantry regiments ■ Bayonets ■ Medal collecting ■ Auction news ■ Book reviews ■ Diary dates

THE GREATEST AMPHIBIOUS INVASION FORCE EVER ASSEMBLED - Hobart’s ‘Funnies’

PLUS Army Fire Service ■ The Gallipoli Plaque ■ 60 years of the Warsaw Pact

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Join us at www.armourer.co.uk 3

ARMOURERthe

militaria magazine

Welcome to the March/April issue of the Armourer. Our cover highlights the invasion of

amphibian vehicles on Hitler's Fortress Europe, a fascinating read with evocative photographs. In the fi rst of a new series, Benjamin Russell reports from Las Vegas, where he got to grips with some of the greatest infantry weapons of World War II. Ray Westlake continues his illustrated look at the British Army of August 1914 with Yeomanry Regiments. This time in Miniature Bayonets R.D.C. Evans covers something different, WWI Souvenir brooches. As medal collecting always proves popular, we have several medal features for your delectation.

Enjoy your read. Jayne Thorpe, Production Editor

26The Small World of Miniature Bayonets:

A German WWI Souvenir Brooch and an English Silver Brooch By R.D.C. Evans

28The Gallipoli PlaqueBy Eric Wiseman

31The Army Fire ServiceBy David M. Kellock

34Allied vs Axis: Rifl es of World War II

By Benjamin Russell

38Warsaw Pact Graduation Badges

By Richard Hollingdale

42Iron Cross 1939 variations

By Jamie Cross

46Medal Collecting with Peter Duckers

A Medal from a Maharajah

49The MG ZJ 520 – a Czech post-war project

By Michael Heidler

51 Somerton: A town which went to war

By John Norris

5A Fair Day’s Work The Armourer takes a look at who is

selling what at arms and militaria fairs around the country

7An Illustrated Look atthe British Army of

August 1914 Yeomanry Regiments - Part One.By Ray Westlake

11 Hobart’s ‘FunniesBy Gerald Prenderghast

18 WW1 Imperial German ‘Death’ Cards

By Richard Fuller

22German Military Ri� e Cartridges, Part I

From Königgrätz to Peking. By Paul Scarlata

7

Issue 128 Contents

54 Infantry Guns – the Japanese Way

70mm Battalion Gun Type 92By Terry Gander

58 Winchester’s record-breaking Model 1894

Lever Action Ri� eBy Leslie Thurston

63Medals of The Great War: Part Three: the 1914 Clasp

66The Indian Medals for Independence

By John Norris

70 An Autumn in Northern Norway

By Yngve Sjodin72 Under the Hammer 78 Book Reviews 83 News & Views84 Show News88 Ask the Armourer 89 Arms Fair Diary90 Who to contact

31

By Paul ScarlataHOBART’S ‘FUNNIES’


Hobart’s ‘Funnies’By Gerald Prenderghast

The morning of 6 June 1944 saw the greatest

amphibious invasion force ever assembled

poised off the beaches of the Bay of Seine,

ready to begin Operation Overlord, the Allied

invasion of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

Unfortunately for the Allied forces, the

Germans had not been idle in the four years

since Dunkirk. Beach defences were extensive

and well planned, with guns and other ordnance

in quantities more than sufficient to keep any

number of unprotected troops pinned on the

beaches. It could have been another disaster,

like Dieppe in 1942, except that this time the

lessons had been learned and the British had

an uncompromising, outspoken tank genius to

provide them with the means of getting off the

beaches and reducing the German’s carefully

prepared defences to rubble.

HOBARTThis ‘tank man’, without whom Overlord

might well have failed, was an ex- corporal of

Home Guard, Major-General Sir Percy

(Hobo) Hobart, KBE, CB, DSO, MC.

Sir Percy began his military career in

1904 when, after graduating from the

Royal Military Academy, Woolwich,

he was commissioned into the Royal

Engineers (RE) and sent to India. His

service during WWI included time in

France and Mesopotamia (Iraq) and

in 1923, foreseeing the important role

tanks would have in future warfare, he

transferred to the Royal Tank Corps,

where his vision of the tank’s future

placed him in a small, extremely

vulnerable minority.

Although a number of senior British

advocates of tank warfare, like Major-General

J.F.C. Fuller, found themselves deprived of

command and sidelined during the inter-

war period, Hobart miraculously survived.

He became Inspector of the Tank Corps in

1933 and, in 1934, having reached the rank

of Brigadier, despite his unpopularity with

the War Office and Imperial General Staff,

he was given command of the newly formed

1st Tank Brigade. He quickly organised the

brigade along his own innovative lines and

trained them in the techniques of high speed

movement and rapid deployment which would

later characterise German Panzer operations

in France prior to Dunkirk. Most importantly,

he had earlier demanded that radio telephones

be fitted to all his tanks, explaining simply:

‘Control is as important as hitting power,

mobility or armour.’

In a series of war games he showed that

tanks could not only travel at night, but fight

during darkness as well. If this flexibility was

also allied to good communications, tanks were

perfectly adapted to appear unexpectedly at

the enemy’s most vulnerable point and cause

unprecedented destruction, particularly to

supply lines. The disruption his tanks caused

during these games proved impossible to

contain before conventional forces arrived in

overwhelming numbers and put the result of

such an engagement beyond doubt.

Hobart’s successful demonstration of his

theories unfortunately failed to convince

anyone on the Imperial General Staff (IGS). If

it had, the British Army would have developed

‘Blitzkrieg’, (literally ‘Lightning war’), long

before the Germans, and Poland might never

have fallen.This failure in tank development is certainly

surprising, especially because tanks had

originally been a British invention. They

were first in action during WWI at Cambrai,

although their effectiveness was negated by

the unimaginative use made of them by senior

British officers. Unfortunately, in the period

of military stagnation following WWI, tanks,

tank men and particularly tank tactics and tank

designers were being wholly ignored by the IGS,

which was dominated by unimaginative, WWI

cavalry veterans. This lack of imagination and

technical expertise also meant that British tanks

would not begin to be the technological equals

of the best German designs until WWII was

almost over.As might be expected, Hobart’s especial

genius did not encompass an ability to endear

himself to the senior officers of the IGS, and

by the late 1930s it was claimed that he had

more enemies in the War Office than any other

officer in the British Army.

So, instead of commanding Britain’s first

modern armoured unit, when it belatedly

began organising in 1937, he found himself

appointed Director of Military Training.

Command of Britain’s 1st Armoured Division

was subsequently given to a cavalryman

whose previous post had been training riding

instructors! The German Army, by contrast, had not

been wasting its time or resources. By the time

Britain’s first Armoured Division was forming,

Germany already had four Panzer divisions,

with more planned. More importantly, they

were all staffed by committed tank men like

Heinz Guderian, many with combat experience

gained during the Spanish Civil War and

trained in Hobart’s ‘Blitzkreig’ style operations.

Hobart’s theories had a marked influence on

all the German Panzer commanders, especially

Guderian. Germany’s best tank man even went

so far as openly to acknowledge his debt when,

at the conclusion of some of his Division’s pre-

Home Guard, Major-General Sir Percy

(Hobo) Hobart, KBE, CB, DSO, MC.

Sir Percy began his military career in

1904 when, after graduating from the

Royal Military Academy, Woolwich,

he was commissioned into the Royal

Engineers (RE) and sent to India. His

service during WWI included time in

France and Mesopotamia (Iraq) and would not begin to be the technological equals

of the best German designs until WWII was

almost over.


Propellant tank fitted to Churchill Crocodile, showing

the sloping sides which differentiates this device from

the earlier, experimental Valentine tanks.

(Public Domain)

Churchill 'Crocodile'

flame-throwing tank from

the front, showing the QF

75mm gun in the turret, the

driver's viewing port and the

badge of the 79th Armoured

Division. (Wikipedia: Creative

commons)

Churchill Crocodile

showing the flame

projector. Details

of the burner are obscured by the

safety cover. (Wikipedia:

Creative commons)

he had earlier demanded that radio telephones

be fitted to all his tanks, explaining simply:

‘Control is as important as hitting power,

mobility or armour.’

In a series of war games he showed that

tanks could not only travel at night, but fight

during darkness as well. If this flexibility was

also allied to good communications, tanks were

perfectly adapted to appear unexpectedly at

the enemy’s most vulnerable point and cause 113

PAGE TURNER

84 Armourer Issue 128

After World War II, all across Europe there were millions of displaced persons uprooted by the fighting who were longing to return home. In Britain there were thousands of them, many of whom who had fought as Allies with the British Army, including Polish troops. Some were fortunate enough to be housed in special centres which were established for the purpose of providing them with accommodation.One of these centres was at Tweedsmuir Camp in the village of Thursley in Surrey, which continued to be used to house around 40 Polish families until the 1960s. Earlier in the war the camp had been used by American, British and Canadian troops and it was bombed on 7 November 1942. The story of its use for displaced persons is told in a permanent display at the nearby Rural Life Museum at Tilford, where a camp school was established for children who had been bombed out during the London Blitz.The Rural Life Museum exhibits artefacts of 150 years of farming life, with tools and machinery displayed in original buildings. It also hosts a series of events throughout the year, one of which is a 1940s weekend called ‘A Village at War’. This is a popular event which focuses mainly on the Home Front with the Home Guard and other fascinating displays showing various aspects of the war. This year’s event is being held on 9 and 10 May, which particularly significant because it commemorates the 70th anniversary of the war in Europe; ‘VE Day’.

The event organisers plan to celebrate this date by creating a party atmosphere with lots of activities involving re-enactors. This will include interactive displays involving the Women’s Land Army, vehicles and a small battle re-enactment with pyrotechnics and blank firing weapons. One particularly fascinating display which was recently shown at the museum was put on by a re-enactment group called ‘The Long, the Short and the Tall’. They had a range of wicker baskets used during the war to transport homing pigeons which were essential for carrying vital messages for the military. Thousands of pigeons were used by the RAF and even war correspondents used them. The baskets on display were all original and had been refurbished to show how they

Tilford: A Village at Warby John Norris

Refurbished original wartime basket used to carry pigeons for military messages.

Member of ‘The Long, the Short and the Tall’. His armband CPS stands for ‘Carrier Pigeon Service’. His talk was highly informative.

Another original basket used to carry pigeons.Members of the Home Guard on patrol at Tilford.

A Diamond T recovery vehicle at Tilford.

Rare example of a Stanton air raid shelter.

Show Report

26The Small World of

NORTHERN NORWAY


An Autumn in Northern Norway

By Yngve Sjodin

After occupying Norway in 1940 the Germans put a lot of effort into fortifying and developing the country.

The coast had to be protected with bunkers

and cannons. Airfields, roads and railways

were built to connect the Reich with the

natural resources in the far north. Supplies

for the occupying forces and for the troops

fighting on the Finland and Murmansk front

were stored here and there in Norway. As the

war ended these stores were emptied, and

sometimes dumped in ditches, set fire to or

buried.Last autumn, some 70 years after the war, I

decided to spend my free time poking around

a few such storage areas I had heard about.

Nature has taken the areas back and it is

difficult to see where buildings and roads once

were, but the metal detector does most of the

searching anyway. I use a Fisher F5 detector, which is my first

metal detector, and find it easy to use and

understand. It has sound signals and a number

indicator, so I stroll around sweeping it across

the ground listening to the different tones.

When it makes a beep I check the number

indicator, and usually start digging. First I use

a bayonet to feel if it is a small or large object,

then I take the shovel and dig around it. If it

is a small object the built-in pin pointer is very

handy. I try to dig carefully as I don’t want to

ruin any object that might be under the soil.

Most objects lie close to the surface though


By Yngve Sjodin


The coast had to be protected with bunkers

and cannons. Airfields, roads and railways

were built to connect the Reich with the

natural resources in the far north. Supplies

for the occupying forces and for the troops

fighting on the Finland and Murmansk front

were stored here and there in Norway. As the

war ended these stores were emptied, and

70

03 Contents.indd 3 12/02/2015 11:10

p04_ARMMarApr15.indd 1 10/02/2015 11:36


A FAIR DAY’S WORKPeter Duckers takes a look at who is selling what at arms and militaria fairs around the country

1 1st Dragoons dress helmet c. 1897: available @ £795.00 from Louis Bannon of Cardiff. Contact him on 02920-221528

2 Wartime German Luftwaffe sextant, with full range of correct markings. Available @ £225 from Phoenix Militaria on07860-513491

3 Russian MIG pilot's helmet, complete with all electrics and connections and with anti-G Force pressure pad. A item from the

Cold War! £525 from Phoenix Militaria on 078960-513491.

4 A collectable of the future? Fortnum and Mason gift tin as given to forces' personnel for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, with full contents. Only £30 - from Frank Davies on 02084627592.

5 Wurttemberg Uhlan's felt WW1 czapka, in excellent condition, complete withall insignia. £750 from “Grenadiers”:

phone 01905-24455 or [email protected]

6 A good example of the German Cross in gold, with Luftwaffe backing. £475 from “Grenadiers”: phone 01905-24455 or [email protected]

7 A good selection of British and German bayonets, available from Clive Meakin “Military Collectibles” of Bournemoth on 07515693570.

23

4

7

6

5

1

5 Fair Days work.indd 5 10/02/2015 11:50

Email: [email protected]

We offer a comprehensive selection of all military accessories – everything from holsters to webbing, waterbottles to entrenching tools. Generally if we don’t have an item in stock we can obtain it through our trade contacts. Call us today whether you are buying or selling.

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M1 Carbine n/s £550

SPH4 helicopter helmet £150

WWII 25 pounder

£35

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BRITISH ARMY OF AUGUST 1914


King Edward's Horse (The King's Overseas Dominions Regiment). These will appear in Part Two directly after the following list of TF regiments.

Ayrshire (Earl of Carrick's Own) Yeomanry. Headquarters in Ayr with squadrons: 'A' (Ayr), 'B' (Cumnock), 'C' (Kilmarnock) and 'D' (Beith). Fig.1, A lion's head and neck winged, the cap badge shown, is that approved in October 1902 and worn until replaced in 1915 by a version incorporating the name of the regiment on a scroll.

Bedfordshire Yeomanry. Headquarters in Ashburnham Road, Bedford, with squadrons: 'A' (Bedford), 'B' (Biggleswade), 'C' (Dunstable) and 'D' (Godmanchester).

In 1914 The Yeomanry, the mounted element (cavalry) of the Territorial Force, comprised 56 regiments each organised on a four

squadron basis. Squadrons were lettered 'A' to 'D', or in the case of 2nd Lovat's Scouts and 2nd Scottish Horse, 'E' to 'H'. Unlike Territorial Force infantry battalions, which were affi liated to regiments of the line, the Yeomanry had no direct association with the Regular Cavalry. Each was, however, modelled (titles and dress) along the lines of the several Dragoon, Hussar and Lancer regiments of the Line Cavalry. Although not strictly 'in existence' at the declaration of war in 1914, the Welsh Horse has been included here, since its formation was well under way by 4 August. Also classifi ed as Yeomanry, but part of the Special Reserve, were three regiments: North Irish Horse, South Irish Horse and

Fig 2

Fig 3 & 4

Fig 7

Yeomanry Regiments - Part One Ray Westlake

An Illustrated Look at the British Army of August 1914

Fig 1

7_Ray Westlake.indd 7 10/02/2015 11:50



Berkshire Yeomanry (Hungerford). Headquarters at Yeomanry House, Castle Hill, Reading, with squadrons: 'A' (Windsor), 'B' (Reading), 'C' (Newbury) and 'D' (Wantage). Fig.2, Trooper. Figs 3 and 4,

The cap badge is based on the skeletal white horse chalk fi gure cut into the Downs above Uffi ngton, while the collar badge comes from the seal of Hungerford. Fig.5, Print by R. Caton Woodville.

Buckinghamshire Yeomanry (Royal Bucks Hussars). Headquarters in Buckinghamshire with squadrons: 'A' (Buckinghamshire), 'B' (Aylesbury), 'C' (High Wycombe) and 'D' (Chesham). Fig.6, The hussar-style uniforms are green with scarlet facings.

Cheshire Yeomanry (Earl of Chester's). Headquarters at Old Bank Buildings,

Chester with squadrons: 'A' (Knutsford), 'B' (Eaton), 'C' (Northwich) and 'D'

(Macclesfi eld). Fig.7, At camp, the upturned cooking pot identifi es. D e n b i g h s h i r e

Hussars Yeomanry. Headquarters at 1 Erdigg Road,

Wrexham, with squadrons: 'A' (Wrexham), 'B' (Denbigh), 'C' (Bangor) and 'D' (Birkenhead). Fig.8, Annual camp at Rhyl, May 1914. The blue uniforms have scarlet facings.

Derbyshire Yeomanry. Headquarters at 9 Siddall's Road, Derby, with squadrons: 'A' (Chesterfi eld), 'B' (Bakewell), 'C' (Derby) and 'D' (Derby). Fig.9, Cap badge.

Royal 1st Devon Yeomanry. Headquarters

Fig 12


Fig 11

Fig 8

Fig 5

Berkshire Yeomanry

Fig 5 Fig 6

on the skeletal white horse chalk fi gure

Fig 11

Fig 10

Fig 9




Fig 15

at 9 Dix's Field, Exete, with squadrons: 'A' (Thorverton), 'B' (Ottery St Mary), 'C' (Totnes) and 'D' (Bodmin). Fig.10, Senior NCOs. Fig.11 Cigarette card.

Royal North Devon Hussars Yeomanry. Headquarters in Barnstaple with squadrons: 'A' (Holsworthy), 'B' (Barnstaple), 'C' (South Molton) and 'D' (Torrington).

Dorset Yeomanry (Queen's Own). Headquarters in Sherborne with squadrons: 'A' (Dorchester), 'B' (Sherborne), 'C' (Blandford) and 'D' (Gillingham). Fig.12, A mixture of uniforms, the full dress being blue with scarlet facings.

Essex Yeomanry. Headquarters at 17 Sir Isaac's Walk, Colchester, with squadrons: 'A' (Colchester), 'B' (Braintree), 'C' (Waltham Abbey) and 'D' (Southend-on-Sea). Fig.13, Postcard published in 1914.

Fife and Forfar Yeomanry. Headquarters in Kirkcaldy with squadrons: 'A' (Cupar), 'B' (Dunfermline), 'C' (Dundee) and 'D' (Forfar). Fig.14, The cap badge shows a knight mounted on a galloping horse. Known as the 'Thane of Fife', the device has long been associated with Fife – it was used on the seal of Duncan, Earl of Fife as early as 1360) and as a military badge once used by the old Fife Fencible Cavalry which was disbanded in 1797.

Glamorgan Yeomanry. Headquarters in Bridgend with squadrons: 'A' (Swansea), 'B' (Bridgend), 'C' (Cardiff) and 'D' (Pontypridd).

Gloucestershire Yeomanry (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars). Headquarters in Gloucester with squadrons: 'A' (Gloucester), 'B' (Stroud), 'C' (Newport) and ' D ' (Bristol). Fig.15, Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. The cap badge features the crest of the Duke of Beaufort, the arm badges (left) are for best swordsman in regiment (top) and best shot in squadron (bottom).

Hampshire Yeomanry (Carabiniers). Headquarters in Hyde Close, Winchester, with squadrons: 'A' (Portsmouth), 'B' (Winchester), 'C' (Southampton) and 'D' (Bournemouth). Fig.16, Cap badge.

H e r t f o r d s h i r e Yeomanry. Headquarters in Hertford with squadrons: 'A' (Watford), 'B' (Hertford), 'C' (St Albans) and 'D' (High Barnet). Fig.17, Print by R. Simkin.

Royal East Kent Yeomanry (The Duke of Connaught's Own) (Mounted Rifl es). Headquarters in Canterbury with squadrons: 'A' (Chatham), 'B' (Faversham), 'C' (Dover) and 'D' (Ashford). Fig.18, Members of 'B' Squadron.

West Kent Yeomanry (Queen's Own). Headquarters in Union Street, Maidstone, with squadrons: 'A' (Bromley), 'B' (Dartford), 'C' (Tunbridge Wells) and 'D' (Maidstone).

Lanarkshire Yeomanry. Headquarters in Lanark with squadrons: 'A' (Douglas), 'B' (Lanark), 'C' (Coatbridge) and 'D' (Dumfries). Fig.19, Clearly seen in this photograph is the regimental cap badge featuring a double-headed eagle.

Queen's Own Royal Glasgow

and Lower Ward of Lanarkshire Ye o m a n r y .

Headquarters in Yorkhill Parade, Yorkhill, Glasgow, with squadrons: 'A' and 'B' (Glasgow), 'C' (Paisley) and 'D' (Glasgow). Fig.20, Cap badge.

Note: For a d d i t i o n a l information and illustrations see The British Army of August 1914 (The History Press) and The Territorials 1908-1914 (Pen & Sword Publishing) both by Ray Westlake.

Fig 13

Fig 14

Fig 16

Fig 17

Queen's Own Royal Glasgow

and Lower Ward of Lanarkshire

Fig 18

Fig 19

Fig 20


10

Chelmsford Militaria Fair

From M25 Junction 28 follow A12 Colchester bound. From the A12 take junction 17 which is the Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend turn off, follow all signs to Chelmsford. Keep going until you reach roundabout with flyover, this is the Army and Navy. Take first left into Baddow Road, continue until you reach a mini roundabout and turn right into Beehive Lane. Continue straight for approximately 1mile

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Contact: James on 07595 511981 or Email [email protected]

Deactivated weapons, magazines, inert ammo and weapon accessories available on line at www.chelmsfordmilitaria.com

NEXT FAIR: 17th May

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Chatham Militaria FairTo be held at

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KENT, ME4 4TZ

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NEXT FAIR: 8th March

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HOBART’S ‘FUNNIES’


Hobart’s ‘Funnies’By Gerald PrenderghastThe morning of 6 June 1944 saw the greatest amphibious invasion force ever assembled poised off the beaches of the Bay of Seine, ready to begin Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Hitler’s Fortress Europe. Unfortunately for the Allied forces, the Germans had not been idle in the four years since Dunkirk. Beach defences were extensive and well planned, with guns and other ordnance in quantities more than suffi cient to keep any number of unprotected troops pinned on the beaches. It could have been another disaster, like Dieppe in 1942, except that this time the lessons had been learned and the British had an uncompromising, outspoken tank genius to provide them with the means of getting off the beaches and reducing the German’s carefully prepared defences to rubble.

HOBARTThis ‘tank man’, without whom Overlord might well have failed, was an ex- corporal of Home Guard, Major-General Sir Percy (Hobo) Hobart, KBE, CB, DSO, MC. Sir Percy began his military career in 1904 when, after graduating from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, he was commissioned into the Royal Engineers (RE) and sent to India. His service during WWI included time in France and Mesopotamia (Iraq) and in 1923, foreseeing the important role tanks would have in future warfare, he transferred to the Royal Tank Corps, where his vision of the tank’s future placed him in a small, extremely vulnerable minority.

Although a number of senior British advocates of tank warfare, like Major-General J.F.C. Fuller, found themselves deprived of command and sidelined during the inter-war period, Hobart miraculously survived. He became Inspector of the Tank Corps in 1933 and, in 1934, having reached the rank of Brigadier, despite his unpopularity with the War Offi ce and Imperial General Staff, he was given command of the newly formed 1st Tank Brigade. He quickly organised the brigade along his own innovative lines and trained them in the techniques of high speed movement and rapid deployment which would later characterise German Panzer operations in France prior to Dunkirk. Most importantly, he had earlier demanded that radio telephones be fi tted to all his tanks, explaining simply: ‘Control is as important as hitting power, mobility or armour.’

In a series of war games he showed that tanks could not only travel at night, but fi ght during darkness as well. If this fl exibility was also allied to good communications, tanks were perfectly adapted to appear unexpectedly at the enemy’s most vulnerable point and cause

unprecedented destruction, particularly to supply lines. The disruption his tanks caused during these games proved impossible to contain before conventional forces arrived in overwhelming numbers and put the result of such an engagement beyond doubt.

Hobart’s successful demonstration of his theories unfortunately failed to convince anyone on the Imperial General Staff (IGS). If it had, the British Army would have developed ‘Blitzkrieg’, (literally ‘Lightning war’), long before the Germans, and Poland might never have fallen.

This failure in tank development is certainly surprising, especially because tanks had originally been a British invention. They were fi rst in action during WWI at Cambrai, although their effectiveness was negated by the unimaginative use made of them by senior British offi cers. Unfortunately, in the period of military stagnation following WWI, tanks, tank men and particularly tank tactics and tank designers were being wholly ignored by the IGS, which was dominated by unimaginative, WWI cavalry veterans. This lack of imagination and technical expertise also meant that British tanks

would not begin to be the technological equals of the best German designs until WWII was almost over.

As might be expected, Hobart’s especial genius did not encompass an ability to endear himself to the senior offi cers of the IGS, and by the late 1930s it was claimed that he had more enemies in the War Offi ce than any other offi cer in the British Army.

So, instead of commanding Britain’s fi rst modern armoured unit, when it belatedly began organising in 1937, he found himself appointed Director of Military Training. Command of Britain’s 1st Armoured Division was subsequently given to a cavalryman whose previous post had been training riding instructors!

The German Army, by contrast, had not been wasting its time or resources. By the time Britain’s fi rst Armoured Division was forming, Germany already had four Panzer divisions, with more planned. More importantly, they were all staffed by committed tank men like Heinz Guderian, many with combat experience gained during the Spanish Civil War and trained in Hobart’s ‘Blitzkreig’ style operations. Hobart’s theories had a marked infl uence on all the German Panzer commanders, especially Guderian. Germany’s best tank man even went so far as openly to acknowledge his debt when, at the conclusion of some of his Division’s pre-

Home Guard, Major-General Sir Percy (Hobo) Hobart, KBE, CB, DSO, MC. Sir Percy began his military career in 1904 when, after graduating from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, he was commissioned into the Royal Engineers (RE) and sent to India. His service during WWI included time in France and Mesopotamia (Iraq) and

would not begin to be the technological equals of the best German designs until WWII was almost over.


Propellant tank fi tted to Churchill Crocodile, showing the sloping sides which differentiates this device from the earlier, experimental Valentine tanks.(Public Domain)

Churchill 'Crocodile' fl ame-throwing tank from the front, showing the QF 75mm gun in the turret, the driver's viewing port and the badge of the 79th Armoured Division. (Wikipedia: Creative commons)

Churchill Crocodile showing the fl ame projector. Details of the burner are

obscured by the safety cover. (Wikipedia:

Creative commons)

11_Geoff Puddefoot.indd 11 10/02/2015 11:51



war manoeuvres, he called for champagne and offered a toast: ‘To Hobart.’

After Dunkirk, in October 1940, Winston Churchill would deplore the time wasted by the IGS in obstructing the development of a modern armoured force, while acknowledging German superiority. In a historic minute referring to Hobart, he wrote: ‘General Hobart’s views have been only too tragically borne out. The neglect by the General Staff even to devise proper patterns of tanks before the war has robbed us of all the fruits of this invention. These fruits have been reaped by the enemy, with terrible consequences.’

For Hobart, 1937 was a year of impotence, with every initiative as Director of Training stifl ed. After Munich, in 1938, he found himself summarily shipped off to Cairo, assigned to raise and train what was to become Britain’s second modern armoured force. From a scattered collection of motorised and mechanised troops with obsolete equipment and against venomous opposition from his immediate superior, Hobart built the 7th Armoured Division, the ‘Desert Rats’. So effective was his training regime that in 1940 Lieutenant -General Sir Richard O’Connor, then commander of the Western Desert Force called them ‘the best trained division I have ever seen’. They were to prove this later, under O’Connor’s command, when, early in 1941, they were a major component of the force which almost succeeded in driving the Italian Army completely out of North Africa.

Hobart’s reward for this remarkable feat was summary dismissal by General Sir Archibald Wavell, then GOC, Middle East Command, acting upon an adverse report fi led by Hobart’s immediate superior. In December 1939, aged 54, Hobart went into retirement, convinced he would never serve in the British Army again.

He was still serving, however, albeit with the Chipping Camden LDV (Local Defence Volunteers, forerunners of the Home Guard), when, in August 1940, Basil Liddell-Hart wrote a scathing article in the Sunday Pictorial ( later the Sunday Mirror), criticising the decision to retire him. Churchill, himself no stranger to political enmity nor famous for an ability to suffer fools gladly or otherwise, apparently read the article and immediately invited Hobart to lunch.

By 1941, thanks to Churchill’s infl uence, Hobart was back in the Army, training the 11th Armoured Division. Further disappointment awaited him, however, and he was removed from command of the 11th on the grounds of ill-health, just before the Division was due to be sent to Tunisia.

It seemed that Hobart was to be pushed aside yet again but instead he was offered the chance

to raise and train a new armoured division, the 79th. By March 1943 plans were being made to disband the 79th but in what he later described as a ‘happy brainwave’, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Sir Alan Brooke, invited Hobart to convert his division. They were to become a unit of specialised armour, the 79th (Experimental) Armoured Division, Royal Engineers. Hobart’s job was to devise solutions to the problems associated with tanks and troops landing on beaches, specifi cally, the almost insurmountable diffi culties the planners predicted would beset Overlord.

OVERLORD AND THE ‘FUNNIES’Amphibious operations are arguably the most diffi cult of all wartime deployments to carry out successfully. They require rigorous organisation, not a little luck and above all, as with any military expedition, complete intelligence concerning what might be waiting for the invading forces.

The Dieppe Raid, in August 1942, showed just how easily a combined amphibious operation could go wrong. Tanks of the Canadian Calgary Tank Regiment, together with their supporting troops, had been landed together on a beach near the French port. Unfortunately, this beach consisted of several hundred yards of pebbles, making tank movement next to impossible. Together with the German anti-tank obstacles, which the Regiment’s new Churchill tanks were unable

to penetrate, this meant that most of the armour was destroyed on the beach, along with over 1,000 troops killed and nearly 3,000 wounded, captured or missing in action. Worst of all, interrogation of French civilians and German prisoners revealed that the Germans had been preparing for the invasion for weeks and even knew the date it was due to begin. Clearly, during Overlord, disasters of this sort had to be avoided at all costs.

Eisenhower and Montgomery were only too aware of the implications of Dieppe. Their plans for the Normandy invasion included a massive intelligence-

gathering operation, which revealed, amongst other things, the extensive nature of the beach defences and the resulting diffi culty unsupported troops would have in establishing a beachhead. They needed very specialised armour and it was the Commander of the 79th who was going to give it to them.

Hobart had a small group of specialised armoured vehicles with which to begin developing the 79th Division. There had been fl ame-throwing Churchills at Dieppe, Crab tanks fi tted with fl ails to detonate mines had been in use in North Africa since 1942 and bridge-laying tanks had also been produced earlier in the war. Hobart collected all these disparate designs together, included some of his own and, early in 1944, was able to demonstrate to Eisenhower and Montgomery brigade strength units of amphibious (DD), Crab and AVRE (Engineer ) tanks, as well as a regiment of fl ame-throwing ‘Crocodiles’.

Known as Hobart’s ‘Funnies’, all these specialised vehicles were based on either the Churchill or Sherman chassis. Churchills made good auxiliary armoured vehicles because they were roomy and heavily armoured, although their cross-country speed was slow and their

to penetrate, this meant that most of the armour was destroyed on the beach, along with over 1,000 troops killed and nearly 3,000 wounded, captured or missing in action. Worst of all, interrogation of French civilians and German prisoners revealed that the Germans had been preparing for the invasion for weeks and even knew the date it was due to begin. Clearly, during Overlord, disasters of this sort had to be avoided at all costs.

only too aware of the implications of Dieppe. Their plans for the Normandy invasion included a massive intelligence-

gathering operation, which revealed, amongst

Valentine Mk III infantry tank, converted to carry an experimental fl ame-thrower. This tank was fi tted with a fl ame projector which used slow burning cordite as the propellant, the projector itself being

mounted on the front of the hull. The Valentine Crocodiles never saw combat but the equipment they were fi tted with served as a forerunner to that used on the Churchill.

(Public Domain)

The effect of the fl ame projector fi tted to a Valentine Crocodile.

(Public Domain)

An experimental Valentine Crocodile, showing the fl ame projector and the unsuccessful 2-pdr gun.

(Public Domain)




engines could be unreliable. Shermans were mechanically more reliable but too lightly armoured, with a 75mm gun which was useless against a German Tiger tank. Like the Churchill, it also had a petrol engine, which made Shermans discouragingly ready to catch fire when hit and resulted in the Panzer crews christening them, the ‘Tommy Cooker’. Fire was the predominant fear amongst all tank men. One American officer who served in Shermans wrote: ‘One great fear of tankers was of being burned up before they could get out of a tank. ... If the fuel caught fire ... the temperature inside the tank could go up to 5,000 degrees in five seconds.’ His crew preferred to keep their turret lids open and, as this officer explained: ‘We never locked ourselves in the tank.’Petrol-engined tanks and fire clearly did not mix. So it must have been disconcerting for tank crews in the 79th to find themselves called upon to operate a vehicle which did just that.

‘OKES’ AND ‘CROCODILES’Trials had begun early in WWII with flame-throwers of various designs mounted on a number of British vehicles, but the first time such a device saw operational use was during the Dieppe raid. Known as the Churchill ‘Oke’, after their designer, Major J.M. Oke, Royal Tank Regiment, they were fundamentally a Churchill Mk II, with a Ronson flame-thrower. A tank containing fuel for the weapon was attached to the rear of the vehicle with a pipe from it

leading to the mounting on the left of the front hull, leaving the forward machine gun unobstructed. Three landed at Dieppe, but they were soon put out of action, along with most of the more conventional armour.

Although some development work was carried out on the earlier Valentine tanks, the Department of Tank Design opted for the more reliable Churchill to mount their flame-thrower and were able to demonstrate a prototype to Hobart late in 1943. He immediately pressured the Ministry of Supply into producing a development plan and with design work proceeding, ‘Crocodiles’ were added to the 79th Division’s list of vehicles (one source suggests that this was only done after D-Day).

Planning for Overlord was now well advanced, so time for vehicle production was correspondingly short. In order to have enough ‘Crocodiles’ available for the invasion, flame-thrower equipment was produced as a conversion kit, which could be fitted by REME workshops to any available Churchill Mk VII. Kits consisted of a trailer-mounted tank, towed behind the Churchill, which contained 400 gallons of fuel and nitrogen propellant at 350psi, and an armoured pipe, mounted along the underside of the Churchill’s hull, to supply this mixture to a projector. Projectors replaced the Churchill’s Besa machine gun, although the tank’s standard Quick Firing (QF) 75mm gun

was retained. This allowed the ‘Crocodile’ to continue in an effective role, even when it had expended the flame-thrower’s fuel which was sufficient for 80 one-second bursts, at a range of between 120 and 150 yards. In addition, the flame-thrower could also fire a ‘wet’ burst of unlit fuel, to be splashed around the corners of trenches or other strong points before being ignited with a second burst. The device itself was considered so secret that tank men attending the first trials were asked to sign the Official Secrets Act.

Lieutenant A. Wilson, RAC, witnessed one of these demonstrations. He later described it: ‘It (the tank) went towards the first target, a concrete pill box. Suddenly, there was a rushing in the air , a vicious hiss. From the front of the tank a burning yellow rod shot out. The rod curved and started to drop, throwing off burning particles. A dozen yellow fingers leapt out from the point of impact, searching for cracks and apertures. All at once the pill box was engulfed in fire- belching, twisting, red roaring fire. And clouds of queer smelling, grey-black smoke.’

When the demonstration was finished, Wilson found that a spot of the liquid had splashed onto his boot, where it ‘clung and burned’, however hard he tried to get rid of it. Normandy’s ‘bocage’ would show just what effect such material would have on human tissue.

‘Crocodiles’ proved a very effective weapon during both the invasion and in the subsequent break out. Despite the projector’s short range, the weapon had a very marked deterrent effect, especially against bunkers, whose occupants would often surrender after a single ranging shot.

This single extract from War Illustrated of September 1944 describes the devastating effect of the ‘Crocodile’ in combat:

‘At dusk on July 14, 1944, a Scottish regiment launched an attack on a German position north of Esquay in Normandy. Strongly entrenched in the edges of woods and along the hedgerows, the enemy could not easily be overcome by any ordinary plan of engagement. But this assault was to hold surprises for the Germans against which they could not hope to stand.

‘Astride a roadway the attack went in – one troop of tanks on each site of the road, each troop followed by a platoon of the infantry, one section keeping close up to the armour. Suddenly through the half-light, enormous flames roared out and licked fiercely at the hedgerows and forward undergrowth of the woods. Bushes and saplings were wrapped in fire. In that fiery, crackling inferno no man could live.

‘From this awesome threat of being consumed the Germans turned and ran, presenting their backs as targets for the bullets of the Scottish infantry. Some stayed, and were burned. And the position was taken without loss to the attackers. Subsequent interrogation of prisoners left no shred of doubt in the minds of the questioners as to the devastating and utterly demoralizing effect of this flood of liquid from our Crocodile flame-throwers.’

Development of the ‘Crocodiles’ had been reasonably uncomplicated. This was not the

Churchill Crocodile just prior to launching from an LCT (Landing Craft, Tank)

(Public Domain)

Landing craft being launched from

deck of a large merchant ship.(Public Domain)




case with some of the other groups of ‘Funnies’. Amphibious tanks, in particular, had caused their designers innumerable problems, which, in truth, had not found wholly satisfactory solutions, even as the vehicles rolled down the ramps of the LSTs and LCTs and headed towards the invasion beaches.

A Churchill ‘crocodile’, supporting elements of the Rifle Brigade, during their attack on the Dutch village of Sint Joost while fighting in Operation Blackcock during January 1945. (Public Domain)

Panzer II [ PzKpfw II) flame-thrower tank. Only deployed in the USSR and relatively unsuccessful in that theatre because of its limited armour, the Pz II was fitted with two flame projectors mounted in small, remotely controlled turrets on the front of each track guard. The projectors used a nitrogen propellant, with acetylene as fuel. (Public Domain)

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FURTHER READING Gerald Prenderghast is also the author of :Britain and the Wars in Vietnam: The Supply of Troops, Arms and Intelligence. Published by: McFarland & Co, Inc, 2015.

Robert Kershaw, Tank Men, Hodder & Stoughton 2008.

David Fletcher, Vanguard of Victory: the 79th Armoured Division, Stationery Office Books; 1984.


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Although over 500 correspondents, photographers and broadcastershad been accredited by the Public Relations Division to cover theinvasion of France due to take place in four months’ time, SHAEF alsodecided to issue its own daily communiqués, charting the progress ofthe battle, to be released under the signature of a former USpressman, Lieutenant Colonel D. Reed Jordon, the Chief of theCommunications Section.

Over the following months nearly 400 communiqués werereleased by SHAEF and these are reproduced in this book. Theywere designed mainly as a guide for the press covering battlefieldactivities, so descriptions of the horror, the suffering, and thedestruction that go with each shell fired and each bomb droppedwere purposely left to the scores of talented news and photoreporters nearer the action.

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‘DEATH’ CARDS


WW1 Imperial German ‘Death’ CardsBy Richard Fuller

There are currently many television documentaries and articles on WWI that concentrate on the Allied side. The

British Empire lost 908,371 dead and 191,652 missing/prisoners, and the French 1,357,800 dead with 537,000 missing/prisoners. However, it takes two sides to make war. Germany lost 1,773,700 dead and 1,152,800 missing/prisoners with Austria-Hungary 1,200,000 dead and 2,200,000 missing/prisoners. Little is said about the sacrifi ces of families in the latter two empires or individual soldiers who became casualties.

Collectors of WW1 militaria will be familiar with the large bronze British death plaques given by the government to the families of those killed or missing. They only identify the deceased by his name with no details as to rank, unit and how or where they died.

No such offi cial commemoration was given by the German government so it was left to family members of the deceased to do it themselves. This was achieved by privately printing thin card or paper funeral or remembrance cards with details of the deceased. They are called Sterbebilder (death pictures). They were handed out to those friends and family who attended the funeral or memorial service. This means that a number were available and more than one relating to the same person can be found if they were kept by those present so, unlike the British death plaques, they are not unique. I have obtained my cards from the internet but apparently they are available at fl ea markets in Germany.

Cards are double-sided and printed in black and white. They consist of two or four pages. Size varies slightly but double page cards (as shown in this article) measure around 5⅜” wide x 4” high. The front will have the name and a photo of the deceased and may have such information as his father’s occupation and place of residence, date of birth, his army unit, cause of death plus where, when and how he was killed. Awards (medals) can also be listed. Prayers or a poem may be included. These details are of great help to researchers, provided they speak or can translate German and understand military abbreviations. Unfortunately, traditional Gothic (Old English) script is used which means that certain letters are hard to identify.

The photograph of the deceased, usually in military uniform, is either full length or of the head and shoulders. However, on occasions, the photo may be coloured and glued on.

The reverse features a religious picture such as Christ, the Virgin Mary or an angel tending to a wounded soldier, Christ on the cross or the Virgin Mary in prayer. See Figs.1, 6, 8. Small print at the bottom gives the printer’s name and town which can help to confi rm the area of the service and location of the family concerned.

Typical causes of death given are from a mortar or shrapnel wound, or a shot to the stomach, and

death might occur in a fi eld hospital or in a prisoner-of war-camp from wounds or sickness. Even typhus and infl uenza may be specifi ed. Location of death may refer to a battle such as the Somme, Verdun, Arras or in such areas as France, Romania, Macedonia and Galicia (Galizia). The last was a battle between the Russians and Austro-Hungarians in modern-day Ukraine.

Some cards commemorate brothers who were killed and have details and photos of two or more siblings, the higher the number, the greater the rarity. Four deaths are rare and fi ve is very rare.

Cards for army privates and NCOs are common but those for offi cers are rarely found. I have not seen cards for members of the Imperial German navy or air force though they must exist, and those for submariners or pilots would be highly collectable. Purchase price on the internet is around £3-£5 but examples with multiple deaths can be in double fi gures. The vendor should state that his card(s) are original to avoid the purchase of modern photocopies which tend to be whiter than originals and don’t show markings or wear commensurate with age. Ideally no higher priced card should be bought without a translation that proves its worth.

‘Death’ cards are a record of the terrible losses experienced by the Germans in WWI. Perhaps further research is possible if they were recorded in local churches or on memorials.

Similar cards were printed in WWII but do not include the cause of death. This was probably due to the effect of lowering the morale of the families concerned.

Typical translated cards are shown by the following examples:

death might occur in a fi eld hospital or in a prisoner-of war-camp from wounds or sickness. Even typhus and infl uenza may be specifi ed. Location of

the higher the number, Fig 1

which tend to be whiter

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 7

18_Richard Fuller Death cards.indd 18 10/02/2015 11:53

‘DEATH’ CARDS


Fig.2: For the pious remembrance in prayers of a close dear son and brother. Young man (youth) Johann Menhofer. Sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Holder of the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Military Service Cross 3rd Class with Swords, 9 year Long Service Medal. Born 12th May 1891 at Rohrbach (district in the city of Heidelberg, Germany). Died the heroic death for the Fatherland. Shot in the head in a skirmish at Soissons (France) on 12th June 1918.

Fig.3: “Who lives in the memory of his loved ones, is

not dead.” In God’s holy peace rests away from his love. Our only unforgettable son and brother of honesty and a virtuous young person (youth) Alois Völtl. Privateer’s son from Aichach (in Bavaria). Reservist with the 18th Infantry Regiment 1st Company. Born: in Schnellmannskreut (Germany) 7th November 1896. Died the heroic death for the Fatherland 26th October? 1916 by a shot in the stomach. Buried in the Municipal (community) cemetery of Nagy-Talmacs in Transylvannia (Romania).

Note: A ‘Privateer’ appears to be a man of independent means.

Fig.4: Christian remembrance in prayer to the virtuous young man (youth) Franz Kiefi nger. Son of (the) Economist and Mayor of Hiederheldenstein. Soldier in the 1st Royal Bavarian Lifeguards Regiment and lastly in the 3rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment, 2nd Company. Died a hero for his country aged 23 years from a grenade wound in Field Hospital No. 132 in Galicia (in Ukraine) on 25th June 1916.

Note: He is holding a pickelhaube with a Bavarian helmet plate.

A BBC documentary was made about the Smith family of Barnard Castle, County

Durham, who lost fi ve out of six brothers from 1916-18. The Beechey family of Lincoln lost fi ve out of eight sons. Similarly the Souls family of Great Rissington in the Cotswolds lost fi ve out of six sons. Such tragic losses were not confi ned to Britain as is demonstrated by the next two cards.

Fig.5, 6: For pious prayers in remembrance to the honourable respected Johann Holzner. Farmer’s son from Geiseldorf (in Bavaria). Sergeant in the 1st Reserve Infantry Regiment 3rd Company. Holder of the Iron Cross 2nd Class and Military Merit Cross. Followed his three brothers in a heroic death in the fi ghting at Beaumont (France) on the 10th January 1917 aged 30 years.

Note: He was the forth Holzner brother to be killed out of four: (1) Anton – died 27th May 1915. (2) Albert – died 31st August 1915. (3) Peter – died 28th September 1916. (4) Johann – died 10th January 1917.

Probably each brother had a separate funeral or commemorative service because I also have a card for the third brother to be killed. This has his full-length photo in uniform plus smaller photos of his two deceased brothers. It says:

In memory with prayers to the virtuous young man (youth). Jäger (rifl eman) Peter Holzner. Farmer’s son from Geiseldorf (in Bavaria). Assigned to the 10th Reserve Infantry Regiment 9th Company. Severely wound on the Somme in the Reserve on the 24th August 1916 and died in hospital at Duisburg on the 28th September aged 30 years following his two brothers in a heroic death.

Fig.7, 8: Prayers in memory of the death of 5 heroic brothers. Erber (surname) of Niederaichbach (in Bavaria).

(1) Isidor, born 17th March 1886. Died 4th September 1914 (aged 28) at Haltingen hospital in Baden (Germany).

(2) Sebastian, born 2nd January 1888. Died 26th September 1914 (aged 26) in French captivity at Brienc.

(3) Max, born 10th October 1883. Died 2nd October 1914 (almost 31) at Saint Gabriele.

(4) Otto, born 9th September 1884. Died 13th May 1915 (aged 31) in the Field Hospital at Bailleul (France).

(5) Nikolaus, born 8th July 1890. Died 30th May 1915 (aged 24) in the Field Hospital at Fresnes (France).

Note: These losses occurred in the short space of only nine months. One can only imagine the grief suffered by the parents. This is a commemorative service card rather than a funeral card since no single person is specifi cally mentioned.

remembrance in prayers of a close dear son and brother. Young man (youth) Johann Menhofer. Sergeant in the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Holder of the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Military Service Cross 3rd Class with Swords, 9 year Long Service Medal. Born 12th May

the city of Heidelberg, GermanyDied the heroic death for the

memory of his loved ones, is

be a man of independent means.Fig.4:

in prayer to the virtuous young man (youth) Franz Kiefi nger. Son of (the) Economist and Mayor of Hiederheldenstein. Soldier in the 1st Royal Bavarian Lifeguards Regiment and lastly in the 3rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment, 2nd Company. Died a hero for his country aged 23 years from a grenade wound in Field Hospital No. 132 in Galicia (Ukraine

pickelhaube with a Bavarian helmet plate.

made about the Smith family of Barnard Castle, County

Fig 6


of Barnard Castle, County

Fig 8

Fig 2

Fig 4

Fig 7

Fig 5

not dead.” In God’s holy peace rests away from his love. Our only unforgettable son and brother of honesty and a virtuous young person (youth) Alois Völtl. Privateer’s son from Aichach (Bavaria)Infantry Regiment 1st Company. Born: in Schnellmannskreut (Germany) 7th November 1896. Died the heroic death for the Fatherland 26th October? 1916 by a shot in the stomach. Buried in the Municipal (of Nagy-Talmacs in Transylvannia (Romania(Romania(

be a man of independent means.be a man of independent means.

Fig 4

Fig 5

18_Richard Fuller Death cards.indd 19 10/02/2015 11:53

20

Not only do we buy/trade and sell medals, badges and decorations from only a few pounds upwards, we have also included information

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Our friendly staff are happy to advise.For more information, please email [email protected]

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For a great selection of Original German Third Reich Awards, Medals, Badges and Decorations, a visit to

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We have a selection of books and a good reference section on the hobby of collecting these awards too.

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est. 1995

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Store Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 10:30-17:00, Saturdays by prior appointment, All major debit/credit cards acceptedQuality militaria & scientific instruments purchased. Single items to complete collections considered

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p20_ARMMarApr15.indd 20 10/02/2015 11:44


Strachan Militariawww.ismilitaria.co.uk

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p21_ARMMarApr15.indd 21 10/02/2015 11:49

MILITARY RIFLE CARTRIDGES


German Military Ri� e Cartridges, Part IFrom Königgrätz to PekingBy Paul ScarlataPhotos by: James Walters and Lou Behling (unless otherwise indicated)

During the 17th century the kingdom of Prussia (formerly known as Brandenburg) became the pre-eminent

northern German state. Prussia’s prestige grew signifi cantly under King Friedrich the Great (1740-86) when, during the Seven Years’ War, he defeated a coalition of Austria, Russia and France.

With the rise of Napoleon, except for Prussia and Austria, most of the German states allied themselves with France. Austria was repeatedly defeated by Napoleon’s armies while defeats in 1792 and 1806 forced Prussia to accept the pre-eminence of French arms on the Continent.

This humiliation motivated the Prussians to undertake a series of reforms and the kingdom’s laws, educational system, bureaucracy and army were reorganised and upgraded.

A revitalised Prussia joined with Austria and Russia to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig in late 1813. Prussian forces under Generalfeldmarschal Gebhard von Blücher, allied with the British and Dutch under Wellington, defeated Napoleon once and for all at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 – for which the French would never forgive their Teutonic neighbours.

After the Napoleonic Wars the Congress of Vienna (1814-15) created the German Confederation, consisting of 38 states and free cities including the kingdoms of Austria, Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria and Württemberg. Austria and Prussia constantly jockeyed for control of the other states.

In 1840 the Prussian Army adopted a breech-loading, bolt-action rifl e designed by Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse, the Preußische-Zündnadel-Gewehr M.41. • Scharfe-patrone M/47 – (aka Zündnadel-

patrone) was a combustible paper cartridge containing a 13.6mm lead bullet encased in a papier-mâché collar known as a Treibspiegel, which had a hollow in its base containing a pellet of priming compound. Upon fi ring the 16.2mm diameter Treibspiegel engaged the rifl ing, imparting spin to bullet after leaving the muzzle. The priming compound was located in front of the 76 gr. charge of black powder to (a) protect it from damage, and (b) in the belief that this provided superior ignition of the propellant.

• Scharfe-Patrone M/57 – was loaded with a 482 gr. lead bullet that was propelled to a velocity of approximately 971 feet per second (fps). This was the standard cartridge at the time of the Franco-Prussian War (see below).

• Carabiner-Patrone M/57 -–designed for the short barrelled Preußische-Zündnadel-Carabiner M.55, it was identical in design to the rifl e cartridge but was loaded with a 58 gr. of black powder so as to reduce recoil.In 1862, Otto von Bismarck was appointed

Chancellor of Prussia and set about harnessing the new Germanic nationalism for his own purposes, so that Prussia would become the pre-eminent German state.

The Preußische-Zündnadel’s fi rst actual combat service occurred during the brief Danish-Prussian War of 1864 when Prussian, Austrian and German Confederation troops took the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Austria was supposed to be given control of the Duchies, but Bismarck had no intentions of ceding provinces on Prussia’s northern border to Habsburg control. This led to the outbreak of the Austro-Prussian War (aka Seven Weeks War) the following year.

The Battle of Königgratz (3 July 1866) showed the superiority of Zündnadel-equipped troops (and Prussian leadership). The Austrian Army suffered 13,000 dead, 17,000 wounded and 13,000 captured, while German casualties totalled 9,200.

With Austria’s defeat, Prussia became the acknowledged leader of the German Confederation, and exerted ever-growing infl uence –and control – over the remaining, ‘independent’ Germanic states. Bismarck next turned his attention to France. A series of manufactured political ‘incidents’ caused Emperor Louis Napoleon III to declare war on Prussia in August 1870.

While they were armed with the technically superior Fusil d’Infanterie Mle. 1866 (the Chassepot) the French were no match for Prussian armies. A series of increasingly desperate battles were waged by the French Imperial Army, culminating in the disastrous Battle of Sedan where, on 1 September 1870, the main French army was crushed and the Emperor Napoleon himself captured. Prussia was now the pre-eminent Continental military power.

During the Franco-Prussian war some units of the Bayerische Königliche Armee (Bavarian Royal Army) were armed with a metallic cartridge breech-loading rifl e, the Bayerisches-Rückladungs-Gewehr M/69 and Bayerisches-Carabiner M/69 designed by Johann Werder.• 11mm scharfe Patrone M/69 (lang)

– used a rimmed, bottle-necked, brass case

Gew 71-84.01 -The Infanterie-Gewehr M/71/84 was the fi rst repeating rifl e used by the German Army.

Danish-Prussian War of 1864 when Prussian, Austrian and German Confederation troops took the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Austria was supposed to be given control of the Duchies, but Bismarck had no intentions of ceding provinces on Prussia’s northern border to Habsburg control. This led to the outbreak of the Austro-Prussian War (aka

1870. A Zündnadel-Gewehr equipped Prussian

soldier has his photo taken before marching off

to fi ght the French. (courtesy Stuart Mowbray)

1890. A trio of German soldaten showing off their new Infanterie-Gewehre M/71/84.

Askaris of the Kaiserlichen Schutztruppe in Deutsche-Ostafrika armed with the

Jägerbuchse M/71, a slightly shorter version of the Infanterie-

Gewehr M/71.

22_Paul Scarlata must.indd 22 10/02/2015 12:00



50mm in length with a 377 gr. lead

bullet and 67 of black powder which produced a

muzzle velocity of 1463 fps.₁ • 11mm scharfe Patrone M/69

(kurz) - the Werder carbine’s cartridges consisted of a rimmed, bottle-necked case 35mm long which contained a 340 gr. lead bullet backed by 39 gr. of black powder.The Prussians were impressed with the

French Chassepot and issued numbers of captured carbines to their mounted troops as the Chassepot-Karabiner. • 11mm Cartouche Mle. 1866 – the

Chassepot’s combustible cartridge consisted of a nitrated paper/silk tube with a primer located at the base. A charge of 86 gr. of black powder propelled its 382 gr. lead projectile to 1370 fps.With the lessons of the recent French war

and the American Civil War in their minds, the Prussian General Staff ordered the Gewehr-Prüfungs-Kommission (GPK) at Spandau Gewehrfabrik to begin trials to fi nd a metallic cartridge rifl e. Paul Mauser and his brother Wilhelm began work on a bolt-action, breech-loading rifl e in the late 1860s. In 1871 they entered a metallic cartridge rifl e in the Prussian trials which was adopted as the Infanterie-Gewehr M.71.• 11mm scharfe Patrone M/71 – consisted

of a rimmed, bottle-necked brass case 60mm in length, loaded with a round nose 386 gr., paper patched, lead bullet that was pushed to velocity of 1443 fps by a 77 gr. charge of black powder.The Gewehr M.71 and Patrone M.71 were

used by armies around the world and were

especially popular in the Far East and Latin America, well into the 1920s. The Germans also modifi ed large numbers of captured Chassepot carbines for the Patrone M.71, and designated them the Aptierter Chassepot-Karabiner M.71. ₂

By the 1880s increasing numbers of armies were using repeating rifl es. The Germans had Mauser modify the M.71 rifl e to use a seven-round tubular magazine in the forearm. The resulting Infanterie-Gewehr M.71/84 never completely replaced the M.71.• 11mm scharfe Patrone M/71/84 – was

dimensionally and ballistically identical to the Patrone M.71 except it was loaded with a fl at-nosed bullet to make it safe to use the Gewehr M.71/84’s tubular magazine.The Infanterie-Gewehre M/71 and M/71/84

remained in German service with reservists through to the end of WWI.₃ The shorter Jägerbuchse M/71 was the primary weapon of the hard fi ghting askaris of Colonel Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck’s Kaiserlichen Schutztruppen (Imperial Protection Forces) in Deutsche-Ostafrika, the only German unit in WWI that was not defeated by the Allies.

In 1886 the Germans were taken aback when the French adopted a small bore repeating rifl e – the Fusil d’Infanterie Mle. 1886 (the Lebel) – fi ring the world’s fi rst smokeless powder cartridge, the Cartouche 8mm balle Ordinaire Mle. 1886.

Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck recognised the signifi cance of the new French weapon and called for Germany to spare no effort or expense to develop a similar, or

hopefully superior, weapon than that of their Gallic adversaries. He wrote to the Prussian Minister of War, Bronsart von Schellendorf: ‘...the inferiority of our armaments would be suffi cient to encourage France or Russia to fall upon us. ₄ The GPK was ordered to produce a suitable rifl e and cartridge Mach schnell!

Adopted in November 1888, Germany’s fi rst small bore, smokeless powder rifl e, the Infanteriegewehr 88, combined features of earlier Mauser rifl es with a Mannlicher-style clip loaded magazine.₅ • 7,9mm Patrone 88 – consisted of a rimless,

bottle-necked cartridge 57mm long containing 42.5 gr. of Gew. Bl. P. 88 powder which drove its 226 gr. Round-nosed, full metal jacketed (FMJ) bullet to 2067 fps.As with any new technology, the Patrone 88

suffered a number of teething pains and over the next thirteen years various changes were made to the cartridge. • 7.9mm Patronen 88* and 88-*- - after

extended storage the Patrone 88 tended to develop cracks in the case neck. In an attempt to salvage ammunition, six indentations were made in the case neck and an additional crimp around the bullet at the mouth of the case mouth to hold the bullet in place in case the necks cracked. The Patrone 88-*- uses a case with a larger inside neck diameter.

• 7.9mm Patrone 88 n/A – featured thicker case walls, the two fl ash holes were bored instead of stamped and the primer was held in

Gew 71-84.01 -The Infanterie-Gewehr M/71/84 was the fi rst repeating rifl e used by the German Army.

Gew 88.01 - The Infanteriegewehr 88 was the fi rst small bore, smokeless powder rifl e issued to the German army.

Gew 71.01 - the Mauser Infanterie-Gewehr M/71 was the fi rst metallic cartridge used by the German army. (courtesy Russ Pasten)

Patronen 88 were issued in fi breboard packets containing

three loaded clips, which were simply dropped into the pockets of a soldier’s

cartridge belt.Werder.01 - During the

Franco-Prussian War some units of the Bayerische Königliche

Armee were armed with the Werder-designed Bayerisches-Rückladungs-Gewehr M/69.

metallic cartridge used by the German army. (courtesy Russ Pasten)


early 20th-century German Landsturmen (reservists) armed with the Gewehr M/71.

ABOVE and RIGHT: Troopers of the Kaiserlichen Schutztruppe in Deutsch-Südwestafrika, armed with a Gewehr 88, have their photos taken for the folks at home.

Two nattily uniformed Landsturmen armed with Gewehre 88s.




place by three crimp marks. The thicker case walls meant that the powder charge had to be reduced to 2.67g of Gew.Bl.P, which lowered bullet velocity to 2002 fps.

• 7.9mm Patrone 88 n/A*– neck splitting continued to be a problem so the Lorenz Munitionsfabik in Karlsruhe developed a process that annealed the cartridge cases after drawing to remove tension from the metal.

• 7.9mm Patrone 88 n/A mit Pulver 436 – the Gew. Bl.P powder broke down after extended storage causing the powder to combust at high pressures. In 1896 the Spandau arsenal developed a fl ake type propellant, Gew. Pulver 436, that had a much longer shelf life.

• 7.9mm Patrone 88/E – to correct extraction problems being encountered with Maxim machine guns, the case was manufactured from a softer brass alloy with slightly thicker case walls at the base to provide reliable extraction. After 17 October 1901 the 88/E case was used for all ammunition, whether intended for rifl es or machine guns and can be identifi ed by an ‘E’ (for Einheitshülse – ‘standard case’) headstamp.Besides German state arsenals large

numbers of Gewehre 88s were produced by Österreichische Waffenfabriks Gesellschaft or Steyr, Austria, while every prominent cartridge manufacturer produced the Patrone 88. The rifl e and cartridge saw widespread use around the world and, once again, were very popular in the Far East and Latin America.

The Preußische-Zündnadel-Gewehr M/41 was the fi rst bolt-action, breech-loading rifl e issued to a major army. (courtesy Russ Pastena)

The Germans modifi ed large numbersof captured French Chassepot carbines to fi re the

11mm scharfe Patrone M/71. (John Sheehan collection)

Packets of Patronen 88/E manufactured in 1905.

A postcard type photo of a trooper of the Kaiserlichen Schutztruppen in Deutsch-Südwestafrika armed with a Gewehr 88.

German military rifl e cartridges of the 19th century (L to R): Scharfe-Patrone M/47; 11mm scharfe Patrone M/71, 11mm scharfe Patrone M/71/84 and the 7,9mm Patrone 88. (Lou Behling photo)

Werder ammunition (L to R): 11mm scharfe Patrone M/69 (lang), 11mm scharfe Patrone M/69 (kurz) compared to the 11mm scharfe

Patrone M/71.

A drawing of the Chassepot cartridge from a German army training manual.

A Bavarian offi cer and non-com post for a photo. The non-com is armed with a Bayerisches-Rückladungs-Gewehr M/69.

A cutaway view of the scharfe-Patrone M/57.




The fi rst German use of the Gewehr 88 took place in the German colonies of Deutsche-Ostafrika and Deutsch-Südwestafrika between 1890 and 1905 where the Kaiserlichen Schutztruppen (Imperial Protection Forces) used them to put down rebellions among those native inhabitants who had a less than positive opinion of the ‘benefi ts’ of Germanic civilisation.

In 1900 Deutsche Seebattalione (Marines) armed with Gewehre 88s helped to defend the foreign legations during the Boxer Rebellion and were also part of the International Relief Expedition that broke through to rescue the European and Japanese personnel besieged in Peking.

But the Gewehr 88 experienced a number of problems, the most problematic of which was double feeding from the magazine, gas blowback from burst cartridges, excessive barrel wear and burst barrels. While most of these were corrected

it was obvious that the Gewehr 88 was a stopgap measure and a better rifl e was needed.

In Part II of this article we will see that, as in the past, the genius Paul Mauser would provide it.₁The Bavarians re-chambered most of their Werder rifles for the 11mm scharfe Patrone M/71.₂http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?252397-Aptierter-Chassepot-Karabiner-M1871 ₃Gewehr - ‘rifl e’; Gewehre - ‘rifl es’₄Götz, Hans-Dieter., German Military Rifl es & Machine Pistols 1871-1945, p.72.₅Changes to German grammar in the 1890s resulted in the deletion of the hyphen (-) in terms such as ‘Infanterie-Gewehr’ which became ‘Infanteriegewehr.’

These German occupation troops in Russia were still

armed with Infanteriegewehre M/71 in 1916.

The Jägerbuchse M/71, a shortened version of the Infanterie-Gewehr M/71, was the primary weapon of the askaris of Col. Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck’s Kaiserlichen Schutztruppe in Deutsche-Ostafrika during WWI. (John Sheehan collection)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSI would like to thank the following for providing materials used to prepare this report: Lou Behling, Bob Shell, Tim Hawkins, Russ Pastena, Stuart Mowbray, Patrick Hernandez, Vince DiNardi, John Sheehan, Guy and Leonard A.R. West.


MINIATURE BAYONETS


Two rarely encountered bayonet brooches form the subject matter of this article. The fi rst, shown in Plate 1, is from

Imperial or Weimar Germany. The bayonet is 43mm in overall length and lacks a muzzle ring, but has an attached medallion which is 14mm in diameter.

The bayonet-shaped component of the brooch is pressed out of thin sheet brass, the reverse surface being hollow. There is a brass wire brooch pin on the reverse. The obverse surface is quite well detailed and represents a scabbarded bayonet. The beaked pommel has a circular simulated fi xing catch button. The grip is chequered and has two simulated rivets. The cross-guard has a rearward-curving lower quillon and lacks a muzzle ring. The scabbard is modelled on an all-steel original and features a frog stud and a ball fi nial. Between the lower quillon and the scabbard is a loop through which is a brass ring. From this ring is suspended a circular brass medallion. On its obverse side is a steel-helmeted soldier’s head in relief, while the reverse carries the inscription “ANDENKEN AN DIE WESTFRONT”. Translated from the German this reads ‘Souvenir of the Western Front’, or alternatively ‘In Memory of the Western Front’.

The scabbarded bayonet is recognisably of German design but does not accurately represent any full-sized original, although its lack of a muzzle ring betrays the strong infl uence of service bayonets designed for the 1898 series of Mauser rifl es. It is perhaps closest in basic characteristics to a service KS98 bayonet or an Imperial German Extraseitengewehr. The brooch may date from World War I or the years immediately following the Armistice. It is perhaps diffi cult to appreciate why any German would wish to purchase or wear a reminder of the Western Front with all its associated horrors, but no doubt the sentiment was meaningful to the original owner.

The second brooch, shown here as Plate 2, is English and is 54mm in overall length with a 39mm blade. This miniature bayonet is unusual in that it is made of hallmarked silver. The beaked pommel has no simulated fi xing catch. The grip area of the hilt on the obverse side is set with three large and two small brilliants which may be diamonds, some other white gem-stones or paste. There are also fi ve tiny protruding circular-sectioned studs of unknown purpose. The integral cross-guard has no muzzle ring but features a forward-curving hooked lower quillon. The blade is of single-edged style with a ricasso, a narrow fuller and a spear point. The reverse surface of the bayonet brooch is fl at. A conventional

brass brooch-pin pivots on a mount attached at the rear of the pommel and engages a hook mounted near the point.

A complete set of British silver hallmarks is stamped on the rear surface. These consist of a maker’s mark “D & S” which is possibly that of Duncan and Scobbie, although this attribution is by no means certain. The Anchor mark is that of the Birmingham assay offi ce whilst the Lion Passant indicates that the metal is sterling silver (0.925 purity). The letter “X” is the Birmingham date letter for 1922 so the brooch was made in that year.

The design of this highly unusual miniature is obviously infl uenced by the bayonet brooches

which were produced in quantity in Belgium in the years immediately following World War I. It is a high-quality and obviously more expensive derivative of a Belgian original. One may speculate that it is a true ‘Sweetheart Brooch’, perhaps given by an offi cer to his lady, but in the absence of any hard evidence this is purely a fl ight of romantic fancy. The illustrated example is the only specimen of this particular bayonet brooch which has been encountered during several years of research.

The Small World of Miniature Bayonets: A German WWI Souvenir Brooch and an English Silver Brooch By R.D.C. Evans

26_Roy_evans.indd 26 10/02/2015 12:01


www.saracenexports.comwebsite updated daily

Enfi eld Jungle carbine vgc WW2 dated ................................................ £675

Sten MK 5 Paratroop issue, moving slide, mag ..................................... £460

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Lee-Enfi eld .303 B/a rifl e WW2 dated................................................... £375

Lee Enfi eld Savage mfg 1942 dated..................................................... £375

SMLE WW2 dated BSA mfg .................................................................. £385

SMLE WW1 .22 cadet rifl e BSA mfg ..................................................... £400

British AFV Signal gun .......................................................................... £550

British 2” Mortar .................................................................................. £350

Enfi eld 1” signal pistol ......................................................................... £180

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Browning .50 cal aircraft wing gun ...................................................... £920

BRNO ZGB/Bren 1937 dated matching numbers .................................. £950

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Bren MK3 Correct short barrel, stock & adjustable bipod ...................... £430

Bren MK3 as above 1949 dated ........................................................... £450

Chinese AK47 model 56-1 folding stock ............................................... £275

German WW1 Signal/Flare pistol .......................................................... £195

Mg34/42 Ammo can Waffenampt with two ammo belts ....................... £45

Mg42 Dreyfuss Anti Aircraft tripod........................................................ £100

Mg34 Dreyfuss Anti Aircraft tripod........................................................ £200

Mg34/42 P tins l – ex cond marked “Patr Kast 41 f.M.” ......................... £70

SA61 Skorpion c/w holster, tools & spare mags in pouch ..................... £295

Yugo M56 smg c/w sling & mag ........................................................... £200

Russian Mosin Nagant 1891/30 & bayonet WW2 dated ........................ £265

Russian PPSH 41smg WW2, moving slide with drum mag .................... £335

Russian PPSH accessory pack, mag in pouch, cleaning kit, sling ............ £35

Lanchester / Sten 50 round magazine .................................................... £80

Browning .30 cal M2 tripod WW2 + pintle and T&e gear ...................... £300

Browning .50 cal carry handle ............................................................... £50

.50 cal inert rounds x 25 in belt ............................................................. £80

.303 Inert x 50 rounds ........................................................................... £50

Bren mags x 5 ....................................................................................... £30

Swiss “SIG” bayonet and scabbard ........................................................ £22

Remington “Rolling Block” bayonet (Sweedish 1899 pattern) ................. £65

Mosin Nagant socket bayonet ................................................................ £35

US Garrand m1942 Type 1 bayonet & scabbard ..................................... £65

SA80 Bayonet (unissued) ....................................................................... £30

SA80 Bayonet & nylon scabbard (unissued) ....................................... £35

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AK/AKM Russian bayonet & scabbard (wirecutter) .................................. £30

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THE GALLIPOLI PLAQUE


The Gallipoli PlaqueBy Eric Wiseman

As mentioned by Peter Duckers in his story on the

1914 Star (The Armourer, November/December 2014) the British authorities during World War I considered awarding campaign medals for various theatres of war, and perhaps the more important battles, but gave up the idea due to the war’s complexity and, perhaps, the cost of producing them. There were also proposals for bars to commemorate some battles or theatres of war. Apparently close to 70 were proposed for Navy recipients and about ten more for the Army. That idea was dropped post-war due to the expense involved.

If the proposal had gone ahead there is no doubt that one of them would have been for the Gallipoli campaign. A Gallipoli Star was considered, as Peter Duckers pointed out, but not issued until 1990, and then not by any government.

The Gallipoli Star was, it seems, approved by King George V for Australians and New Zealanders who had served there. There was some controversy about it, as British troops

who served there would not be eligible for the award, so the idea was dropped.

The Star had been designed; it was to have eight points, to represent each Australian state and territory (as they were then), and New Zealand. New Zealand was represented also by one silver/red edge to the ribbon (for

the NZ Fern and Rata Flower), the other edging being gold/red (representing the Australian Golden Wattle and Gum) with a blue centre representing the sea.

Things stayed that way until 1990

when two men decided something should be done

to commemorate the 75th anniversary

of the landing at Gallipoli.

Between them Order of Australia Medal

(OAM) holder Mr R.E. Smith of Canberra

and Mr A.J. Parkes of Brisbane produced

1 , 0 0 0 Stars, brass with a white circular centre bearing the King’s Crown

surrounded by ‘Gallipoli 1914-15’. Two hundred were given to surviving Australian

and New Zealand survivors of the campaign, the rest being sold to collectors.

The originals had a plain back with the small initials AJP impressed in an oblong towards the bottom. There was a second run, of about 500, stamped on the back, above the initials ‘COLLECTOR’S ITEM II’. Subsequently there have been other copies, but of inferior quality. The Star shown is one of the first run.

While the Gallipoli Star was late in appearing, Australian and New Zealand veterans of the campaign were presented with a commemorative medallion in 1967, to mark its 50th anniversary. Qualification was service on the peninsula or direct support of operations offshore between 25 April 1915 and 31 December that year.

Generally known as the ‘Simpson and his Donkey Plaque’, or the ‘Anzac Plaque’, it is

of heavy bronze, 7.5-cm high with, under the Queen’s Crown, a depiction of Simpson and his donkey alongside ‘1915’. The bottom bears ‘ANZAC’, and the reverse shows a map of Australia and New Zealand and the Southern Cross star cluster. There is space at the bottom for a name to be engraved.

The plaque came in a handsome hinged black case with purple velvet lining. It was accompanied by a folded document reading: ‘In commemoration of the heroic deeds of the men of ANZAC at GALLIPOLI in 1915 and in recognition of the great debt owed by all Australians. With the Compliments of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia’.

Surviving veterans also received a lapel pin, a smaller version of the Plaque. About 10,000 of the lapel badges were issued and 15,000 plaques. In recent years the lapel badges have been reproduced, of good quality, but stamped ‘COPY’ on the reverse.

The Plaque and medals shown were issued to a driver of the Second Field Artillery Brigade, AIF (Australian Infantry Force).

The 1914-15 Star is relatively rare for Australian troops; according to R.D. Williams’ Medals to Australia it was issued mainly to troops who served in New Guinea, Egypt and Gallipoli. About 82,000 were earned, compared with 338,000 British War Medals and 336,000 Allied Victory Medals. Even rarer, Williams said, was the 1914 ‘Mons’ Star with only a few issued to Australian Volunteer Hospital staff. The 1914 ‘Mons’ Star and Bar, according to him, was even rarer, only one being known named to an Australia Army man attached to the Royal Warwick Regiment.

While British and French troops also took part in the eight-month Gallipoli Campaign Australia and New Zealand have adopted it as their own. Marches and services are held in cities, towns and villages throughout Australasia every year on 25 April, the date the Anzacs landed.

Of the near quarter-of-a-million casualties at Gallipoli over 8,000 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders died. Nine Victorian Crosses were awarded to Australians.

Again according to R.D. Williams: ‘The total number of enlistments from August 1914 until November 1918 was 416,809. The number actually embarked was 331,781. ... The Australian casualties were higher in proportion to their numbers than any of the other British forces, due to the fact that the Australians were mostly “front line” troops, and were generally engaged in the heavy fighting. The total casualties numbered 215,585, of which 59,342 died.’

REFERENCESBritish Battles and Medals; Major Lawrence L. Gordon. Australian War Memorial, Canberra. Rennicks Australians AWARDED; Clive Johnson.

28_Eric Wise.indd 28 10/02/2015 12:02

THE GALLIPOLI PLAQUE


SIMPSON AND HIS DONKEYAlthough he didn’t win a Victoria Cross, many have said he should have done. One of the names Australians most associate with the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign was Simpson, and his donkey. If the latter had a name nobody seems to know.So symbolic the soldier and animal became that they appeared on the Gallipoli Plaque issued by the Australian Government in 1967.Of Simpson it has been said: ‘He was your typical digger, warm-hearted, indolent at times, careless of dress, and witty’. However, above all, he was clearly compassionate and incredibly brave.John Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in South Shields, County Durham, on 8 July 1892. He joined the Merchant Navy aged 17 and had seen much of the world before he landed in Australia. There he saw much of the country, humping his swag and working, among other things, as a coalminer, cane-cutter and ship’s hand, sending as much money as he could back to his mother and sister in the UK.

Within days of the beginning of World War I, Simpson enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in Western Australia. Like many other Britons in Australia, it seems a great part of his motivation for joining up was to get back to Britain.However, like many of his similarly motivated comrades, he didn’t make it. Instead he found himself in Egypt for further training. Posted to the 3rd Field Ambulance he was among the first who landed on Gallipoli on 25April 1915. Soon busy helping casualties, Simpson quickly decided his job would be easier if he used a donkey he found wandering between the front line and the beach. Together they acted as an independent unit, disappearing from the unit’s headquarters for four days and thus being listed as a deserter. No charges were laid, however, and Simpson was allowed to just get on with it.So he did, and was credited with retrieving hundreds of wounded men until, 24 days after landing at ANZAC Cove, he was killed by a Turkish bullet at Shrapnel Gully.

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THE ARMY FIRE SERVICE


The Army Fire ServiceBy David M. Kellock

Soldiers have always been employed on Fire Parties and Picquet Duty throughout the Army’s history. Actual fi re-fi ghting in the

Army dates from 1864, when the fi rst brigade was formed at Aldershot with horse-drawn fi re engines. Between the wars, the Fire Services in the Army consisted of an Inspector of Fire Services at the War Offi ce and six Garrison Fire Brigades, each consisting of 2-4 NCOs and 16-29 civilians. A small Fire Fighting School trained fi remen for the Army. This system continued until 1939, when on the outbreak of war a much larger and more organised approach was needed.

In 1941, the Pioneer Corps took on responsibility for the Army fi re-fi ghting. By then the service had expanded to 1,500 men of all ranks and for the fi rst time the Army fi remen were operating under fi re. Pioneer Corps Fire-Watching Companies were deployed at all the country’s major ports.

By the end of the war, the Pioneer Corps (Fire Fighting Wing), commonly referred to as the Army Fire Service, consisted of 200 Offi cers and 7500 other ranks, along with several hundred locally raised civilians. They had fought 4,663 fi res in the UK between 1943 and 1945. Between D-Day and December 1945 the Army Fire Service in North-West Europe had fought 4,883 fi res, the Army Fire Service in the Central Mediterranean Force fought 1,575 fi res in 1945 and the Army Fire Service fought another 758 fi res in other theatres of the war. Army fi re fi ghters were awarded two George Medals,

fi ve OBEs, eight MBEs, four BEMs, numerous Mentions in Dispatches and many other commendations for their service during the war.

On 1 July 1946, the Army Council decided that the Army Fire Service should become an integral part of the Royal Army Service Corps. Due to the demobilisation of servicemen abroad, with their places being fi lled by trained soldiers from the UK, it was necessary to civilianise various home Army Fire Brigades. These were designated as RASC WD Civilian Fire Brigades and were manned by a Head Fireman, Assistant Head Fireman, Section Leaders, Leading Firemen, Drivers and Firemen. Army Fire Companies were formed for regular RASC soldiers.

The Army Fire Service Depot and Training Centre at Catterick was closed and a new Army Fire Fighting School RASC was opened at Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester, Essex. Cherry Tree Camp had been a Canadian Military Hospital during the war and twelve of the existing wooden huts were used as instructional lecture rooms. Concrete hard standing was laid to allow training exercises using pumps and vehicles. A 55-feet drill tower was constructed by Italian prisoners of war. Training consisted of a six-week course for RASC National Service Soldiers who were then posted to Army Fire Brigades. A nine-week intermediate course was provided for Offi cers and NCOs who were then posted to Army Fire Companies. A two-week All Arms course was also available. Regular RASC Offi cers earmarked for the Fire Inspectorate or

command of Army Fire Companies undertook a six-month intensive course. Staff and students of the school often assisted in local emergencies such as the 1947 fl oods on the Fens and a major fi re at a rubber dump in Romford.

In 1949, at an RASC ‘At Home Weekend’, a fi re and rescue demonstration went horribly wrong. Driver Reading was trapped unconscious on a fi re escape and without hesitation Sergeant Ronald Warwick climbed through the fl ames and smoke to rescue him. Sergeant Warwick was subsequently awarded the George Medal for Gallantry.

In 1951, the decision was made to close the Fire Fighting School and utilise the training facilities of Fire Brigades across the country. The headquarters of the City of Manchester Fire Brigade was used to train other ranks whilst the NCO’s were trained at Guildford by the Surrey Fire Brigade. The Kent Fire Brigade trained the Offi cers at their Maidstone station. In 1957, it was decided to centralise the other ranks and NCO training at the Surrey Fire Brigade Training School in Reigate. Offi cer training moved from Maidstone to Guildford in 1960.

Around the world RASC Fire Brigades were set up wherever the Army had a presence. The brigades based in the Canal Zone in Egypt had a major fi re to contend with in 1953, when the Command Ordnance Depot, Geniefa, caught fi re. The entire stock of clothing for the Middle East was lost in this blaze.

In Cyprus, the Army Fire Brigade used local mixed Turkish and Greek crews during

A Staff Sergeant wearing breathing apparatus. Note the fi rst pattern

Army Fire Service arm badge worn on

his right sleeve (RLC Museum)

31_David Kellock.indd 31 10/02/2015 12:02



the EOKA troubles, with no problems arising, despite crews being subjected to smallarms fi re when travelling to the many incidents during this period. In 1962, a major fi re occurred onboard the ship Benicasim, moored in Famagusta Docks. The Army Fire Brigade was called to assist the local Cypriot Fire Brigade and the ship was towed out of the harbour and beached during the incident. The ship’s crew abandoned ship at this time and the Army Fire Service fi remen boarded the ship to continue fi ghting the fi re. The fi remen involved claimed salvage and won their case, being paid a share of the salvage money.

At the BAOR HQ at Rheindahlen, the

Army Fire Brigade met up with an old friend, a wartime Leyland Pump Escape which fi rst saw service in the UK before moving to the Middle East where it was captured by the Germans. The British Army recaptured it in Germany where it continued to give sterling service with the Army Fire Brigade for many years.

In 1957, the Hull Committee recommended that the Army Fire Service be civilianised. The civilianisation commenced in April 1961 and was completed by August 1962. In June 1961, the headquarters of the Army Fire Service was formed at The Barracks, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, and it adopted the motto

‘SERVIMUS AD SERVANDUM’ (We Serve to Save). The Army Fire Service at this time utilised 99 fi re appliances at 57 fi re stations throughout the world. Its strength was 90 Offi cers and 1,442 fi remen. On 1 January 1965, as part of the implementation of the McLoad Report, the Chief Fire Offi cer became responsible to the Director of Ordnance Service, ending a 20-year association with the RASC.

By 1979, the civilian Army Fire Service had shrunk to 1,200 offi cers and men at 46 fi re stations, 18 of which were in the UK. The major Army fi re stations were located at COD Bicester, COD Donnington, COD Kineton, CAD Longtown, West Moors Petroleum Centre, Middle Wallop, Netheravon and Marchwood Military Port. The basic fi re appliance at this time was the four-ton Bedford fi re engine from the 1950s, although in Northern Ireland they used an armoured Salamander. Although civilians, there was no shortage of volunteers to man this armoured fi re engine on one month tours of duty. The Army Fire Services based at the Army Air Corps airfi elds of Middle Wallop and Netheravon provided cover using specialist appliances for fi ghting aircraft fi res.

In 1983, there was a serious fi re at the Central Ordnance Depot at Donnington, destroying building B6, followed fi ve years later by a fi re destroying building B1 at the same depot. The Army Fire Service was in immediate attendance on both occasions but needed local fi re service attendance to contain the fi res. At the second fi re in April 1988 it took the crews of 21 fi re appliances to extinguish the fi re.

In December 1988, three offi cers and fi ve fi remen from the Army fi re station at the Central

the EOKA troubles, with no problems arising,

A World War II Bedford QL with a trailer pump (RLC Museum)

The larger (72mm Dia) fi rst pattern-printed Army Fire Service arm badge worn from 1941-56

A Green Goddess in action (RLC Museum)

A fi reman wearing the

second pattern smaller Army

Fire Service arm badge

Responding to a shout! (RLC Museum)

Green Goddesses on parade (RLC Museum)




Ammunition Depot at Longtown, Cumbria, on the Scottish border attended the Lockerbie Air Disaster, their work receiving commendation from the Dumfries and Galloway Fire Service.

Although not part of the Army Fire Service, the Green Goddess Fire Engines deserve a mention. The correct name for them is the Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Pump; they were built between 1953 and 1956 and used by the Auxiliary Fire Service in support of local fi re services until 1968 when they were mothballed. They were painted green, hence the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. They were used by the Army during ‘Military Aid to the Civil Ministries’ on several occasions to provide cover for striking fi remen. Manned by regular soldiers, not the Army Fire Service, they were a welcome sight in Glasgow during the 1973 strike and also in the rest of the UK during strikes in 1977 and 2002. They became surplus to requirements in 2004 and were gradually sold off.

On 1 April 1990, the Army Fire Service ceased to exist. The Ministry of Defence decided, in a cost-cutting and manpower-reducing exercise, to rationalise its three Fire Services into one Defence Fire Service under RAF control, headed by an Air Commodore. A report in 1994 stated that the measure had saved £15 million.

An Army Fire Service shoulder title

Firemen practising their hose drill (RLC Museum)

The smaller (52mm Dia) second pattern-embroidered Army Fire Service

arm badge worn from 1956

A post-1953 Army Fire Service belt buckle

www.byswordandmusket.co.uk

SOURCEThe RLC Museum Archive


RIFLES OF WORLD WAR II


Allied vs Axis: Rifles of World War IIIn the first of a new series, Benjamin Russell reports from Las Vegas, where he got to grips with some of the greatest infantry weapons of World War II.

Russia,’ Ron explained. ‘They finally released them about ten years back but they went through the majority of them and pinned out all the Nazi markings. But it had got to the point where there were so many it was just a matter of pushing them through. The reason the Russians pressed them into service was they never knew whether they were going to fight the Brits and the US – they didn’t know where the Cold War was going.’

The rifle felt light and slender – the 98k doesn’t have many curves. It has open notch-style rear sights and holds five rounds – the lowest number of the three rifles on test. The slick lines and quick sights made the cycle of working the action and firing a pleasure and I was able to achieve good groupings.

Ron explained that the action of the 98k is what all modern bolt action rifles are based on. He said: ‘Compared to the Lee Enfield this is a more positive extraction. I personally like the Lee Enfield better – it’s a lot smoother – but this one has a better locking mechanism and more positive extraction. I don’t notice a difference but I guess people who shoot bolt action choose this action over the other one. I guess it’s a little more simplistic than the Enfield as well, not as heavy and not as beefy.’

The chance to fire three weapons that were the backbone of the conflict that raged across mainland Europe between 1939

and 1945 is not an opportunity many enthusiasts get. But here I was in Las Vegas to see for myself how the three iconic weapons carried by riflemen on both sides from Normandy to Berlin, through Monte Casino and Market Garden and beyond, differed.

The first rifle was the German Mauser Karabiner 98k. Most of the 98ks at Battlefield Vegas are Russian captures and as I chambered the first round I couldn’t help but imagine the

journey that this firearm had been on, from its manufacture in Germany, or more likely Austria, to fighting its way across Russia before perhaps falling into enemy hands as the Nazis were pushed back from the gates of Stalingrad.

Battlefield Vegas owner Ron Cheney owns hundreds of iconic weapons which are available to try on his custom-built range. The ex-serviceman used his life savings to fulfil his life dream, and his depth of knowledge comes through in the passionate way he discusses the firearms.

‘When the Germans lost everything at Stalingrad all the captured reserves were kept in

34_Benjamin.indd 34 10/02/2015 12:03



It was time for me to fi nd out for myself and the plucky Brit was next up.

The Lee Enfi eld has been in service in various forms since 1895. After the Brits had fi nished with it, the rifl e was used for several years in the hands of the Indians and is still used by several forces around the world. The Canadian Rangers, Myanmar Police Force and the Jamaican Constabulary Force all still carry it.

The simplicity of weapons such as the Lee Enfi eld and 98k also makes them perfect for militia to repair and maintain, and there are many still being used in Afghanistan and Somalia.

As I lifted the Lee Enfi eld and worked the action to chamber the fi rst round, I saw what Ron meant about the gun and its action feeling a little chunkier. In fact, as I fi red my fi rst few rounds I felt that the bolt didn’t snap into place as soundly as the Mauser had. The 98K had responded to a positive push forward as far as it would go, followed by a decisive move to the right. But what I soon gathered was that the Lee Enfi eld was actually silky smooth and felt as if it almost screwed to the right in one motion. You just had to push forward and the engineering did the rest. This is the key to the rifl e’s infamous speed.

‘What’s nice about this weapon is it’s so fast,’ Ron said. ‘The Brits were able to shoot around 30 aimed rounds a minute, which with a bolt action rifl e is amazing.’

The Enfi eld was fi tted with a hooded ‘peep’ style rear sight, a feature shared by the American M1 Garand, and holds ten rounds.

After trying for myself to fi re in quick succession at the target, imagining if the rifl e had been used to beat a fi ghting retreat to Dunkirk or capture El Alamein, things were about to get even faster.

‘This is a beast of a weapon,’ Ron told me as he picked an M1 Garand from the rack of one of the complex’s four armouries. And he wasn’t joking. Noticeably heavier and chunkier – even more so than the Lee Enfi eld had been – the M1 also had a considerably larger recoil. When one compares the .30-06 rounds it shoots with the .303/7.92 of the other too it’s not hard to see why. But what really marks this weapon out from the others is that it is semi-automatic. There is no working the bolt

Battlefi eld Vegas has over 600 weapons from World War I onwards which are available to shoot on their custom-built range. As well as being able to purchase time with weapons individually, a selection of historically themed packages are also on offer. These include D-day, Battle of Iwo Jima, Das Blitzkrieg, El Alamein, Rising Sun and Saving Private Ryan experiences. Prices for packages start from around £80 ($120). As well as fi rearms,

owner Ron Cheney is amassing a growing collection of vehicles and as part of the service customers are collected from their hotel in a Humvee. Those with cash to splash can even crush a car in a T-55 or Abrams tank, with prices starting from around £1,650 ($2,500.) Over 90% of the staff members at BFV are ex-service personnel and a majority of those are veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

34_Benjamin.indd 35 10/02/2015 12:04



between shots. Instead, the bullet is fired down the barrel and as it exits there is a little bleed off of gas which shoots back down a pipe, ejects the empty casing and cycles the next round. This means US infantrymen carrying the M1 could fire off a clip of eight rounds as quickly as they could pull the trigger without taking their eyes of the target.

Ron said: ‘We actually had a guy catch my personal one on fire. He wanted to shoot a Winchester World War II early model and the only one we have is my personal gun that I have in a vault. He put 96 rounds through it, continuous fire; he just wanted to have fun with it. He wasn’t taking his time. He fired so many times it caught the wood on fire and the guys came out saying, “Boss, boss your gun is on fire.” So we took it in the back and poured water on it and bubbles shot right off, it was that hot. I haven’t got around to fixing it yet but it still looks good.’

It was easy to see how you could get carried away. The satisfaction of using the bolt action rifles had been the tactile feeling of chambering each round before raising the rifle, taking aim and firing. But with the M1 it was a just a matter of waiting the split second for the recoil to subside before firing again. And then of course there is the trademark ‘ping’ of the clip ejecting from what has to be the prettiest of the three rifles.

The chap who designed the rifle and from whom it takes its name, John Garand, worked for Springfield Armoury which was the national armoury at the time and the biggest producer of the rifle. Winchester also made them during World War II, and was the only manufacturer allowed to keep its own font on the weapon stamp.

‘There were other semis on the market but none of them touched the M1,’ Ron said. ‘The Russians had the SVT, which the Germans ripped off in the Gewehr 43, but they should have ripped off this instead.’

‘So which do you like the best?’ Ron asked me. It was a tough call. Somewhat reluctantly the 98k came slightly top. I’m sure if I spent more time with it, the smooth action of the Lee Enfield bolt would win me over, but although not as luxurious as the Lee Enfield, the 98k had a lighter, slimmer and a simpler feeling to it that made it a pleasure to use, despite it holding fewer rounds than the other two.

What I also liked about the Mauser was the open rear sights. It made for quicker target acquisition. This may have something to do with the fact I grew up shooting air rifles with the same style iron sights, but it made raising or dropping the weapon onto a target easier than the hooded rear sights of the Lee Enfield or M1. Coupled with the action it made for enjoyable, quick and accurate shooting.

However, my decision had been based on spending a day on a range in fabulous Las Vegas. If it was a matter of which weapon you would have wanted in your hands while you fought your way through the beaches and hedgerows of Normandy, you would have to pick the M1.

With the range and power to more than match the British and German rifles, knowing you could fire eight rounds without missing a beat would be of huge comfort when fighting your way house to house across the cobbled streets of Europe.

However, all three rifles had one thing in equal measure and they had it in spades: the amount of history they were steeped in. It was a unique experience looking down the sights of weapons forged in the midst of the bloodiest conflict the world has ever seen.

Working the action and feeling the recoil brought alive just the smallest feeling of what it must have been like to be there, in a similar way that anyone who has walked up Omaha Beach or through the Ardennes will know.

34_Benjamin.indd 36 10/02/2015 12:04

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WARSAW PACT


Warsaw Pact Graduation Badges By Richard Hollingdale

This year would have seen the 60th anniversary of the Warsaw Pact, the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation

and Mutual Assistance. In keeping with the traditions of this organisation, such an event would have prompted an endless array of commemorative medals and badges (which was the subject of an earlier article: ‘Brothers-in-Arms, Celebration Badges of the Warsaw Pact’, The Armourer, 118). The focus of this article, therefore, is to look at the graduation badges issued to the officers of the Eastern Bloc as (outside of Soviet-made awards) these are of the most interest to collectors.

Unlike the Suvorov schools of the Soviet Union (see ‘Soviet Graduation Badges of the Warsaw Pact Era’, The Armourer, 126) the remaining Pact nations – Poland, CSSR, DDR, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary – did not have any specific military training establishments for school-age pupils. Any preparatory instruction that might have taken place prior to military service would have been provided by youth organisations, sports associations, or people’s militias. For this reason, the first graduation badge any Pact officer would have been awarded would have come from a military college. Those who read the above mentioned article (The Armourer, 126) will have noticed that Soviet military colleges issued a gilt or silver rhombus with an enamelled blue field. Of the non-Soviet Pact nations, Hungary and Poland were the only two countries to have followed the USSR’s lead. Of these two, Hungary’s badges were most faithful to the original with the only real difference being the use of Hungarian insignia (which included the distinctive red, white and green ‘wolf ’s teeth’ border). Type one was issued between 1965 and c.1975. Made of gilt and enamel it was of better quality than the type two, which was issued from the mid-1970s to 1989 and decorated with lacquered paint. Poland exercised slightly greater independence in that its military colleges issued badges sporting a red field. The type one (1950s-60s) was a single piece construction made of gilt and enamel decorated with a silver eagle. The type two (1970s-1989) was a two-piece construction made of silver and enamel. Both types were from named institutions and had a screw plate attachment to the rear.

Unusually for Bulgaria, which was most inclined to follow the USSR in all things, the military colleges issued badges more common to the previous regime than that of the Soviet

Union. These badges were made of heavy brass featuring the national colours, branch-of-service insignia and related inscription. The design and construction appears to have remained fairly consistent throughout the socialist era, as opposed to other badges from the same country which tend to have been transformed from brass and enamel through to painted brass and then painted aluminium as a matter of economy.

The information available for Romania’s military colleges is less clear than that for Bulgaria. In this case, the only examples thus far encountered by the author have been ascribed to flight schools, but it would seem reasonable to conclude that other establishments issued similar awards by virtue of the fact that Romanian higher academies did issue a wider range.

The DDR (East Germany) does not appear to have issued any badges in association with military colleges. As will be noted in the section concerning higher military academies, the DDR was slow to develop a widespread issue of graduation badges so it is unlikely that any badges within this category existed with the exception of the Stasi (Secret Sate Police). These examples were a blue triangle featuring the Stasi badge of office.

In contrast to the DDR, the CSSR (Czechoslovakia) produced a wide variety of military school/college badges. The type one was issued from the early-1950s to 1959 and was of exceptionally good quality. As with Bulgaria, the design of the type one badge owed more to past regimes than the Soviet Union. They were a silver oval design with socialist insignia and the initials of the awarding college. The type one badge is always scarce and never fails to attract a high value (which accounts for the lack of illustration within this article). By 1960 the design and quality had significantly changed. These type two badges were painted aluminium finished with a thick gloss lacquer. The state insignia was replaced by that of the branch of service beneath which was included the initials of the said service. Although much less attractive, the type two badges are still scarce and do occasionally command a high price when compared to other CSSR badges of the same era.

Beyond the military schools and colleges mentioned above, officers who showed the very greatest leadership skills or political reliability could go on to a higher academy (either within the home nation or the USSR). In keeping

with the Soviet tradition, upon receipt of the higher graduation badge all previous badges were removed. The only exceptions to this rule appear to have been observed by Hungary where the recipient continued to wear their college badge next to that of the higher academy. The situation was somewhat similar for generals of the DDR. Most often, their initial officer training commenced in Germany and then their general staff training was completed in the USSR, which meant they were awarded German higher academy and Soviet general training academy badges.

Those who read the earlier article on Soviet graduation badges of the Warsaw Pact era (The Armourer, 126) will remember that the USSR officer graduation badges featured a white enamel field contained within a silver rhombus. As with the military colleges, the academy badges of the non-Soviet nations fell into one of two categories: those who followed the Soviet lead, and those who established their own traditions. Of the former, Bulgaria copied the Soviet design most faithfully with only a few small exceptions – notably economy of construction.

Rather than being solid silver, the Bulgarian higher academy graduation badges were hollow cast. The type one was a named four-piece construction made of silver and white enamel, which was issued during the 1950s and 1960s. The insignia was attached by pins throughout the whole of the socialist era (whereas the USSR employed securing rivets from 1954 onwards). By the 1970s the white enamel field was replaced by gloss lacquered paint, which has since aged to a brownish-yellow colour. Unlike their Soviet counterparts, though, these type two Bulgarian badges were still made of silver and continued to be named. None of the above badges are particularly rare, but many people do consider them to be so and frequently attempt to gain a price equal to that of a Soviet example of the same vintage.

RPR General Academy

RSR General Academy

CSSR Type Three Higher Academy Graduation Badge

Bulgaria Type One

Higher Academy

Graduation Badge

CSSR Military School

CSSR Type

One Higher Academy

Graduation Badge

Bulgaria Military School

38_Richard Hollingdale.indd 38 10/02/2015 12:07

WARSAW PACT


From 1960-89 the CSSR was another nation which produced badges of a similar type to that of the USSR. In fact, by 1989 the tradition was so well established that the overall design was retained into the post-socialist era. The type one badge from 1960 was a unifi ed higher academy badge (e.g. not ascribed to a named institution) made of solid silver and enamel effect lacquer. It was a two-piece construction secured by rivets, hallmarked .925 and individually numbered. The type two, introduced during the 1970s, was a one-piece construction decorated with lacquered paint, but still made of silver. As with the Bulgarian examples of a similar age, these type two Czechoslovak examples have discoloured to a brownish-yellow. The featured example has been restored as the original lacquer separated from the badge and fell off in a single piece. Interestingly, the silver beneath was very well preserved and appeared not to have suffered any ill-effects from the paint. A possible type three also existed. This was a two-piece construction made of alloy and enamel-effect plastic, perhaps issued in the 1980s, but its

authenticity is yet to be established for certain.A feature that was consistent throughout the

socialist era was the higher academy badges issued by Poland. These badges appear to have had only one type, which was a three-piece construction made of silver and enamels. Much like their Soviet counterparts, these Polish examples are quite substantial in terms of their weight, relief and construction. Unlike the USSR, though, Poland did not introduce a unifi ed version or cease to employ silver as the core material. Even with the economic troubles that struck Poland during the 1970s and 1980s, the quality of the higher academy badges did not diminish. As a whole, the Polish examples are not particularly rare, but they have been a keen favourite of mine due to the quality of the materials, design and construction.

Hungary was the last of the Pact nations to follow the Soviet lead in higher academy badge design. The only real point of interest is that Hungary was slow to introduce graduation badges of any kind. The fi rst socialist army in Hungary was established in 1949, but the graduating offi cers did not receive any recognised award until 1965. This type one badge was a four-piece construction made of silver gilt and enamels and, although Hungary had only one training academy, it carried the name of the awarding institution. Border guards were issued with their own version, identifi ed by the green fi eld (as opposed to white of the military) lack of ‘wolf ’s teeth’, and name plate featuring the legend: HÖR.

In 1970 the Army introduced the type two, higher graduation academy badge. It had the same fi xtures to the reverse side as the type one, but the obverse features were painted rather than enamelled. In 1975 an even cheaper one-piece

type three was produced which resembled the type two from the obverse side, but had an even more simple and cost-effective attachment to the rear. This design remained until the end of the socialist era in 1989 and so is the most common of the three badges. The only remaining badges to mention were those issued by Hungarian training schools. These were a one-piece construction instituted in 1987 of which there were three designs: tactical, topographical and fl ight. Although only issued very late into the socialist era, these badges are not particularly scarce and so should not command too high a price for some time to come.

The remaining two Pact nations – Romania and DDR – chose to establish their own design higher academy badges. Romania awarded its offi cers with good quality gilt and enamel badges throughout the whole socialist era. The type one was issued by the Romanian Popular Republic (RPR) until 1967. It was a three-piece construction that was individually named and numbered. Of these, the most prestigious and subsequently sought after has to have been the I. V. Stalin Military Academy. An internal coup brought down the RPR and led to the creation of the Romanian Socialist Republic (RSR), which continued the military traditions of the RPR with nothing more than a change of insignia. The subsequent type two badges are near identical except for the removal of the RPR state coat of arms and its replacement by that of the RSR. This situation remained until the mid-1970s when a unifi ed type three badge replaced all previous examples. Offi cers did manage to retain a certain level of distinction, however, as the common habit was to apply a felt backing corresponding with the branch-of-service colour (see archive photograph).

DDR 1987-1990

Unifi ed Graduation Badge

DDR Type Two

Friedrich Engels Military Academy

Graduation Badge

CSSR Type Three

Higher Academy Graduation Badge

CSSR Type

One Higher Academy

Graduation Badge

Poland Higher Academy

Graduation Badge

Poland Type One Military School

Poland Type Two Military

School

Hungary Higher Academy and Military School Graduation Badges

issued by Poland. These badges appear to have had only one type, which was a three-piece construction made of silver and enamels. Much like their Soviet counterparts, these

the USSR, though, Poland did not introduce a unifi ed version or cease to employ silver as the

Romanian offi cer photographed in 1978 wearing one of the type two higher academy graduation badges.


WARSAW PACT


The DDR appears not to have issued a unifi ed higher academy badge until 1987. As such, very many DDR offi cers photographed prior to that date did not have any such award (see archive photograph). The only academy badges issued by the DDR before 1987 were issued by individual institutions which governed a specifi c activity summarised in the following table.

Regardless of the awarding institution, DDR higher academy graduation badges

were a triangular two-piece construction. They featured a central medallion with a portrait of the named personality, e.g. Friedrich Engels. The type one badges, which pre-dated 1975, carried the gilt inscription: ‘Militärakademie’, and was made of gilt and enamels. From 1975-86 a type two was introduced which was of the same quality, featuring only the initials NVA. From 1987-90 the DDR made its third and fi nal changes which removed all lettering and replaced the enamel with paint. In all cases, except for the 1987 unifi ed award, graduation badges of the DDR are rare and so frequently command a good price. The last badge to mention is that produced in 1990 by the Ministry of

Disarmament and Defences which featured the profi le of a DDR soldier on a white fi eld. It is said to have been created in response to the NVA’s absorption into the West German Bundeswehr and was never likely to have been issued.

As the collecting of militaria goes, the Warsaw Pact is still in its infancy – but interest is growing and the price and availability of the badges featured within this article are continually changing. Anyone wishing to collect these items would still fi nd them with reasonable ease, but not for much longer. Regular use of the internet over the past six years has identifi ed a steady pattern of increasing cost and rarity.

Academy ColourFriedrich List BlueFriedrich Engels RedWilhelm Pieck RedErnst Mortiz-Arndt Green

Jim Bush� e AIRBORNE BAYONET Man

TEL 01233 637188MOB 07950 267862

[email protected] 12, � e Malthouse Antiques Centre, Hythe, Kent

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Road, Ellesmere Port, Wirral, Cheshire CH66 1NJ (Jct 5 & 53)

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British & Commonwealth- Badges -

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www.gnmilitaria.co.uk • [email protected]

Printed Catalogue with colour photos available. Send cheque (payable to M Bentley) for £6.50 to cover print, p&p (£22 for 1 year subscription of 4+ issues) to:

The Militaria Dealers

Website: www.themilitariadealers.comEmail: [email protected]

A constantly changing stock of guaranteedOriginal Militaria, updated on a daily basis.Covering Aeronautica and Flying Clothing,Uniforms and Headgear, Binoculars, British andGerman Helmets and uniform items generally. Just afew of the mainly Combat Orientated or Historicallysignificant items I shall be offering from countriesaround the world. Similar items are always wantedMost payment methods are accepted, includingCredit Cards. Part exchanges may be considered.

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Proprietor: Stewart Wilson

Specialists in Original Third Reich Collectors Items. Daggers, Flags, Uniforms, Medals & Awards,Documents. Also a good selection of English Military Items, Antique Headdress, Swords, etc.

Visit our website for a large selection of original German militaria

www.theoldbrigade.co.ukC/O JUBILEE HOUSE, 32 DUNCAN CLOSE, MOULTON PARK, NORTHAMPTON NN3 6WL, UK.

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SA HIGH LEADERS CHAINED HONOR DAGGER WITH DAMASCUSE BLADE BY EICKHORN BELONGING TO SA OBERGRUPENFUHRER FRANZ BOCK.

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Listed Below Are Just A Few Items Presently For Sale.1. SS Offi cers Sword. 2. SS NCO’s Sword.

3. SS 1936 Pattern Chained Leaders Dagger.4. SS 1933 Model Dagger, Choice Of Four.

5. Government Offi cial Dagger With Straps And Knot.6. Land Customs Offi cers Dagger With Straps And Knot.

7. Allgemine SS Offi cers Peaked Cap.8. NSDAP Gold Party Badge Belonging To An SS Offi cer With Research File.

9. German Gross In Gold.10. German Infantry Offi cers Field Piped Tunic.

11. German Infantry Offi cers Peaked Cap.12. NSDAP Political Leaders Shirt With Insignia.

13. SS Typewriter With Carrying Box.14. SS Allech Porcelain 1943 Yulfest Presentation Plate.

15. NSDAP Party Flag.

p41_ARMMarApr15.indd 41 10/02/2015 12:04

IRON CROSS 1939


Iron Cross 1939 variationsBy Jamie Cross

Much has been written about this prestigious award and many books have been devoted to the subject, so

there is no need to cover the award criteria in great detail. Needless to say, the award is a follow on from the original Iron Cross of 1813, 1870 and 1914. The Iron Cross was awarded for bravery in the field. Instituted in times of war, the award was modified to include the swastika to the centre and the date 1939 to the base. The reverse has the original institution date of 1813 to it. Other than this it is plain. The Iron Cross was until this point a Prussian award and had the Prussian crown and Kaiser’s initials to it in its earlier forms on the front, and an oak leaf spray to the reverse with, again, the original Emperor’s initials to it.

Re-instituted by Adolf Hitler on 1 September 1939, the Iron Cross series was enlarged and expanded over the next six years, with add-ons to the Knight’s Cross, an award new to the Iron Cross series. Why there are so many variations of the Iron Cross has been theorised and debated by many. The truth of the matter is that it was due to different manufacturers making Iron Crosses to their own designs before standardisation of the award came into effect, and this gives collectors a wealth of variations to study and acquire for their collections.

One of the first variations encountered was the early crosses that follow the shape of their WWI counterparts; they are called Schinkel form crosses after Karl Schinkel, the original designer. These crosses come in a range of styles with smaller swastikas and dates, and are one-piece castings to three- piece constructions with silver frames. (These were made using existing tools

and dies with alterations for the new cross by original manufacturers of WWI crosses.) We can split them up into the following categories:1st type ASchinkel form cross, one-piece casting, non-magnetic.1st Type BSchinkel form crosses, three-piece made cross, small swastika, magnetic.1st Type CSchinkel form crosses, three-piece made cross, small swastika, non-magnetic.1st Type DSchinkel form crosses, three-piece made cross, larger swastika, magnetic.

There is also a second type of Schinkel Cross that has straight arms which is more in keeping with his original design. This type come in three main variations that we know of, but is a rare cross to encounter in any form.Type 2 is the standard-three piece manufactured type.Type 2a is again three-piece made but has a rounded “3” to the dates.Type 2b is a one-piece type with again a rounded “3” to the dates, and there may be others.Then we come to the standard type cross with the following variations:Type 3 is the standard three-piece manufactured example.Type 3A, is again a one-piece made example.Type 3B is a three-piece made type with a non-magnetic centre.Type 3C is again three-piece made and has a rounded “3” to the dates.

Type 3D is a one-piece made example and has a rounded “3” to the dates.Type 3E is an oversize Iron Cross, three- piece made but is approx 47.5mm wide (theorised to be the original Knight’s Cross and backed up by an illustration in the German publication Des Fuhrer’s Kampf im Osten, where it is captioned “The New Knights Cross”.

Type 3F is a Prizen Size cross made with a magnetic centre. (This follows on from the imperial tradition of having a smaller size dress version, and from the relatively few examples found appears to have been rarely made.

All of the above can be found on both 2nd class crosses and the 1st class crosses other than the oversize, which has only ever been encountered in the 2nd class form.

There is also a Russian made 1941 cross which will be covered in the next article.

With regards to the 1st class crosses, you can get a number of fixings for them from the standard pin, hinge and hook, to screw back disc types.

When encountering these crosses, you may find that some are ring stamped (on the 2nd Classes) and marked to the reverse on the pins or back plates of the 1st classes and we have

Maker marked case for a 2ndclass cross

Iron Cross 2nd class court mounted group being worn

Postcard of Rounded 3 type Iron Cross

42_jamie_cross.indd 42 10/02/2015 12:10

IRON CROSS 1939


encountered the following makers’ marks on these crosses:2nd Class Offi cial Awards:1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6,7,8, 11, 15, 16, 19,20,22,23,24,25,26,27, 33, 40, 44, 45, 55, 56, 65,66,75, 76, 80,93, 94, 98, 100, 103, 108, 113, 120,122,123, 125, 128,137,138,2nd Class LDO (privately purchased types)L/11, L/12, L:/13, L/16, L/58Makers’ marks we have encountered on the 1st Class crosses:1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,, 15, 16, 20, 21,25,26, 50, 52, 65, 100, 107,LDO Marks we have foundL/10/L/11, L/12, L/13, L/14, L/15, L/16, L/18, L/19, L/50, L/52, L/54, L/55, L/56, L/57, L/58, L/59.

When the 2nd class cross was awarded, it usually came in a paper award packet, with the award’s title printed in black onto the front. (However, some early or privately purchased crosses came in boxes ranging from simple cases to mini Knight’s Cross type cases.) The 1st class crosses came in a hard case in black leatherette

fi nish and with a silver outline of a cross to the lid. The inside of the case has a white fl ocked base for the award cross to sit in, with a white silk inner lid. On the LDO marked cases was

either a black or off-white base with sometimes the LDO mark stamped to the underside on the white silk or to the outside on the black case lid. Some of the LDO crosses are double struck like the No 20 1st class cross, this is often found also marked L/52 and the No. 100 crosses may be also marked L/59.

Please note that this is only our own listing and there are more to add.

One such example is the jewellery fi rm of Robert Koch Frankfurt A/main, which may have made crosses, but more likely supplied them through a contractor. This maker fi rst came to my attention many years ago when I acquired three of his crosses with outer card covers and cases from a veteran source. One such case was used in the 2002 book The Iron Cross of 1939, where just the outer case was shown, as the cross had no maker’s marks to it. To date, only two of the crosses found in these cases have been identifi ed: one by Souva and one by the maker No 50, while the third remains unidentifi ed. In another book, another author who has only seen one of these crosses believes that they may have been made by another subcontractor. There are, of course, many possibilities – soldiers who took items traded and swapped things, and worn crosses have been replaced with shiny examples – so there can be no hard or fast rules and this is only put forward to give readers some ideas on conducting their own research.

It is known that awards in paper packets sometimes do not show up on any manufacturer’s known lists, but you may well have proof of existence in your hand. Below are the makers’ codes and LDO codes for readers to use in their own research.

1. Deschler und Sohn, Munich 2. C.E. Juncker, Berlin3. Wilhelm Deumer, Ludnscheid 4. Steinhauer und Luk, Luenscheid5. Hermann Wernstein, Jena-Lobstadt 6. Fritz Zimmermann, Stuttgart7. Paul Meybauer, Berlin 8. Ferdinand Hoffstaatter, Bonn/Rhein9. Liefergemeinschaft Pforzheimer 10 Foerster und Barth, Schmuckhandwerker, Pforzheim11. Grossmann und Co, Wien 12. Frank und Reif, Stuttgart 13. Gustav Brehmer, Markneukirchen14. L. Lauer, Nurmberg 15. Friedrich Orth, Wien16. Alois Rettenmaier, Schwabisch.Gmund 17. Unknown18. Karl Wurster KG, Markneukirchen 19. E. Ferd. Wiedmann, Frankfurt am Main20. C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim 21. Gebr. Godet & Co., Berlin22. Boerger & Co, Berlin 23. Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Heeresbedarf in der24. Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer Plakettenhersteller, Graveur und Ziselierung, Berlin Hanau am Main25. Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-,Gold-und 26. B H Mayer’s Silberschmeid-Innungen, Hanau Kunstprageanstalt, Pforzheim27. Anton Schenkl’s Nachfolger, Wien 28. Eugen Schmidthaussler, Pforzheim29. Hauptmunzamt, Berlin30. Hauptmunzamt, Wien 31. Hans Gnad, Wien

32. W. Hobacher, Wien 33. Friedrich Linden, Ludenscheid34. Willy Annetsberger, Munchen 35. F W Assmann und Sohne, Ludenscheid36. Bury & Leonhard, Hanau 37. Adold Baumeister, Ludenscheid38. Unknown 39. Rudolf Berge, Gablonz40. Berg & Nolte, Ludenscheid 41. Gebr. Bender, Oberstein42. Bindermann & Co. Oberkassel bei Bonn 43. Julius Bauer Sohne, Zella Mehlis44. Jakob Bengel, Idar/Oberstein 45. Franz Jungwirth, Wien46. Hans Doppler, Wela Oberdonau 47. Erhard & Sohne A.G., Schwabisch-Gmund48. Richard Feix, Gablonz 49. Richard Feix Sohne, Galblonz50. Karl Gschiermeister, Wien 51. Eduard Gorlach & Sohne, Gablonz52. Gottlieb und Wagner, Idar Oberstein 53. Glaser & Sohn, Dresden54. Unknown. 55. J E Hammer & Sohne, Geringswalde56. Robert Hauschild, Pforzheim 57. Karl Hensler, Pforzheim58. Artur Jokel & Co., Gablonz 59. Louis Keller, Oberstein60. Katz & Deyhle, Pforzheim 61. Rudolf A. Karnethz & Sohn Gablonz.62. Kerbach & Osterhelt, Dresden 63. Franz J Klami & Sohne, Gablonz64. Gottl. Fr. Keck & Sohn, Pforzheim 65. Klein & Quenzer, Idar Oberstein66. Friedrich Keller, Oberstein 67. H. Kreisel, Gablonz.

68. Alfred Knobloch, Gablonz 69. Alois Klammer, Innsbruck70. Lind & Meyrer, Oberstein 71. Rudolf Leukert, Gablonz72. Franz Lipp, Pforzheim 73. Franz Mohnert, Gablonz74. Carl Maurer Sohn, Oberstein 75. Unknown.76. Ernst L. Muller, Pforzheim 77. Bayerische Hauptmunzamt, Munchen78. Gustav Miksch, Gablonz 79. Unknown.80. G.H. Osang, Dresden 81. Overhoff & Cie, Ludenscheid82. Augustin Prager, Gablonz 83. Emil Peukert, Gablonz84. Carl Pellath, Schrobenhausen 85. Julius Pietsch, Gablonz 86. Paulmann & Crone, Ludenscheid 87. Roman Palme, Gablonz88. Werner Redo, Saarlautern 89. Rudolf Richter, Schlag bei Gablonz90. August F. Richter KG, Hamburg 91. Josef Rossler und Co., Gablonz92. Josef Ruckert & Sohn, Gablonz 93. Richard Simm und Sohne, Gablonz94. Unknown 95. Adolf Scholze, Grunwald.96. Unknown 97. Unknown.98. Rudolf Souval, Wien 99. Schwertner & Cie, Granz-Eggenberg100. Rudolf Wachtler & Lange, Mittwaida 101. Rudolf Tam, Gablonz102. Philipp Turka, Wien 103. August G. Tam, Gablonz.

104. Heinrich Ulbricht’s Ws, Kaufi ng bei 105. Heinrich Vogt, Pforzheim Schwanenstadt/Oberdonau 106. Bruder Schneider AG, Wien107. Carl Wild, Hamburg 108. Arno Wallpach, Salzburg109. Walter & Henlein, Gablonz 110. Otto Zappe, Gablonz111. Ziemer & Sohne, Oberstein 112. Argentor Werke Rust & Hetzel, Wien113. Hermann Aurich, Dresden 114. Ludwig Bertsch, Karlsruhe115. Unknown 116. Funcke & Bruninghaus, Ludenscheid117. Hugo Lang, Wiesenthal 118. August Menze & Sohn, Wien119. Unknown. 120. Franz Petzl, Wien121. Unknown. 122. J J Stahl, Strassburg123. Beck, Hassinger & Co, Strassburg 124. Rudolf Schanes, Wien125. Eugen Gauss, Pforzheim 126. Eduard Hann, Oberstein127. Moritz Hausch AG, Pforzheim 128. S Jablonski & Co, Posen129. Fritz Kohm, Pforzheim 130. Wilhelm Schroder & Co., Ludenscheid131. Heinrich Wander, Gablonz 132. Franz Reischauer, Idar Oberstein133 Unknown 134. Otto Klein & Co, Hanau135. Julius Mosersen, Oberstein 136. Unknown.137. Unknown. 138. Unknown.

Court Mounted Iron ross 2nd classes variations. Rounded 3 and Schinkel type

Card outer covers for 1st class crosses

42_jamie_cross.indd 43 10/02/2015 12:10

IRON CROSS 1939


The LDO (private purchase) list is shown below:Firmenliste der Leistungsgemeinschaft deutscher Ordenshersteller. LdO.“Guild of German Orders Manufacturers” (private purchase pieces.)L/10 Deschler & Sohn, Munchen L/11 Wilhelm Deumer, Ludenscheid L/12 C.E. Juncker, Berlin L/13 Paul Meybauer, BerlinL/14 Friedrich Orth, Wien L/15 Otto Schickle, PforzheimL/16 Steinhauer & Luck, Ludenscheid L/17 Hermann Wernstein, Jena LobstedtL/18 B.H. Mayer’s Hofkunstprageanstalt, Pforzheim L/19 Ferdinand Hoddstatter, BonnL/21 Forster & Barth, Pforzheim L/22 Glaser & Sohn, DresdenL/23 Julius Maurer, Oberstein L/24 Fritz Zimmermann, StuttgartL/25 A.E. Kochert, Wien L/26 Klein und Quenzer, Idar ObersteinL/50 Gebr. Godet, Berlin L/51 E. Ferd. Wiedmann, Frankfurt am L/52 C F Zimmermann, Pforzheim MainL/53 Hymmen & Co, Ludenscheid L/54 Schauerte & Hohfeld, LudenscheidL/55 Wachtler & Lange, Mittwaida L/56 Funcke & BruninghausL/57 Boerger & Co, Berlin L/58 Rudolf Souval, WienL/59 Alouis Rettenmaier, Schwabisch-Gmund L/60 Gustav BrehmL/63 G H Osang, Dresden L/64 Assmann & Sohn, LudenscheidL/65 Franke & Co KG, Ludenscheid L/66 A D Schwerdt, Stuttgart er, MarkneukirchenL/61 Friedrich Linden, Ludenscheid L/62 Werner Redo, Saarlautern

ABOVE Iron Cross 2nd Class maker marked LDO types being L/11. L/12, L/15, L/16

ABOVE Schinkel type A crosses, Notice the Deumer type crosses (On the left to and bottom) , and the Wilm marked cross, Also shown is the Original 1914 Style

ABOVE Iron Cross size variation from a knights cross to a Prizen Class

BELOW Rounded 3 standard type 1st and 2nd class

Iron Cross 2nd Class paper packet and a rare paper packet for just the ribbon

ABOVE Makers of Iron Cross 1st class , Paper award cartons

RIGHT A Picture from the Deumer Catalogue showing Iron Crosses,

Knights Cross and Bars from 1939

ABOVE Rare original type of Schinkel crosses 2nd class and one is a rounded 3 type

Note. Occasionally, awards may be found that are “double marked” usually on a pin fi tting, indicating that this particular component was manufactured and stamped up for use on a retail piece, then used instead on an award piece, or vice versa.A number of Iron Crosses 1st class have been noted bearing both the Prasidialkanzlei number “20” and the LDO number L/52 for the C.F. Zimmermann fi rm. Such examples are useful confi rmation of the accuracy of the above listings. Some argument has occurred over the mark used by Rudolf Souval, with some sources confusing the Prasidialkanzlei number “58” of Artur Jockel with the LDO number L/58 of Rudolf Souval. In his excellent work, Das Eiserne Kreuz, Harald Geissler illustrates a private retail sales example of an Iron Cross 1st class bearing on its pin both the typical L/58 mark of Rudolf Souval and the fi rm’s initials, RS, confi rming the L/58 code as defi nitely being that of Rudolf Souval.

42_jamie_cross.indd 44 10/02/2015 12:11

MEDAL COLLECTING


A Medal from a MaharajahMEDAL

COLLECTINGWITH

PETER DUCKERS

Even at the height of British rule in India, later known as ‘the Raj’, large parts of the sub-continent were not under British

control. Many areas were ruled by their own native Princes, who were traditional hereditary rulers – the familiar Maharajahs, Rajahs, Nizams and the like. Some of the ‘princely states’ were very large, like Hyderabad, which at 83,000 square miles in extent was only slightly smaller than the island of Britain; others were very small and hardly larger than the home estates of their ruling family. In all, some 25% of the Indian population was under princely rule.

Since most of these princely states, large or small, maintained their own armies (that of Hyderabad was at one stage larger than Britain’s Indian army!) and might include cavalry, infantry, artillery and engineer units, it was important for the British authorities to remain on good terms with them and the British took great pains to cultivate the Indian princes and attach them to the British cause by formal treaty or other formal obligations. The loyalty of the Indian rulers was of vital importance during the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59 when some actually sided with the British whilst others at least remained neutral. After the assumption by Queen Victoria of the title ‘Empress of India’ in 1876, specifically Indian orders like the Star of India and the Order of the Indian Empire were freely lavished on members of the Indian royal families and each ruler was awarded technical honours, such as formal salutes of up to 23 guns (the more guns, the higher the status!), consultative roles within local and national Indian government and honorary British Army rank.

During the ‘Penjdeh Crisis’ of 1885, when it (again!) looked as if Britain would go to war with Russia over the Afghan frontier, the Nizam of Hyderabad offered financial assistance to the British cause and other Indian princely states followed suit. Some suggested that their own military forces might be employed by the British if needed, though in the end none of this was

necessary in 1885, as the crisis was settled by diplomacy. But the idea of future Indian princely contributions won great favour and was quickly taken up. In an excess of zeal and loyalty, many of the Indian states volunteered the service of their own armies to the British, as a sort of ‘available reserve’, for use on campaign alongside British-Indian forces when required. Some rulers could provide whole regiments of cavalry or camel corps or battalions of infantry, others just a company of sappers and miners or transport units. The whole idea was consolidated in 1888 with the formal establishment of the Imperial Service scheme. Forces of the princely states which volunteered to contribute were designated ‘Imperial Service Troops’, with British supervision of their training (under Inspecting Officers) and the units being equipped, trained and armed in the same way as the Indian Army, but paid for by their own state and with their own officers. They were soon put into service – as early as the Hunza campaign of 1891 – and thereafter employed by the British in all sorts of military expeditions e.g. in the frontier uprisings of 1879-98, China 1900 and Somaliland: by 1914, there were 22,500 IS troops, of which 18,000 served overseas during World War I, deployed in many major theatres of war. They included w e l l - k n o w n regiments like the Jodhpur, Alwar,

Indore, Gwalior and Jaipur Lancers, the Kashmir Rifles, the Bikanir Camel Corps, the Patiala

Infantry, the Jhind Infantry and many others. They were generally

well regarded as fighting units and provided a welcome addition to Britain’s

armed forces. Their campaign medals generally have ‘I.S.T.’ as part of the unit designation.

The interesting medal group shown here was awarded to (Major) Claude Henry Erskine Wilson (or sometimes Erskine-Wilson) who had a varied and interesting career, as reflected in the medals themselves. He was born in 1884 in Quetta, Baluchistan, the son of an Army officer and grandson of a member of the Bombay Civil Service. Educated at Wellington, he went as a young man to South Africa after the Boer War and served in Natal with the Natal Police. But most of his career was spent in India; from 1907, he worked for the Bombay Salt Excise and Revenue Department, the office responsible for administering and collecting the tax on salt, the production of which was an important government monopoly (producing 8% of India’s revenue). His WWI service records also state that

he had served with the ‘Bombay Northern Border Excise Patrol’ – presumably to do

with blocking the illegal trade in salt.Wilson returned home on the

outbreak of war in 1914 and was commissioned in 1915 into the Royal Field Artillery. He served with various batteries in France early on and eventually as a battery commander at Loos and on the Somme, and he was Mentioned in Dispatches for his work in France. In 1917, Wilson was posted to India, coincidentally to his birthplace, Quetta, to join 101st Battery RFA, which he commanded in the Marri

operations in Baluchistan in 1918 and in the Afghan War in 1919. At

the end of the war, he returned to his post in the Salt Revenue department

Types of Imperial Service troops, 1910

The Arms of Nawanagar State

Officers of the Nawanagar Imperial State Lancers, c.1932C.H.E. Wilson with the Lancers

MEDAL COLLECTING


and from 1926 was posted on deputation to Nawanagar state, Gujarat.

After his retirement, Wilson and his family (with five children) moved to the Brisbane area of Australia; their son Kenneth was killed in action in New Guinea in 1942 as an Officer in the Australian Army. At some stage after 1935, the Wilsons took up farming in South Africa, living near Ifafa Beach on what had been the southern Zululand coast. When war again broke out in 1939, Wilson volunteered for service with the South African forces – interestingly taking five years off his age on his application papers! At 56 in 1940, he would probably have been too old to be considered for active service.

Wilson was initially posted to the South African Corps of Military Police but then served with the British Military Mission to Ethiopia and in a variety of South African units, sometimes in East Africa. Most of his service was spent with the Non-European Army Services (NEAS), for example, with the Indian Battalion (he spoke Hindi), and with various companies of the South African Engineer Corps. He returned to South Africa in 1942 and served out the war as an administrative officer with various engineer units until he retired in 1945 on age grounds.

But what has all this got to do with the princely states and Imperial Service Troops, which began the article? Most of the Indian princely states issued their own range of Orders, decorations and medals, some of them very fine (made by leading European manufacturers) and most of them rare and seldom encountered. As can be seen from his medal group, Wilson wore after his British medals an unusual award which turned out to be the gold 1st Class of the ‘Order of Merit’ of Nawanagar, a state in the Kathiawar agency of Gujarat, in which India’s major salt fields lie. It bears on the obverse the portrait of Maharaja Jam Shri Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, GCSI, GBE (ruled 1907-33). One of the Jadeja dynasty of Hindu Rajput princes who had ruled the state as ‘Jam Sahibs’ since 1540, he had founded the state Order of Merit around 1915. Ranjitsinjhi (‘Ranji’) was a renowned English county and international cricketer, once called ‘the greatest cricketer of his age’.

The medal features on its obverse the portrait of ‘Ranji’ as Jam Sahib, with Order of Merit / Nawanagar State and the reverse has Loyalty, Philanthropy, Charity, Fidelity, with four

allegorical figures representing those virtues. It is engraved ‘Major C.H.E. Wilson’ on the rim. These medals were supposedly awarded to subjects of the Maharajah or his servants for distinguished service. According to Tony McClenaghan in his comprehensive Indian Princely Medals (Lancer, 1996), very few of these gold medals are known to have been awarded – perhaps fewer than ten, though figures are hard to find. The fact of the Order’s existence apparently went undetected by the British authorities until 1935. Of course, it was technically illegal to award an ‘Order’ which did not originate with the King-Emperor, so the council of Nawanagur was taken to task and forced to refound the award with a different title; in 1936 it became the Ranjitsinjhi Medal of Merit (not Order!) and was thus rendered acceptable to the British. These appear to have been the only types of award conferred by the state of Nawanagar.

What did Wilson – with his background in Indian government revenue service and the Royal Artillery – do to earn one of these rare awards? For most of his career in India, Wilson worked for the Salt Excise and Revenue Department. It sounds unexciting, but the British took salt very seriously: their imposed monopoly on its production and sale was a valuable source of income and a constant source of antagonism with the people, since salt was an important dietary requirement, preservative and condiment. Gandhi said: ‘Next to air and water, salt is perhaps the greatest necessity of life.’ It was because of its importance in Indian life, and the taxes imposed upon it, that Gandhi led his famous non-violent mass protest march to the salt flats at Dandi in Gujarat in 1930, deliberately flouting British law as a gesture of support for ordinary people,

and being imprisoned for his offence. Wilson worked in Gujarat (still today a major Indian salt producing area), based at the production centre of Kharaghoda but only his South African World War II records reveal the link between that post and the Maharajah of Nawanagar.

In outlining his military experience, Wilson not only referred in detail to his WWI service in the Artillery, but also declared that from 1928-32 he was Commandant of the Nawanagar Imperial Service Lancers; one group photo shows him

with the officers of the regiment in Kharaghoda. The two squadrons of Lancers (which joined the Imperial Service scheme in 1891) and one company of Nawan Shatrushalya Imperial Service Infantry (all Rajputs) seem to have been the only military force maintained by the Maharajah. The Lancers served on garrison duty at Karachi during WWI, while the infantry force was absorbed into the 18th Rajputana Rifles after Independence. It was no doubt his service with the Nawanagar Lancers which led to the award of the Order of Merit, 1st Class, perhaps conferred in 1932, at the end of his tenure of command and before his departure from India on retirement in 1933. It was also at the end of the life of the Order’s founder, Ranjitsinjhi, who died in the same year.

Obverse of the gold ‘Order of Merit’,

with gold ’First Class’ bar

Reverse of the’ Order of Merit’

The Maharajah of Nawanagar in his solid silver State carriage.

46_Peter Duckers.indd 47 12/02/2015 12:14

48

David DouglasMilitaria Fairs

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BRITISH ROYAL SCOTTS FUSILIERS SWORDBritish Army 19th Century Royal Scots Fusiliers Offi cer’s Sword. An extremely rare British sword. This type of sword was only carried by the Royal Scots Fusiliers for a very limited amount of time. £650.00

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE FORAGE CAPCODE: H180628 American Civil War Forage cap for a Chaplin of the V.M.I Virginia military Institute. This would make this a Confederate cap. £1550.00

ROYAL SCOTT’S SWAGGER STICKCODE: M180613 Swagger stick to the Royal Scott’s with white metal top and cane shaft all in quite good condition

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ALL EVENTS OPEN 10.30am - 2.00pm (preview at 9.30am)★ Top quality fairs held at established, well lit venues with catering facilities

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WEST COUNTRY (YATE) - 2015Sundays 12th April, 28th June, 23rd August & 29th November 2015

at Yate Leisure Centre, Kennedy Way, Yate, nr Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 4DQ(Easy access to M4 - just 10 minutes from either direction. From Swindon/London/The East:

exit at Junction 18 and then take A46 & A432. From Wales/The North/The South West: exit at Junction 19 (M32). Leave M32 at Junction 1 and then take A4174 and A432)

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at Woking Leisure Centre, Woking Park, Kingfi eld Road (A247), Woking, Surrey, GU22 9BA(On opposite side of A247 from Woking Football Club, a very short distance from A320

Woking to Guildford Road - follow excellent local brown “Leisure Centre” signage.Only 10 minutes from M25 (J10 or J11) or A3, 15 minutes from M3 (J3).

12/15 minutes walk from town centre & major railway station)

Excellent new venue Excellent new venue

EAST OF ENGLAND’S BEST MEDAL AND MILITARIA FAIR

Sunday March 22nd 2015Future Dates: 27th December 2015

Copdock Community Hall, Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, IP8 3JD

Open 9.30am - 2.00pm. Early entry before 9.30am £5.

After 10am £2.50 under 14s free.Quality dealers offering items from Waterloo

to World War II. Dealer tables available.Copdock is situated between Ipswich and Colchester, just off the A12. The fair will be well signposted from the A12 to the venue, ample car

parking and refreshments available.For table availability and information telephone

07749 764937 / 07810 311977 www.copdockmilitariafair.co.uk

p48_ARMMarApr15.indd 48 10/02/2015 12:09

MG ZJ 520


By Michael Heidler

In the outstanding collection of the Prague Military Museum are not only treasures from the period to 1945, but

also numerous experimental weapons from the post-war period. Some were produced in small series, while others were limited to prototypes, such as the machine gun project, ‘ZJ 520’.

The German air-cooled light machine gun MG 42 seemed to have left a lasting impression. At the beginning of the 1950s the engineer Jeronym Kynčl (*1899/+1963) began construction work on a new rapid-fi re machine gun based on the MG 42. He worked at that time for František Janeček in his eponymous weapon and ammunition factory in Prague’s district of Nusle. Before the war, the company had produced motorcycles, fi rst models under licence of the Wanderer-company Chemnitz and later also its own designs. From the name ‘Janecek’ and ‘Wanderer’, the brand name ‘JAWA’ was formed. From 1934 onwards, cars of the German company DKW were manufactured under licence. During the war, weapon production was again a top priority and various parts for light and heavy weapons of the Wehrmacht were manufactured. The company was assigned the German secret production code ‘99D’, later replaced by ‘hew’. The company’s own foundry in Teinitz got the code ‘dsh’. After the war, the company tried to get a foothold in the vehicle market again, but weapon production still continued. In 1946 the company was affi liated to the Zbrojovka Brno Corporation and henceforth all projects received corresponding designations.

The MG ZJ 520 –a Czech post-war project

The weapons project described thus received the designation ‘ZJ 520’; where Z stands for Zbrojovka (armoury) and J for Janecek. Normally, the initial letter of the surname of the designer was used, but ‘ZK’ was already in use for projects of the Koucky brothers. Since the weapon was developed in Janeček’s former factory, his letter was chosen.

The weapon ‘ZJ 520/a’ pictured here originates from 1952 and is probably the only survivor of several similar prototypes. The few surviving records indicate that with these weapons a fi ring rate of 2,000 rounds per minute should have been achieved. Instead of the well-known and well-proven roller-locking system of the MG 42, Jeronym Kynčl developed

a bolt with two locking fl aps. But since the tested weapons failed to achieve the desired rate of fi re, the project was discontinued.

Even though it cannot be seen in the pictures, almost the entire weapon is made of milled parts, so it is very heavy and does not correspond to an advanced light machine gun, as one might have expected based on the experiences gained in the war. Maybe the designer wanted to create only a stable base for testing his bolt locking mechanism or fi rst concentrated on the achievement of the required rate of fi re. In the absence of original documents all this remains only speculation.

Thanks to Jan Skramoušský and the Czech Military Museum Prague (http://www.vhu.cz)

Note the similarity to the German light machine gun MG 42 with its quick change-barrel system.

Upper and lower side of the bolt. Note the locking fl aps.

The milled(!) top cover of the ZJ 520/a.

On the wooden stock the punched marking ‘ZJ520/a’ is visible.

49_Michael Heidler.indd 49 12/02/2015 10:34

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SOMERTON


Somerton: A town which went to warBy John Norris

Looking through the index pages of a road atlas of Britain one reads the names of thousands of rural towns and villages each

of which has its own unique history. Some have more of a story to tell than others, which are often highlighted in touring atlases. These publications are comprehensive in content and mention an outline of the history behind some locations which are so small they are not of significant size to be listed on touring maps. Some of these have a fascinating history, however, which reach back many centuries. Unfortunately, some of the stories have been lost, to be marked only by memorial stones or tourist information signs which are often passed by without a second glance. However, it is not too difficult to look into the past and track down more of the history of these towns and villages.

The market town of Somerton, just off the B3151 between Ilchester and Street, is one such example; it has a long and distinguished history which dates back over 1,300 years. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it is listed as ‘Sumertone’. Indeed, as the town grew its name was used to give the county its name of Somerset. The town was once an extremely important location and enjoyed the title ’Ancient Royal Town of Wessex’, the site of the Witan meeting, a gathering of the leaders, in 949. The eighth-century Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records thatKing Aethelheard of Wessex lost control of Somerton to King Aethelbald of Mercia in 733. The town then became the administrative centre of the region until the year 878 when it was attacked and burned by the Danes. Over the centuries Somerton was rebuilt and flourished. Its fortunes grew and waned in the same way as any other town and at one time the county gaol was located there. This may have been what some records refer to as ‘Somerset Castle’, but today all trace of it has gone. These events and many others set the trend for the men of

Somerton to go to war and created a tradition which would continue for centuries to come.

When the English Civil War began in August 1642 the majority of the population of Somerset elected to support King Charles I. However, as elsewhere across the country, the war would divide communities as the fighting spread. One of the first skirmishes of the war took place on 4 August 1642 at a point called Marshall’s Elm, near the town of Street, along the modern B3151 between Somerton and Glastonbury. The Royalist Sir John Stawell commanded a troop of 80 cavalry, including dragoons which were mounted infantry, to oppose John Pyne with at least 600 men. The battle forced the Parliamentarian army to retreat, leaving behind several dead and around 20 wounded. Today, the engagement is all but forgotten and overshadowed by the much larger and more decisive Battle of Langport on 10 July 1645. Battlefield investigators may wish to track down the location of this engagement. It is fair to assume that men from Somerton may have been involved in the action at Marshall’s Elm and they would certainly have been involved in other battles in the area, such as the siege of Nunney Castle in 1645.

Eventually a state of normality returned with the end of the Civil War in 1651 and peace was enjoyed across the region for 34 years until war returned once again in 1685. When King Charles II died in 1685, his brother James succeeded to the throne. However, King Charles’ illegitimate son the Duke of Monmouth, also known as James Scott among other names, landed in Lyme Bay to take the throne by force. This was the start of the Monmouth Rebellion. As he moved across the area and crossed Somerset he gathered men to his cause. A number of men from Somerton are known to have joined his ranks, in order to fight for ‘God and Liberty’.

The Royal Army was despatched to the area to put down the insurrection and part of the army, commanded by Lord Faversham, entered Somerton and occupied it for two days at the beginning of July 1685, before leaving to fight at the Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July. In the aftermath of the battle, which ended the ill-fated Rebellion, the defeated rebels were tried in the infamous Assizes presided over by the notorious Judge Jeffreys whose sentencing was without mercy. Around 750 rebel prisoners were sentenced to be transported to the West Indies, where they were indentured basically as slaves, and some 320 others were condemned to hang.

Among those convicted were men from Somerton. Others were killed on the battlefield at Sedgemoor or may have been among the 1,000 rebels killed as they fled. Today three of those men from Somerton, Robert Abbott, William Cass and William Churchill, are commemorated on a plaque near the town’s war memorial. The same plaque also commemorates the fact that several other rebels were hanged in an area just outside Somerton. Searching through lists of those rebels sentenced to be hanged and quartered reveals the fate of several more men from the town, including William Pocock, Thomas Lissant and Robert Allen, who

The wooden ceiling inside St Michael’s Church.Detail of the ceiling with the cat’s head and the musket ball. Memorial inside St Michael's Church.

Memorial to WWI with wreath from Remembrance Sunday.

51_JohnSomerton.indd 51 10/02/2015 12:13

SOMERTON


were executed at Taunton. The fates of other men, including Christopher Stephens, George Cantick, William Gillet and Joseph Kelloway, are not known with complete certainty.

In the town church of St Michael and All Angels, which dates from the 13th century, there is a magnificent carved wooden ceiling, believed to date from around 1510. It is full of interesting effigies of animals, plants and even barrels. One of the images is that of a cat and in the centre of its forehead there appears to be a silver disc, but is actually a musket ball, probably fired by one of the troops in the Royal Army who would have been billeted in the church during the brief stay in the town in July 1685. Exactly how the musket ball came to be lodged in the cat’s head is not known, but the vicar of the church believes it may have been either an accident or that a soldier may have fired the shot to prove his marksmanship for a bet. The real story will never be known but it remains a small reminder of those days when war came to Somerton.

The Monmouth Rebellion may have been the last war to be fought on English soil but the standing army required recruits, and men from across Somerset enlisted to fight in wars overseas. There also emerged another form of danger in the shape of armed robbery from highwaymen. One of these was Dorset-born Tom Cox, who committed many of his crimes across Somerset and is known to have frequented a public house on the edge of Somerton known as ‘The Inn’ which is now a private residence called ‘Cockspurs’. One of his victims was a man called Killigrew, who had been a jester at the court of King Charles II, and was robbed by Cox on the road to Chard. Cox was apprehended and incarcerated in the prison at Ilchester, close to Somerton, where conditions were abominable. He managed to escape and continue his life of robbery. He was later captured in London where he had robbed a farmer. Cox was hanged at Tyburn on 3 June 1691 aged just 26 years old. The highwayman was immortalised by the author Jonathan Swift who penned the poem ‘Going to be Hanged’ in 1727, which recounts Cox’s execution in verse.

Research into the army lists held by local historical societies and museums across Somerset shows that men from Somerton continued to enlist in the army. These lists are supported with evidence from the National Archives and

reveal that many men fought in the campaigns of Marlborough’s Wars, the war of American Independence, throughout the Napoleonic Wars and during the Victorian period. Men from Somerton served during the Crimean War and all around the world. Many of those from Somerton and the surrounding area appear to have enlisted in the 40th Regiment of Foot, later to become The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment). For example, William Vile enlisted in this regiment in Somerton on 4 February 1805 aged 18. He served for over 23 years, reaching the rank of sergeant, and fought at Waterloo. His fellow townsmen, Charles Burford and Thomas Gentle, joined the same regiment and also fought at Waterloo.

Hundreds of Somerton men volunteered to fight in both World Wars, serving in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and various regiments of the Army. During World War II women from the town also served in the armed forces. In the church of St Michael and All Angels there are Rolls of Honour listing the names of all those who served in the armed forces. During World War I 305 men enlisted and 57 were killed. During

World War II 319 men and women enlisted and 16 were killed. The names of the dead are all inscribed on the war memorial in the town square and it is poignant to note how many of the same family names appear on each of the lists.

On the morning of 29 September 1942 war returned to Somerton when a lone German bomber dropped at least four bombs on the town, killing 9 people, injuring 37 and destroying 10 buildings. At the time of the attack there was a milk processing plant in the town owned by Cow and Gate Dairies and many people believe this was the intended target. However, it seems unlikely that the Luftwaffe would mount a raid deliberately to destroy such a low-key target. It is more likely that it was a lone raider straggling home after a much larger air raid somewhere else. During the war it is believed that some 4,400 high explosive bombs were dropped across the whole of Somerset and a further 100,000 incendiary bombs which destroyed and damaged 15,000 premises. A total of 212 people were killed and a further 665 injured by these bombs. Those killed in the raid on Somerton were buried locally and their names are on the war memorial.

WWII Roll of Honour inside St Michael’s Church.WWI Roll of Honour inside St Michael’s Church.Brass memorial plaque inside St Michael’s Church.

Somerton War Memorials with list of civilians killed during the air raid.

Church of St Michael and All Angels in Somerton which was used by troops as quarters in 1685.


SOMERTON


Just outside the town at nearby Hurcott there was a quarry which produced gypsum, which had a number of uses of benefit to the war effort. Gypsum was used in the preparation of plaster casts for broken limbs, dentistry and in the manufacture of cement used for concrete to build defences and airstrips. The quarry closed in the early 1950s, but even this would not have been the target of the air raid. Other war work was undertaken in the Parish Rooms in the town which were used as a feeding station. This building provided school dinners for the children, and pasties and pies for workmen, and the Women’s Institute utilised the building to make jams and bottle fruit.

Today, all is peace and quiet once more in the town. With its range of historically interesting buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century and are listed, it is the tourists who come to visit the architecture, such as the Sir Edward Hext and Scott Gould House almshouses, dating from 1626 and 1865 respectively. They have been modernised but the exteriors remain unaltered and historians of architecture will be fascinated to compare the changing forms of building over more than 200 years.

In 1986 the town of Somerton was used as a location during filming of the 1986 mini-series The Monocled Mutineer. It was set in France during World War I, and told the story behind the mutiny which broke out at the notorious

‘Bull Ring’ training centre near Etaples. The production was popular and although the town’s association with the filming was limited it did serve to continue its links with military history.

The town has its own website: www.somerton.co.uk which details its social and economic links. A visit is worthwhile to see how a rural town survived both world wars and also contributed to a military heritage which stretches back many centuries. There are some interesting shops in the town, including an antique and bric-a-brac centre which often has items of militaria for sale. There is also a dealer in highly collectable cigarette cards (cartophilists) which covers a wide range of topics including military subjects. This can be found on the website: www.londoncigcard.co.uk

Welcome to www.military-collectables.comWelcome to www.military-collectables.com

The town’s ‘Butter Cross’ in the market square.

Hext Almshouses


INFANTRY GUNS


Infantry Guns – the Japanese Way70mm Battalion Gun Type 92By Terry Gander

Providing close artillery fire support for the infantry is as old as artillery warfare itself. Even as late as the Boer Wars it was

usual for artillery batteries to deliver direct fire assistance for infantry units, often with the guns emplaced in front of the infantry they were meant to support (as at Colenso). After 1914 (and Le Cateau) such practices were simply swept away by opposing infantry firepower and the performance of modern artillery which no longer had to rely on the direct visual observation of targets. Guns therefore had to be concealed well away from the immediate front lines. As a result the artillery became rather remote from those they were meant to support.

Directly after 1914 and the onset of trench warfare, one development was that large-scale combat operations came to rely on carefully prepared and conducted artillery fire plans and barrages that were meant to co-ordinate with infantry manoeuvres. Unfortunately, the slow, vulnerable and low technology communication systems of the period often meant that co-ordination of fire and movement was almost always poor – and the infantry suffered. Intended targets that had not been neutralised by the initial planned barrages could not be readily indicated back to the gunners, fleeting targets of opportunity could not be usefully engaged due to time delays, undamaged enemy weapon positions could not always be easily dealt with, and so on. The former traditional close rapport between infantry and gunners deteriorated.

But by 1918 solutions had been found. One result was that in many armies the infantry

acquired their own artillery under their own direct control. Foremost in this somewhat fundamental change were the French and the Germans (although the Russians had always maintained forms of artillery in their front lines). The artillery pieces concerned evolved as small, light, relatively easy to move and handle, and extended ranges were not needed. Most firings were direct, with targets visible to the aimers. The dedicated infantry gun had arrived.

Typical of the early infantry guns was the French 37mm modele 1916 TR (see The Armourer Issue 104 March/April 2011 for details) which, despite its shortcomings, was selected by the Japanese when they decided to adopt infantry guns during the post-Great War years. By 1922 the Japanese had introduced their 37mm Infantry Gun Type 11, a more or less direct copy of the French original with some detail changes (but without a shield). Almost as soon as it was adopted the Japanese decided that the Type 11 was not all that they desired. A heavier projectile would be useful, as would a high angle fire capability, so they decided to develop their own solution. By 1932 their end result was ready as the 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 (Kyuni Shiki Hoheiho).

As with so much of the military kit fielded by the Japanese armed forces from the mid-1930s until 1945, the little Type 92 suffered from a bad press as far as the Allies were concerned. By early 1942 it seemed that virtually every aspect of Japanese military activity and equipment had to be denigrated and ridiculed by Allied media to the point of what now seems extreme naivety, with the Type 92 included with all the

rest. Needless to say, by 1945 Allied soldiers had come to respect the fighting qualities and hardiness of the Japanese but those early denigrations continued to ‘stick’ to the extent that some of the old propaganda is still trotted out to this day.

A typical view from the rear of a 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 in action, clearly

showing the small overall dimensions of

the gun itself

A 70mm Type 92 Battalion Gun Type 92 with the axle set in the high firing position

Frontal view of a 70mm Battalion

Gun Type 92

54_Terry Gander.indd 54 10/02/2015 12:13

INFANTRY GUNS


extensions that could be located to enable the weapon to be fired off its wheels from either a high, intermediate or low position, thus enabling the crew to take full advantage of whatever cover was available. Using conventional manually-operated controls, the barrel could be elevated over an arc of from –10 to +50° while total barrel traverse was 45°, enabling moving targets to be engaged. The maximum elevation of +50° enabled a useful measure of plunging fire. Sighting was carried out using a standard field gun dial sight mounted on a short bracket which always seems to be missing on surviving guns.

As it was small and relatively light the Type 92 could be manhandled or dragged into position but for long-distance moves mules or horses were employed, one for each gun and its accompanying ammunition limber. A typical Japanese touch was the provision of lifting sockets on the trail legs and cradle into which poles could be inserted to enable the complete gun to be lifted and carried short distances by as many men as were available.

The Type 92 was not really intended for pack transport but it could be dismantled into up to seven loads for mule or man transport. As such it was scheduled as part of the equipment for Japanese airborne forces. However, the pack arrangement meant that in hurried reassembly the carriage soon became ‘loose’ with firing, so ‘one piece’ movements were preferred. The shield could be removed to reduce weight when necessary.

In general use the usual issue was two guns to each infantry battalion but this seems to have been often exceeded. Up to ten men formed a normal gun detachment although once in action the number dropped to five, as follows:No 1 – gun commanderNo 2 – gun layer and firerNo 3 – breech operator and elevation controllerNo 4 – ammunition number and carrierNo 5 – ammunition number and carrier.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Type 92 was the way it was used in action. Due to the short barrel and small propellant charges the maximum range was limited to 2,810m, so in many Allied accounts the Type 92 was labelled as a ‘mortar gun’ or ‘wheeled mortar’. In fact it would be more accurate to define the Type 92 as a short-range g u n - h o w i t z e r, s o m e t h i n g emphasised by a variable charge system (of which more later).

To make the most of the Type 92’s

capabilities it was usually deployed well forward to provide either direct fire against strong points or bunkers, or plunging fire into ravines, trenches or dead ground. Thanks to the variable charge system and changes in barrel elevation angles the Type 92 could deliver short-range fire to as close as 100m, the HE projectile lethal radius being about 36m. If a tactical withdrawal became necessary it was no great task to drag or carry the gun rapidly out of action and emplace it somewhere else. This inherent mobility was often put to good use when Allied troops came under harassing fire, as by the time the gun position was spotted or calculated the gun had already been shifted elsewhere and projectiles arrived from a different direction. In this manner the Type 92 was frequently more effective in inflicting morale rather than physical damage.

The main projectiles fired were HE weighing 3.8kg and with instant or delayed action Type 88 fuzes (the same as employed with the 75mm Mountain Gun Type 41 (1908)) and containing 567 grams of pressed TNT. Shrapnel and smoke projectiles were supposed to be available but appear to have been rarely encountered. An armour-piercing high explosive (APHE) projectile was also developed to provide the Type 92 with an anti-armour capability, having an estimated (and optimistic) armour penetration performance of 78mm.

The propellant cases were originally made of brass but raw material shortages enforced a change to brass-plated materials that could result in spent case ejection problems. Each case held a basic charge and three increments that enabled the following ranges to be obtained:

Side view of a 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 ready for towing

One of the most significant design aspects of the Type 92 carriage was the cranked stub axles, shown here in the lower position

The cranked stub axles, seen here in the highest position

The heart of the 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 was, as with all artillery pieces, the barrel, shown here with the breech block removed

The 70mm Type 92 is only one item of Japanese hardware that deserves re-examination and reassessment. As with many other Japanese weapons it looked odd and rather antiquated, something emphasised by the relatively large diameter pressed steel wheels, but it was a thoroughly serviceable and versatile item of ordnance with some advanced and unusual features.

The Type 92 resembled a scaled-down field howitzer with a split trail. The monobloc ordnance was about 11 calibres long overall (L/11) and featured a manually-operated breech locking mechanism that partially revolved to unlock before falling open to extract and eject the spent propellant case.

It was the carriage that really demonstrated the unusual. The axle had cranked stub

Two views, taken from an Allied technical intelligence report, of the portable six-round

ammunition box for Type 92 rounds and fuzes


INFANTRY GUNS


Charge Charge weight Max range Min rangeComplete - 2,810m 1,006mLess No 1 19 grams 1,805m 603mLess No 2 9 grams 1,188m 206mLess No 3 5 grams 900m 100mAmmunition was normally carried in towed limbers which, together with the sights and tools, held three wooden cases each containing eight complete rounds. Once away from the horse everything had to be carried manually so steel cases holding six rounds and up to ten fuzes were issued.If there was one shortcoming of the Type 92 it was that Japanese industry could never make enough of them, meaning that the original 37mm Type 11 had to be kept in service until at least 1942 and probably later. Throughout its production life the Type 92 underwent no major modifications or other changes; the only rework was with the 70mm Tank Gun Type 94 introduced in 1934. By the time the Type 92 had been converted into the Type 94 the two guns had little in common other than their ammunition and ballistics. Few Type 94 tank guns were made and those few were installed only in prototype tanks.Returning to the Type 92, it first saw service in Manchuria soon after it was adopted - thereafter it was deployed wherever the Japanese travelled. With the end of the Pacific War in 1945, the Type 92 continued its martial career with the Communist Chinese armies, along with several others of the various warring Chinese factions of the period. Originally those guns had been captured from the Japanese but the Communists went to the trouble of manufacturing their own examples. Some of these Chinese Type 92s were reported in use against the French in Indo-China

On this museum example of the 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 the part of the shield that was raised and lowered as the barrel elevation was altered can be seen to be missing

An overall view of the breech area of a 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92

An emplaced 70mm Type 92 in action with

a six-round ammunition box in evidence

and later by the Viet Cong during the early stages of their campaigning.Being small and handy to carry away the Allies took many Type 92s as war trophies and a few survive in various museums and as gate guardians, some of them with non-authentic spoked wheels. Those survivors deserve to be preserved as examples of a weapon that often made an impact on its opponents out of all proportion to its scale of issue or actual destructive performance. The Type 92 also deserves to be seen as the forerunner of several novel artillery design concepts, not the least being the cranked axle arrangement that has been used on several artillery design forays since 1945.The 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 also provides a reminder that however odd and old fashioned any weapon might appear to be, they can still be highly effective and lethal. The Type 92 deserves a better epitaph than it has often received.

Type 92 dataCalibre 70mmLength of piece 794mm (L/11)Length of bore 622mmLength of chamber 108mmLength of rifling 616mmRifling twist 1 in 30 calibresNumber of grooves 24Overall lengthtravelling 2.184mfiring 2.007mOverall widthtravelling 914mmfiring 1.829mLength of recoil approx 343mmWheel diameter 711mmMuzzle velocity (max) 198m/sMax range 2,810mMin range 100mProjectile weight (HE) 3.8kgRate of fire 10rpm

The instant of firing a 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 using a lanyard. In the background is a 7.7mm Heavy Machine Gun Type 92


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p57_ARMMarApr15.indd 1 10/02/2015 12:31

WINCHESTER

Winchester’s record-breaking Model 1894 Lever Action RifleBy Leslie Thurston

During the three decades following Oliver Winchester’s 1860 launch of his historic lever action.44 cal Henry rim-fire rifle,

named after its designer, Benjamin Tyler Henry, the Newhaven-based Winchester Repeating Arms Company, designed and developed five more lever action models which were destined to make Winchester one of the most successful of all firearms manufacturers in North America, along with a glowing reputation spreading far across the globe. One of the main shortcomings of the early lever action models was the length of cartridges used in them, mostly being restricted by the design of the receiver loading mechanisms. The rather short cartridge elevator in the iconic centre-fire Model 73 and its identically designed look-alike big brother, the Model 76, severely restricted the types of ammunition they could handle, to a few pistol-style rounds for the former while the latter was chambered to fire relatively shorter cased rifle cartridges. These included some potent 45 calibre rounds like the 45/75 necked round, adopted by the Canadians, along with the rifle itself, remaining with the. Royal Canadian Northwest Mounted Police in service until 1914. The 76 was indeed a rather heavy rifle to carry and handle. Theodore Roosevelt was one of Winchester’s greatest admirers and bought a number of 76s for the use of those who accompanied him on his hunting trips.

Ten years on from the introduction of the 76 Winchester Rifle, the very formidable Model 86 continued the ongoing development of lever action rifles as another of John Browning’s classic rifles. So good were these that they are now being remade for a new breed of shooting enthusiasts, not by Winchester, but the Miroku Company in Japan, one of Winchester’s partner companies which has also been remaking a number of other historic Winchester models on licence from Olin Industries. The latter included Model 1894s and also the 1885 Single Shot Rifle and the last of John Browning’s lever action rifles, the Model 1895, the first with a box magazine.

The next lever action rifle introduced two years prior to the 94 was a scaled-down version of the 86, listed as the Winchester Model 1892, made to fire the same four revolver type cartridges associated with the famous Winchester 73, which itself in a way also became well known as the

Wayne used was probably just a one-off. They may have made up others to replace any which were damaged after being thrown about during filming. I do have a shorter barrel ‘Wrangler’ large loop 94 lever action which, with its 16-inch barrel, is noticeably shorter than the standard 20-inch carbine length.

Look up information on the internet on the Winchester 94 and you will find just how revered this particular Model has become to a number of very enthusiastic American authors in their reviews; all unanimously claim it to be the very best of the Winchester lever action rifles. They function smoothly and are very easy to handle.

one John Wayne nearly always carried and used in his long series of Western films. Whenever I watch any of these films I can’t help looking to see if the one with which he shoots down all the bad guys has the extra large finger lever, now more popularly referred to as the large loop finger lever. Quite a number of other modern replica Winchesters have been made in recent years having large loop finger levers, including rifles which, as far as I know, were never actually fitted with any such thing. In fact the one John

This line-up of the first M94 Rifles appeared in one of the early Winchester 20th-century catalogues. Note the quality of the two Sporting Models and their rather nice pistol grip butt-stocks.

Group of 94 Carbines all with standard 20inch carbine barrels. The age difference between the oldest and the newest spans the best part of 100 years. The rifle at the bottom with the gold plated receiver is just one of a very long list of modern commemorative series Winchester's produced mostly for collectors for decades after problems the Company had in 1964. I acquired this particular example at one of the militaria fairs held regular at the Motor Cycle Museum in Birmingham and I am very pleased I did. Out of all the lists of these commemorative rifles this is the only one mentioned having a special cartridge trap holding four spare rounds set into the buttstock. It is one made in Winchester's own factory in Canada.

58_Leslie Thurston.indd 58 10/02/2015 15:18

WINCHESTER


John Browning’s new model differed from the two preceding 86 and 92 designs in having one single locking bolt at right-angles to the rear end of the breech-block when in the closed position, making this action stronger than even the twin bolt blocking system of the former1886 and 1892 models. It was the first Winchester designed with much improved higher grade steel to withstand the pressures of the new upcoming smokeless powder ammunition. With a redesigned carrier, now also acting as the floor of the receiver, there was space at the rear when the finger leaver is operated, now making it possible to use larger cartridges than those listed at the launch.

At first the 94 was chambered for two older black powder rounds, the 32-40 Winchester and the 38-55 Winchester, both still ideal for deer hunting, a sport for which this rifle was widely suited. Shortly afterwards the rifle was almost standardised to fire the first of the new centre-fire smokeless cartridges, listed as the .30 Winchester Centre-fire, 30 WCF. A short time afterwards this round became well known as the 30-30, one of the best-known American rifle cartridges of all. From then on, this particular cartridge and the Model 94 became linked together like peaches and cream, to coin a phrase. Other cartridges could be chosen but the higher percentage of 94s was ordered to be chambered in 30-30 calibre. Following on from earlier American cartridge listings the second .30 refers to the weight of the powder charge in grains.

The main reason why the 94 is regarded as record breaking is that over 7.5 million of them were manufactured in the century-plus years from 1894 to when the original Winchester factory at Newhaven ceased production in 2006. Limited production runs of 94s have been made elsewhere in other countries since then but it is very unlikely that these will ever reach significant high numbers again.

At their launch Model 94s came with 26-inch barrels for standard rifles, along with straight grip butt-stocks, or pistol grip butt-stocks for the more expensive deluxe versions. The regular carbines, with their 20-inch barrels, also came with straight grip butt-stocks but looking through George Madis’ hefty title, The Winchester Book, which is generally accepted as one of the standard reference books on classic Winchester rifles, the Model 94 pages are illustrated with a host of different variations of both rifles and carbines, with barrel lengths from 14 inches up to 36 inches, along with dozens of different walnut stock variations of all kinds. Most 94s came with blueing on the barrels and smaller metal components but it seems that whatever the customer wanted Winchester appeared always happy to oblige. I particularly like what is named as the short rifle version, which appears to be a carbine but the front end of the fore-stock is fitted with a metal cap, the same as is fitted on the 24-inch rifle, thus combining the best of both types.

In this group of cartridges the two earliest rounds at the top existed as black powder cartridges long before 1894. The original .30WCF or 30-30, as it became listed later, is described here as 30 Winchester. 32 Winchester Special Softpoint ammunition, like the one shown have long been outlawed in many countries, including the UK. The 32 Special round was very widely used in 94s from shortly after they were introduced and they still remain as popular as ever today.

Two more modern additions to my own collection. Top, A Winchester Legacy which is one of the Angle Eject (AE) Models. Several variations of these were made around 1982 and in the following years and some of the reports I have read are full of praise for this particular version. I like it because of the checkered pistol-grip buttock and front handgrip. Angle Eject rifles are not always popular with some modern shooters in the US, probably because they are associated with the less desirable Post 64 Winchesters.Underneath is a variation with its short 16-inch barrel Trapper Model. Rifles of this length were called ‘Trappers’ because they could easily be carried in fur trappers’ knapsacks and were also very handy if trappers were at risk from being attacked by bears or other dangerous animals in thick forest country. This little rifle came with a large loop finger lever like the one John Wayne first used in the film Stagecoach. Apparently there are at least two different sizes of large loop finger levers available in the US for anyone wishing to replace the standard size levers. The particular series this one belongs to is listed as the Wrangler Models.

Quite a lot about the distain for post 64 Winchesters can be seen in this close up of the Legacy receiver. To start with I would call part of it Belt and Bracers measures in having two kinds of safety devices instead of just one. Can you spot the small shiny metal lug against the back of the trigger and another one resting on the top of the finger lever an inch or so to the left? These two are connected by a small spring loaded bar. When the rifle is not being used and the finger lever is not held tight against the poistol grip the lug behind the trigger is designed to prevent the latter accidentally firing the weapon in one way or another. With the finger lever held tight for firing it pushes in the lug on the left up and along with it the one at the back of the trigger, so enabling it to release the hammer and fire the rifle. This style of safety device was a feature on earlier Winchester's lever action rifles. Like many guns of an earlier age and even today the half cock safety was preferred by many.

The next innovation introduced by Winchester was the cross bolt safety operated by pushing in the button seen on the right hand side of the receiver directly above the trigger, another feature that earned itself much criticism from American Winchester enthusiasts. To help counter this, later models starting in 2003 were fitted with shotgun style tang safety buttons more agreeable to the purists. Lastly look at the hole drilled through the hammer designed to accommodate a hammer extension to make it easier to cock the weapon if needed, such as in very cold weather.


WINCHESTER


WINCHESTER

In 1931 the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was bought by the Western

Cartridge Company which at that time was part of the much larger

Olin Group, in its earlier days a major competitor in fi rearms ammunition manufacturing.

During World War II the Winchester Company was deeply

involved in producing military arms for the government, including the design and

manufacture of large quantities of the famous M1 Carbines, along with M1 Garand rifl es in greater numbers than any other American

arms manufacturer. The company, like all manufacturing concerns, concentrated on getting back to normal in the early post-war era but the legacy of the war itself was beginning to have an effect on the working population, in that labour costs were rising markedly. Overall manufacturing costs of producing weapons such as those with the quality of Winchesters were no longer sustainable. The company was renowned for the handcraft skills of its workers in manufacturing weapons regarded by sportsmen as second to none. However, paying higher wages was not to be the solution on its own. The increasing costs of metals and all other materials added to the diffi culties the company faced. Two of Olin’s engineers were brought in to tackle the problems in 1963 as part of an economy drive. Some rifl e components changed from being machined out from solid blanks to being stamped out from sheet metal. The company had shot itself in the foot: customer feedback was so negative that sales plummeted

and Winchester stalwarts looked elsewhere to re-equip their gun cabinets, at a time when lever action guns were losing out to bolt action rifl es anyway, Another problem was the increased use of scopes, easier to fi t on the latter but not so on lever guns due to the fi red cases usually being ejected upwards from the top of the receiver, which is the most suitable mounting place for scopes. To overcome this particular drawback Winchester later introduced what is listed as Model 94 Angle Eject (AE) versions, in which scopes could be mounted on special grooves machined along the top of the receiver. The right side receiver wall was also specially cut away, allowing enough clearance so that spent cases were thrown clear sideways without any need to alter the position of the scope.

Anyone looking to buy a Model 94 lever action today may see some described as ‘post 64’ or ‘pre 64 rifl es’ in adverts. Concerning those manufactured prior to this particular year pre 64s are regarded as of better build quality than those made in post 64 years. Not only lever action rifl es but one or two other post 64 models from the Winchester range have also been tarred by the same brush.

Pre 64 weapons will always be of greater value than their later successors, even though the use and performance of the latter is likely to be just as good.

Large numbers of Winchester 94s have been acquired by the US government at different times for military use as well as for Peace keeping agency work but covering all aspects of them in these pages could be quite a task for later consideration.

Please note all fi rearms in my collection have been deactivated.

arms manufacturer. The company, like all manufacturing concerns, concentrated on getting back to normal in the early post-war era but the legacy of the war itself was beginning to have an

Older readers may remember a very fl amboyant and always over the top, American piano playing entertainer name Liberace, who often appeared on television years ago. They would easily understand why I would say this extraordinary silver decorated Model 94 is just the sort of rifl e he might have had specially made for himself. Actually he was a very popular guy and well adored by all the ladies. It is listed as being styled by Tiffany & Co of New York, famous for fi ne jewellery and for producing the odd gun or two such as this. I can not imagine Liberace being the sort of chap who would go out and knowingly shoot any living creature for sport, never-the-less would anyone want to trudge around the countryside risking damage to such a rare piece. Quite frankly I wouldn't want it in the fi rst place. When put up for sale recently in the States the asking price was nearly twelve thousand dollars. Courtesy of Collectors Firearms Houston Texas.

In 1931 the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was bought by the Western

Cartridge Company which at that time was part of the much larger

Olin Group, in its earlier days a Olin Group, in its earlier days a major competitor in fi rearms

Winchester Company was deeply involved in producing military arms

for the government, including the design and

Malcolm Claridge20TH CENTURY MILITARIA

25 Blythe Road London’s Specialist Auctioneers

25 Blythe RoadLondon, W14 0PD www.25BlytheRoad.comEmail: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7806 5541

Public ExhibitionFriday 13th March Monday 16th MarchTuesday 17th MarchWednesday 18th March

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� e Kaiser Standard used at the Palace House, Beaulieu, by 2nd Baron Montagu on the visit of � e German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1907. Estimate: £4,000 - £6,000



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1942 Austin Light Utility 10hp model G/YG (Tilly), A 1941 Ford V8 3.6lt station wagon (Woody) made in Canada – all three vehicles have been lovingly restored, rallied in the UK

and Europe and come with extensive documentation and relevant V5. The sale also includes a Fiat 500 for restoration, a 1935 Armstrong Siddeley – also for restoration, 1944 Dodge

D15 truck for restoration, extensive workshop tools and equip-ment, a vast amount of spares for WWII and post war vehicles, WWII folding airborne bicycle by BSA, mine detecting sets, a radio collection spanning WWII and post war including sets No 11, 19, and 38 A. F. V., and a large collection of uniforms

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p61_ARMMarApr15.indd 61 10/02/2015 14:13

62

BOSTOCK MEDALSORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS

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STEVEN MORRISBRITISH ARMY CAP BADGES

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p62_ARMMarApr15.indd 62 10/02/2015 12:40

MEDAL COLLECTING


Campaign or battle clasps first appeared on British medals with those for the Sikh Wars of 1845-46 and 1848-49 and were

commonly issued with medals thereafter, to recognise the recipient’s presence in a significant action or campaign. In terms of a general 1914-18 award, it was first proposed to issue medals – or perhaps just one war medal – with campaign or battle clasps, following the precedent of earlier types. The last major campaign before 1914 had been the South African War or ‘Boer War’ of 1899-1902. This had produced two similar silver medals, one bearing the effigy of Queen Victoria and the other the effigy of her successor, Edward VII. More to the point, the campaign resulted in the authorisation of no fewer than 26 separate clasps, reflecting service in set-piece battles, like Paardeburg, in sieges and reliefs, as at Ladysmith and Mafeking, in larger-scale operations like those on the Tugela Heights or ‘general’ service over wider areas like the Orange Free State or the Transvaal.

In 1919 two committees, Army and Navy, investigated the possibility of producing a campaign medal – and perhaps just one general war medal – bearing clasps for service in the world war. Given the scale of the operations, it is not surprising that the War Office proposed no fewer than 79 and the Admiralty 68. Army clasps included those for major operations like Somme 1916 or Gallipoli 1915 and area honours like France 1914-15. The Admiralty’s proposals were much the same, with clasps for ship-to-ship actions (as in the days of Nelson!) like Emden 9 November 1914 or for major fleet actions like Jutland 31 May 1916 or for operations in support of land service, like Belgian Coast or Gallipoli Landing. The wider-ranging naval presence above and below the seas was reflected in ‘area’ clasps like North Sea 1915 or Home Seas 1918 and in service-specific clasps such as Marmora Submarines or Q Ships. It cannot be denied that the addition of these clasps to the medals would have added immensely to their historical and personal interest. But it never happened. The complexity of working out who would be entitled to which clasps – bearing in mind that they would also be given to Imperial forces – and the expense of the project at a time of economic stringency forced its abandonment in 1923. In July 1920, however, the Admiralty actually published its proposed clasps so one sometimes sees today, as the only survival of

this interesting plan, dress miniatures of the British War Medal bearing naval clasps. These were produced by military tailors anxious to cater for the future demands of their customers and were purchased mainly by naval officers for mess dress or formal wear.

There was criticism of the fact that the 1914 Star and the later 1914-15 Star were just about identical. ‘The Old Contemptibles’ and others who had been ‘at the front’ since the early days of the war felt, perhaps understandably, that the value or significance of their award was diminished because of its similarity to a medal which could have been earned for service over a year later than theirs or because the 1914 Star could also be awarded for service far behind the fighting lines (e.g. in hospitals or depots near the coast).

This was one reason for the authorisation of the only clasp to a 1914-18 campaign medal: a dated bar to be worn on the ribbon of the 1914 Star – despite the fact that the original Army Order for the Star specifically stated that ‘no clasp will be issued’ with the medal. Authorised by Army Order 361 of 19th October 1919, amended in 1920 and 1921, the clasp rewarded all those who had actually been ‘under the close fire of the enemy’ prior to midnight of 22/23 November 1914, this being defined as ‘within range of the enemy’s mobile artillery’.

Made in bronze and measuring only 31mm by 5mm, the clasp bears the dates 5th AUG – 22nd NOV 1914 and was simply stitched onto the ribbon of the medal. This insecure attachment must have resulted in the loss of many clasps but was forced by the shape of the Star which did not allow the usual attachment to the suspension. Some are seen with a back-strap allowing the clasp to be slid over the ribbon – a better idea – but these are unofficial types, possibly made by military tailors, though at least some were available via the British Legion.

Those who were still serving when the clasp was authorised in 1919 had to claim via their commanding officer, whilst those who had left the services, or relatives claiming on behalf of a deceased recipient, claimed on an official form

made widely available (e.g. at post offices). The problem lay in the fact that the claim to service under fire prior to 22 November 1914 had to be verified. Since many potential officer and NCO witnesses were dead by 1919 or dispersed and difficult to trace, there must have been many who were never able to support their claim and many who simply never bothered. The clasp is therefore somewhat scarcer than it probably ought to be, with approximately 345,000 awarded.

When medal ribbons alone are worn, the possession of the 1914 clasp is denoted by a small silver rosette worn in the centre of the 1914 Star ribbon. It is, however, quite common to see the rosette incorrectly worn on the full-size ribbon, sometimes along with the actual clasp or sometimes replacing one that has been lost.

On the Medal Index Cards which record the issue of WWI medals, the award of the clasp and accompanying rosette is indicated by the words ‘clasp and roses’.

THE CENTENARY OF

1914-18

Medals of The Great War: Part Three: the 1914 Clasp

63_Peter DuckersWWI.indd 63 10/02/2015 12:15

64

BLUNDERBUSS ANTIQUES

PO Box 145, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 1AUTelephone: 01767 318715

Email: [email protected]: www.blunderbuss-antiques.co.uk

Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

WE BUY, SELL & PART EXCHANGE WEAPONS & MILITARIA FROM THE 19TH CENTURY TO WW2

PRINTED MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE AVAILABLE, PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.blunderbuss-antiques.co.uk...where you will find our current stock of the above items,

ALL of which are photographed. This is a regularly updated, 365 days per year “real time” website with a secure purchasing system where you will only see items that are actually available

We attend various militaria fairs throughout the year please check our website or telephone for details.

We are a leading British War Medal dealershipbased in the heart of London.

We specialise in British and World Orders, Decorationsand Medals and carry an extensive range of general

militaria from both Great Britain and around the world.

BUY & SELL WAR MEDALS • BUY & SELL MILITARIAVALUATIONS • PART EXCHANGE WELCOME • MEDAL MOUNTING SERVICES

BUY MEDAL RIBBON • DISCREET SERVICE • NEXT DAY DELIVERY• BUY & VIEW ALL AVAILBLE STOCK ONLINE

www.london-medals.co.uk020 7836 8877

Please make sure you visit our “new” Re-vamped Eagle Relics website

The website is constantly being updated, so be sure to check on a regular basis http://www.eaglerelics.com

We will give you the very best prices for your complete collection or single items

If you would like to be notified on future updates to the site. Please drop us a line, and we will add you to our mailing list.

[email protected] over 35 year’s hands on experience, my aim is to bring you the

collector, established or novice, original pre 1945 construction German Militaria. With a price to suit everyone, you will find a mixture of readily

available items, together with the more desirable items from that period. You will find a good selection of Daggers, Helmets, Headgear, Medals, Combat Awards, Equipment, Badges, Documents, and much much more. Please take the time to browse through the items in my

on-line shop, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Each item is guaranteed original from the 1933 -1945 3rd Reich period, unless otherwise stated.

p64_ARMMarApr15.indd 64 10/02/2015 12:42


M&TMILITARIA

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p65_ARMMarApr15.indd 65 11/02/2015 09:32

INDIAN MEDALS


£12-£15. A group containing the medal would command a much higher fi gure. It is not an uncommon medal and most are named to Indian troops, but an example named to a British serviceman would be of greater value and that named to a servicewoman

would be even more valuable.Three years later another

special commemorative medal was presented, this time for all those police offi cers serving at

the time of independence. Known as the Police Medal for Independence its

title is rather misleading because it has nothing to connect it with the

actual act of independence from 1947 and everything to do with the declaration of India as a Republic. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting addition to a collection of either international police medals or items connected to socio-political events. The medal is also made from

cupro-nickel which gives it a silver-

G: BRITT: OMN: REX: DID: DEF’. This means ‘George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain Defender of the Faith’. It is signifi cant because, for the fi rst time, no reference is made to the king being the ‘Emperor of India’. The ribbon bar is plain to which is attached a non-moving swivel which, in turn, is attached to the claw to hold the medal. The medal ribbon is 30mm in width and divided into three equal vertical bands, each of 10mm, showing the national colours of India: saffron, white and green. The saffron colour is sometimes described as being orange but this is incorrect.

The reverse shows the Indian national emblem of the Ashoka Lions on a plain base. Along the upper edge in capital letters is the legend in English ‘INDIAN INDEPENDENCE’. The claw covers the second and third letters of the word independence. Along the lower edge, also in English, appears the date, ‘15th August 1947’. The design is, in effect, rather plain and uncluttered and there is no ribbon attachment or bars. The medal is named and in keeping with tradition the recipient’s details are engraved on the lower edge.

The medal can be found as part of a group including medals from World War II which is a most interesting acquisition to make. More usually, however, the Independence Medal is found as a single item and these vary in quality. An example in good condition can be obtained from around

The Indian Medals for IndependenceBy John Norris

On 3 June 1947, Viscount Louis Mountbatten announced the news to the world that the great country of

India was to be granted its independence from the British Empire. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was passed and at three minutes to midnight, still just 14 August, the State of Pakistan was declared a separate nation. Six minutes later, at three minutes past midnight and in the fi rst minutes of the morning of 15 August, India was declared independent. The historic occasion was marked by violent riots of a religious nature and the Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his deputy Prime Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel, asked Lord Mountbatten, who two months earlier had announced India’s impending independence as the last Governor General of India, to remain on to help the transition. In June the following year Lord Mountbatten was replaced by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.

Deputy Prime Minister Patel set about bringing 565 princely states into the fold of the Indian Union, along with other states such as Junagadh and Hyderabad. India remained a Dominion within the British Empire for a further 29 months until 26 January 1950 when it became the Republic of India under the country’s Constitution which had been drafted in November 1949. In October 1949, King George VI, the last Emperor of India, instituted a medal to commemorate the country’s independence. It was a silver-coloured disc measuring 36mm in diameter, made from cupro-nickel and issued to all members of the Indian armed forces serving on 15 August 1947 and British service personnel who remained in India after independence and serving on 1 January 1948.

Those Indian nationals serving in the Indian armed forces who were eligible for the medal included male and female personnel, along with the Ruling Princes and the State Forces of those States which had acceded to the Dominion of India by 1 January 1948. In effect, this meant all forces in all territories which made up India. Those British service personnel eligible for the medal included offi cers, ratings and other ranks, airmen, both male and female, serving on 1 January 1948. Others who qualifi ed included personnel engaged on the Active List in a Government House or in Central and Provincial Governments, which meant civil servants. The qualifi cation extended to those civilian and service personnel who were on leave at the time between 15 August 1947 and 1 January 1948. Royal Air Force offi cers and other ranks serving with Transport Squadrons and Communications Flights seconded to serve in the Dominion of India were also eligible for the medal.

The obverse of the Independence Medal shows the chakra or wheel in the centre and is surmounted by an Imperial British crown for the last time. Around the lower edge in capital letters runs the legend: ‘GEORGIUS: VI D:

G: BRITT: OMN: REX: DID: DEF’. This means ‘George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain Defender of the Faith’. It is signifi cant because, for the fi rst time, no reference is made to the king being the ‘Emperor of India’. The ribbon bar is plain to which is attached a non-moving swivel which, in turn, is attached to the claw to hold the medal. The medal ribbon is 30mm in width and divided into three equal vertical bands, each of 10mm, showing the national colours of

Independence

Reverse of the Indian Police Medal for Independence showing the date in English

The obverse of the Indian Police Medal for Independence with a mixture of English and Hindi script. No reference is made to the British Empire

Young Indian soldier who would have been awarded the Indian Independence Medal in 1947

66_John Norris.indd 66 10/02/2015 15:22

INDIAN MEDALS


Reverse of the Indian Independence Medal

of 1947 showing the Lions of Ashoka. This symbol would

become the obverse design on the 1950 Indian Police Medal for Independence and all subsequent medals

The obverse of the Indian Independence Medal of 1947 bearing reference to the British Empire for the

last time

coloured fi nish and is 36mm in diameter. It is suspended from a red ribbon with a light saffron-coloured central vertical stripe with a 2mm wide dark blue band either side. This passes through a plain suspender attached to a non-moving swivel which is attached to a claw on the disc of the medal itself.

The obverse shows the Ashoka Lions on a plinth above the Indian National moto in Hindi characters ‘Satyameva Jeyate’ which means ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, which is taken the Mundaka Upanishad, an Indian poem. Around the top edge in capital letters in English appear the words ‘INDEPENDENCE MEDAL’. The lower edge below the Ashokan Lions, also in English, appears the date 26 January 1950. The Ashoka Lion capital is a sculpture of religious signifi cance and shows four lions, facing outwards, standing back to back on a highly engraved plinth. The statue was adopted as the symbol of India on 26 January 1950 and replaced the ‘Star of India’, a multi-rayed starburst-style emblem, which had been the national emblem when India was part of the British Empire. On the medal, however, only three lions are visible and the upper part, the abacus, of the plinth.

The reverse has a central motif of a chakra or wheel above which is a border of lotus garlands. On the lower edge in English capital letters is the single word ‘POLICE’, and either side of this word and separate from the lotus garland also appears a single lotus blossom. Although rather

plain the medal contains a lot of national symbolism

if one cares to delve into the signifi cance of each item.

For example, the lotus fl ower is the national fl ower of India and the chakra (wheel) motif is also taken from the Ashoka Lion statue and is very symbolic.

The medal is recognised as being the Independence medal, but this is very misleading because it has nothing to do with commemorating true independence, which happened in 1947, and has everything to do with the state of India becoming a recognised Republic on the date which appears on the medal. It is a non-operational medal and it has been opined that it was presented as a belated award to the police in recognition of their work during the original move towards independence in 1947.

Not all examples were offi cial designs and some versions were made locally by independent manufacturers. These could be bought by individual police offi cers or local police forces could buy them for distribution to offi cers. The medal is not named in any version and no ribbon or star attachments were authorised. Medals are items which chart the history of

a country and in this case the India Police Independence Medal, along with the India Independence Medal,

charts a turning point in the country when it

became a true republic.Like the Police Independence

Medal, this medal can be purchased as an individual item from dealers at militaria fairs and even special online military auctions. Prices vary according to condition but an example in good condition will start at around £15. For a collector who purchased an example back in the 1980s, when prices were low, this represents quite a good investment because in those days there was little or no interest and such items were often picked up for a few pounds.

There are other medals marking the commemorative years since Indian independence in 1947, including one for the 25th anniversary, 1947-1972, and the 50th anniversary of 1947-1997. The designs of these also contain the same symbols, such as the Ashoka Lions and chakra, but they are an altogether different story.

St George’s HallLiverpool

Liverpool City Centre Military Fairs 2015Event time 10am – 4pm (set up between 7am – 9.30am), Admission £3 per adult (children free)

Saturday 21st March, Saturday 23rd May, Saturday 22nd August, Saturday 24th OctoberLiverpool’s new military fair including military stalls and militaria display items

(plus military history talks)Lime Street, Liverpool, Opp Train Station, Liverpool City Centre, L1 1JJ

Call for bookings: 0151 259 6873 or 07932 844130

MILITARY STALLS REQUIRED FORNEW LIVERPOOLMILITARY FAIRSTARTING 21ST OF MARCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSee dates below

F MARCHHHHH

s

J WWIWWII

66_John Norris.indd 67 10/02/2015 15:22

68

April 12th 2015

Phoenix MilitariaMilitaria bought & soldwww.phoenixmilitaria.net

www.bobsimsmilitaria.co.ukemail: [email protected]

07885 443731Overseas telephone dial 0044-7885-443731

Specialising in WWII to Vietnam. American, British,

Allied Forces, Log Books, Medals, Wings

USAAF-RAF-Airborne-Special Forces-Paras-Glider Troops-Military

Watches-Marine Corps

I buy-sell-trade and accept items on consignment,

single pieces and collections

Discrete and immediate settlement

DBG Militaria would like to offer you original WW1 and WW2 British and German Militaria of all types with some Polish and Canadian equipment included. I will also offer for sale military watches from WW1 and WW2 and a good selection of military books on equipment and events from the Boer war to post war period.

ASHFORD MILITARY FAIR DATES 2015DBG militaria will be running the Ashford military fair at

Sellindge village hall TN25 6JY during 2015, dates as follows:Sunday 5th April, Sunday 31st May, Sunday 1st November

Please be aware items are posted daily from DBG Militaria so you can buy today and have your item delivered the next day to a UK address with items that have a postage charge.

Sellindge military fairs dates for 2015 will be announced at dbgmilitaria.co.uk very soon.

Contact Dave [email protected]

or 07805 399132www.dbgmilitaria.co.uk

PHILIP BURMANOrders, decorations and medals bought and sold

Send large S.A.E for current list - four lists issued per year.

We are always interested in purchasing single items & collections.

IMMEDIATE CASH SETTLEMENTBlackborough End, Middleton,

King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1SE

Telephone: 01553 840350Fax: 01553 841118

www.military-medals.co.uk

22 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham GL50 2AQRFD Glos D167

Telephone: 01242 519815Mobile Telephone: 07778 613977

[email protected]

We Wish to Buy for CashAll items of Uniform, Helmets & Headwear,

Swords & Bayonets, Medals, Orders & Decorations, Badges & Uniform Furniture,

Military Memorabilia, Trench ArtTop Prices Paid Absolute Discretion Assured

Medals mounted for wearingCased for Display & RefurbishedMiniature Medals and Mess Dress

Accoutrements SuppliedSend S.A.E. for free list

Q & CMILITARIA

MATTHEWS MILITARIA

P.O. BOX 4401 WORTHING BN11 5WG

FOR FREE 16 PAGES LIST SEND A FULL A4 SIZE, S.A.E. WITH LARGE LETTER STAMP

BRITISH AND FOREIGN CAP BADGESHuge stock list of mainly Gaunts,

Firmins, Marples Beasley, etcConstantly changing list also includes Police, Colonial, Naval, R.A.F, Cloth.

GUARANTEED SATISFACTION OR IMMEDIATE REFUND

Gradiamilitaria.com

Tel Caroline & Ed Parsons: 01732 700103 Email: [email protected]

Over 5000 items on websites to run together. New Stock added regularly. Military badges, naval, police, medals and other. Allied, British, Amercian, Canadian and specialising in Australian badges. Also Commonwealth countries. Items purchased.

Genuine items only. Collector for 35 years. Friendly service.

LAUNCHING NEW WEBSITE: GradiaMilitaryInsignia.com

p68_ARMMarApr15.indd 68 10/02/2015 12:48


WATFORDArms, Militaria& Medal Fair10.00 am - 2.00 pm

on

Sunday 22nd Marchat

THE BUSHEY ARENALondon Road, Bushey,

Hertfordshire, WD23 3AA

Tables from £30Future date: Sunday 3rd May

For further information please call:

SOVEREIGN ARMS FAIRSTel: 01438 811657or 01923 448903

www.sovereignfairs.com


Specialists in German military photographs

and WW1 & WW2 militaria.

Items from Britain, Japan and Germany including rare

photographs (especially Fallschimjager), paperwork and postcards plus badges, medals,

uniforms, helmets and bayonets.

Visit our website to view hundreds of genuine items

New website launchedwww.surreymilitaria.com

Tel: 07710 349838

DCM Medals is a new internet site which aimsto offer an interesting selection of British and Imperial medals, orders

and decorations.We are always interested in

buying or exchanging medals.

What have you got to sell?

Phone Mark on:07793 707324

www.dcmmedals.com

DCMBritish & Imperial orders,decorations & medals

BED AND BREAKFASTON THE SOMME BATTLEFIELD

2014 - 2018Centenary the 1st World War

BED AND BREAKFAST ON THE SOMME BATTLEFIELD

Christine and Jean-Pierre MATTE55/57 Grande Rue

Bois Bernafay 80300 Montauban de Picardie

FranceEmail: [email protected]

Website: http://bandbbernafaywood.fr.ht/TEL/FAX: +33(0)322 850 247Mobile: +33(0)611 180 509

We offer bed and breakfast in the heart of Bernafay Wood situated on the Somme Battlefield which was the site of the

30th Division assault on July 1st and 2nd 1916.Ideal for anyone wishing to research the Somme Salient;

Our B&B is the newly renovated historic Montauban de Picardie Railway Station which was destroyed during the Great War

and rebuilt in 1922.Secure parking for cars and motorbikes on the site

Prices for one night room including continental breakfast:A single B&B: 35€A double or twin bedded room B&B: 48€A three people bedded room B&B: 61€A four people bedded room B&B: 74€A five people bedded room B&B: 87€Full English Breakfast available 3€ extra per person

• English Spoken • Free WiFiArrangements are possible for a stay on Ypres Salient if you require.

Christine Pierre.indd 1 26/1/12 14:13:07

Christine and Jean-Pierre MATTE55/57 Grande Rue

Bois Bernafay80300 Montauban de Picardie

FranceEmail: [email protected]

Website: http://bandbbernafaywood.fr.ht/TEL: +33(0)322 850 247

Mobile: +33(0)611 180 509

We offer bed and breakfast in the heart of Bernafay Wood situatedon the Somme Battlefi eld which was the site of the

30th Division assault on July 1st and 2nd 1916.Ideal for anyone wishing to research the Somme Salient;

Our B&B is the newly renovated historic Montauban de PicardieRailway Station which was destroyed during the Great War

and rebuilt in 1922.

Secure parking for cars and motorbikes on the site

Prices for one night room including continental breakfast:A single B&B: 40€A double or twin bedded room B&B: 54€ A three people bedded room B&B: 69€A four people bedded room B&B: 84€ A fi ve people bedded room B&B: 99€Full English Breakfast available 3€ extra per person

• English spoken * Free WiFiArrangements are possible for a stay on Ypres Salient if you require

Bexley Medals

& MilitariaBased in Bexley, Kent. We buy & sell all types of military collectable antiques. Medals bayonets, swords, helmets etc.

We can help source items and also sell a small amount of items on a

commission basis.

Tel: +44 (0)1322 523531www.bexleymedalsandmiliatraria.co.uk

Hildenborough Militaria Fair

Sunday 29th MarchMilitaria Fair Dates for 2015

26th April, May NONE, 28th June, 19th July, 23rd August, 27th September,

18th October and 15th November

Hildenborough Village Hall, Riding Lane, O� the B245 Tonbridge Rd,

Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 9HY5 mins by car from M25, junction 5.

Doors open 8.00am - 12.00pm. Admission £1. Children under 15 free

Contact Rick on 01322 523531 for more details or visit www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk

p69_ARMMarApr15.indd 69 10/02/2015 12:53

NORTHERN NORWAY


An Autumn in Northern Norway

By Yngve Sjodin


The coast had to be protected with bunkers and cannons. Airfi elds, roads and railways were built to connect the Reich with the natural resources in the far north. Supplies for the occupying forces and for the troops fi ghting on the Finland and Murmansk front were stored here and there in Norway. As the war ended these stores were emptied, and sometimes dumped in ditches, set fi re to or buried.

Last autumn, some 70 years after the war, I decided to spend my free time poking around a few such storage areas I had heard about. Nature has taken the areas back and it is diffi cult to see where buildings and roads once were, but the metal detector does most of the searching anyway.

I use a Fisher F5 detector, which is my fi rst metal detector, and fi nd it easy to use and understand. It has sound signals and a number indicator, so I stroll around sweeping it across the ground listening to the different tones. When it makes a beep I check the number indicator, and usually start digging. First I use a bayonet to feel if it is a small or large object, then I take the shovel and dig around it. If it is a small object the built-in pin pointer is very handy. I try to dig carefully as I don’t want to ruin any object that might be under the soil. Most objects lie close to the surface though

70_Yngve.indd 70 10/02/2015 12:17

NORTHERN NORWAY


I once dug following a signal at almost one metre deep, so the F5 penetrates the ground well.

Many of the signals this autumn resulted in foil, rusted tin cans, nails and random pieces of metal. On one of the fi rst days I had a good strong signal, though it was a little deep and I had not brought a shovel, only a bayonet and a small garden spade. I went ahead and tore my way through the forest fl oor, and about 20-30cm down I found three shovels and a pickaxe and underneath them the corner of a zinc crate. An hour later I had uncovered four large zinc crates. I could see there had been wooden boxes around them but they were long gone, only the clasps remained in quite good condition. Crates like this normally mean ammunition, but I thought there was a tiny chance there could be a treasure in them so I opened a corner: old rifl e ammo, of course, marked ‘1939’ by a Norwegian producer. Could it have been hidden away from the invading troops perhaps?

Metal detecting as a hobby is not only about digging and fi nding stuff; it is also a nature experience. You notice plants, trees, insects, birds and sometimes bigger animals. Several farmers had been reporting sheep struck by bear close to where I was searching which gave the trips an extra edge.

Sometimes the metal detector seems to go mad; it gives a large signal and indicates all sorts of metal. I like those reactions from it. Often it means there is something big, something good or, even better, a dumping pit. Having done some research I believed I had found a forest where there could be dumping pits and went there to search. I had good hits all over the place. Soon I had opened a hole and found old German beer bottles and spoons. It is so exciting because one never knows what is in such dumps. Usually there is a lot of rubbish, but in between there are some nice fi nds; I found porcelain with German markings, buckles and uniform buttons. In the middle of the dig I suddenly heard something coming fast towards me through the forest. Could I remember anything Bear Grylls said about bear attacks? I looked towards the inevitable, but instead of a big bloodthirsty monster a little squirrel came charging towards me. It sensed me, made a 90-degree turn and raced up into a tree where it found a branch to study me from.

I continued this dig for several days and created a big hole by the time it started to look empty. Only a few days later I found a similar spot, and after 30 minutes I found a a Wehrmacht belt buckle. I cleaned it with some water and saw that it was de-Nazifi ed before being thrown away. Moments later I couldn’t believe my eyes. It must be brass, surely, but no, it is a large gold ring, it has no markings, is quite worn and later I found it weighed 4.9grams.

This patch of forest is quite large and I wonder what else might lay hidden beneath it. But a consequence of living by the Polar circle is a short digging season and one morning when I was preparing to leave for the dumping pits the world became covered in a thick blanket of snow. King Winter stopped the fun for this time.

Now, can it soon be springtime again, please?

70_Yngve.indd 71 10/02/2015 12:18


Under the Hammer Auction News

Marlow’s Auctioneers are now entering their 10th year of business and are pleased to announce that they will now be relocating to a new, permanent, fully refurbished auction room in time for their next sale on 7 May. The new Ravon Court saleroom will be based in the county town of Stafford, a short distance away from Marlow’s present location.

Kevin King informed The Armourer ‘This is a very exciting move for Marlow’s. Ravon Court offers large premises with ample space to allow us to expand the business. We will have a separate viewing room during the sale which will enable us to continue our policy of view, bid and clear. Our clients have found this very advantageous as they do not have to arrive early to view and then wait until the end of the sale to collect their goods. The new rooms also have the bonus of ample free parking and its location gives far easier access to the nearby M6 motorway and road network.’.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Marlow’s and within that time it has established itself as one of the major military auction rooms in the UK, with an international client base. Over 24,000 lots have passed through the sales. With lot values ranging from £30 to many thousands of pounds, the saleroom continues to attract both young and old collectors and dealers. Many hidden treasures have been unearthed during that time, but the one which sticks in Kevin’s mind was a 1776 American Kentucky Plains rifl e. This was discovered in a house in Scotland and was in virtually untouched condition. The family line attributed the owner to a Captain John McIntosh of the 42nd Highlanders who fought during the American War of Independence and the magical 1776 date on the lock created a great deal of interest from across the pond, with the hammer falling at an incredible price of £29,000.

On asking Kevin of future plans he said, ‘Ravon Court will springboard us into the next exciting decade as we are now in a position to offer our clients a far wider service. We will now have the facilities to provide onsite valuation events. These will utilise the expert knowledge of various military and antique consultants. Our vendors often have secondary collections which are non-military, such as stamps, coins, advertising etc. We have always recommended the vendors to other

trusted salerooms; however, I have now put together a specialist team of consultants who bring to Marlow’s many years of experience and knowledge. This will enable us to hold our new “Occasional Collectors Sales”. We also have plans for other specialist sales, one taking place in September 2015 which will be a 75th Anniversary Battle of Britain aviation sale. We cannot question the importance of the centenary events for the Great War but we should try to ensure that World War II is not overshadowed and that the efforts of “The Few” will be remembered on this important anniversary. This will be the fi rst of an annual Aviation themed sale. Preparations for this sale are well in hand and already a steady fl ow of items has arrived, including a very rare DFM & Bar Bomber Command medal group, an AFC medal group with log books, an aircraft propeller, a WWI RFC fl ying coat, log books and a collection of aviation badges.’ Although the deadline for entries may seem to be some months away, the lot allocation is fi lling quickly and vendors intending to take advantage of this special commemorative sale should contact Kevin as soon as possible.

Kevin brings over 40 years of experience within the militaria, antique arms and armour trade. He began his career as an apprentice with the late Robin Wiggington of Stratford-upon-Avon, who was at that time one of the foremost dealers in fi ne antique weapons and armour and founder of the Stratford Museum, specialising in the antiquities of Tipu Sultan of Seringapatam. Kevin has been managing Marlow’s since its foundation and wishes to ensure his clients that ‘despite these expansion plans, the core of the business remains originality, and unlike most other auction rooms, we continue to guarantee every item which passes through our hands, be it a humble cap badge or a £29,000 rifl e. Despite the increase in the sales, we will continue to assess a collection carefully and accurately identify individual items to give the best return to our vendors. We will also continue to give a full and detailed description in our catalogues to ensure that our clients are fully informed before bidding.’

The next Militaria sale will be held on Thursday 7 May at its new location, commencing at 12 noon with viewing from 10 a.m. The next full colour catalogue containing over 650 lots will be available from mid-April. Cataloguing is still in the early stages and is still open for entries. There will be the usual variety of categories including badges, medals, curios, equipment, uniforms and weapons.

The Knife section will include an extremely rare WWII Middle East Commando knife complete in scabbard, a WWII New Zealand alloy hilted combat knife, a WWI American M1917 trench combat knife, a WWI American

Marlow's on the Move!

72_auctions.indd 72 11/02/2015 10:28


MK1 trench knife, a French WWI/ WWII combat knife, a WWII British beaded and ribbed F-S Commando knife , a WWII dated short pattern machete combat knife, a rare Italian model 1925 M,V.S.N officers pattern knife with ivorine grips, an unusual Shakespear pattern knife with Scottish style blade and well-checkered wooden grip, a Victorian gambler’s

knife with ivory grip and a small selection of German trench knives, including a private purchase named push dagger.

The Bayonet category will consist of over 70 items including a Seitwengewehr M1898/05 sawback butcher bayonet, a Seitwengewehr M1898/05 butcher bayonet, a Seitwengewehr M1898/05 sawback removed butcher bayonet, a Seitwengewehr M1898 long bayonet ,a M1914 3rd pattern Seitwengewehr bayonet, a M88/98 all steel Ersatz bayonet, an American M1873 socket bayonet complete in scabbard, an Austrian M1867 Werndl shortened bayonet, an Austrian M1854 Lorenz socket bayonet, a British MK IV sword bayonet, a Netherlands M1895 Mannlicher infantry bayonet, a Denmark Prussian made socket bayonet with Khyls spring catch and a scarce modern American M9 Phrobis MK111 combination combat knife bayonet.

The Curios section will include a full-size museum display mannequin of a drummer of the Wiltshire Regiment dressed in khaki drill,

with Slade Wallace equipment and badged pith helmet. There will also be a Norma ammunition cartridge and bullet display complete in its factory case.

The Uniform category will include tunics from the Victorian era through to WWII. There will be a fine quality King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Officer’s scarlet tunic, a Victorian County Lord Lieutenant’s dress tunic, a post-1901 British court dress tailcoat, an Artillery Officer’s scarlet mess shell jacket, a scarce WWII camouflaged anti-gas cape, various scarlet Band tunics and a small selection of WWI and WWII tunics.

The auction is at its new venue at Ravon Court, Drummond Road, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 3HJ. There will be facilities for disabled parking onsite and for collection of items during the sale. General free parking will be a short walk away from the venue. Full details can be found on our website at www.marlowsauctions.co.uk Kevin King can be contacted on 07789 628030 to help with any of your questions.

Thursday 7 May 201512 noon

SPECIALIST MILITARIAAUCTION

to be held at -NEW VENUE - Ravon Court,

Drummond Road, Stafford ST16 3HJ

Large selection of bayonets and knives in this auction.

www.marlowsauctions.co.uk

For further details, contact Kevin King 07789 628030 or

[email protected]

NEWVENUE

Marlows.indd 1 10/02/2015 15:05

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Hermann Historica’s 2015 spring sale will be held in Munich from 28 April 28 to 13 May. More than 6,000 lots, presented in fi ve catalogues, will be offered to collectors of Antiquities, Antique Arms & Armour, Orders & Medals, Military Memorabilia and Historical Collectables. The auction offers a journey through the ages – a Hellenistic helmet dating from the 2nd century BC is waiting for a new owner, and so is a WWII fi ghter pilot’s helmet and even his fi ghter aircraft – a Messerschmitt Bf 109 G 6. The highlight of the Modern Firearms section is an outstanding collection of ‘Parabellum’ pistols; from the Borchardt C 93 and all variations of the fi rst models introduced in 1900, right through to the fi nal versions, which were produced in Switzerland until 1947, this collection unites 185 of the most interesting pistols from different periods and countries. Its focus is primarily on the whole series of German service weapons from beginning to end, the early Swiss models and the Swedish

guns dating from 1939 to 1940. The pistols are in immaculate original condition; also included is an impressively large number of matching holsters. It took decades of passion to amass this collection of weapons manufactured by DWM, Erfurt, Krieghoff, Mauser and W + F, complete with the corresponding technical literature and extensive accessories.

For more information and catalogues please visit our website: www.hermann-historica.com

Hermann Historica 28 April 28 to 13 MayHermann Historica 28 April 28 to 13 May

Fighter aircraft Messerschmitt Bf109.

Preston Arms and Militaria Fair New VenueFrom 1st March 2015 the Preston Arms and Militria Fair is moving to a new and larger prestigious venue at Charnock Richard near Preston.

We have enjoyed superb hospitality at the BAE Systems Canberra Club at Balderstone, but due to the popularity of the Fair we are very pleased to be able to move the fair to the new venue at Charnock Richard near Preston to accommodate the number of dealers and visitors who wish to attend.

The new venue has secure parking for over 1000 cars. There will be a wide range of Military Collectables from a large number of well known and trusted Arms and Militaria dealers trading in collectables from many eras of history. Antique and Modern Arms and Militaria are represented here for you to buy, sell or trade.

The new venue is situated at The Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard (via M6 Services) Chorley, Near Preston PR7 5LP and opens from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Please visit our website at www.prestonarmsfair.co.uk for much more information on facilities etc. or telephone: 01254 263260 Mobile: 07884 284390

Malcolm Claridge (pictured) is an established auctioneer and historian of 20th Century militaria, specialising in material from the two world wars and later confl icts, with a particular interest in D-Day, and the Second Indochina (Vietnam) War. He headed the Dreweatts - Bloomsbury militaria department for a number of years, holding regular sales in London, Newbury and Bristol. He is delighted to be joining the cooperative of specialists at Blythe Road, and comments ‘I am very pleased to be joining Thomas and the team at 25 Blythe Road, where I hope together we can develop the increasing interest and market in 20th century militaria’

Thomas Del Mar, founder of 25 Blythe Road says ‘I am delighted Malcolm Claridge is joining us, his wealth of knowledge in this growth area is extremely welcome and completes our expertise that previously spanned the very earliest times to the Great War.’

Malcolm Claridge joins 25 Blythe Road, sale16–18 March

Kaiser Wilhelm II and John Montagu of Beaulieu

A Parabellum Mod. 1900, Swiss service pistol, post series A-number.

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Bosleys, the specialist military auctioneers of Marlow, are pleased to announce the consignment of one of the largest collections of WWII German Third Reich Daggers in the UK. The collection will include daggers to suit most collectors’ pockets, from the humble Hitler Youth knives to examples of the chained SS Dagger, Mans SS, Superb Teno Officer, Teno Hewers, Political Leaders, Kriegsmarine, Army, Luftwaffe, RAD Officer’s, etc to name but a few. The collection of approximately 150 daggers represents a life time of collecting and they will be sold over a number of sales.

Bosleys’ first sale of 2015 was one of their specialist Military Badge Auctions, containing 648 lots of selected metal and cloth cap badges shoulder titles, formation signs etc. It was a great success both for buyers and vendors.

Bosleys’ next public auction will be held on 4 March and as already stated, will contain the first part of the German dagger collection, but this will not be the only major collection to be found in this sale. Others include the third part of a fine Royal Marine collection which will feature a number of Royal Marine Artillery items, Officers’ and Other Ranks’ 1866-79 Victorian Busby Grenade plume holders, superb Officer’s Home Service helmet plate and some two-part Officer’s bullion and gilt cap badges. A fine selection of Home Service Blue Cloth Helmet Plates, these represent one of the finest collections amassed in recent years, condition being a priority to the vendor. The collection represents a vast array of British and Colonial Regiments, the majority retaining the rich fire gilt finish of parade condition. Remaining with the badge section is a fine collection of pre-1855 shoulder belt plates, including a superb example of the 39th Foot, various militias and volunteers. Other rare badges consigned include a trial pattern full dress plate for a proposed RFC headdress, a splendid East

India Company Bell Top Shako Plate, selection of coatee buttons and numerous other gems, mainly in near pristine condition. A superb selection of 78th items inc. shoulder bett plate, plaid brooches etc. is also offered. The Badge selection in this sale will contain 350 lots, the majority individual items, ensuring that collectors do not have to worry about buying large ‘job’ lots to acquire that elusive single item for their collection and this is, of course, better for the vendor.

Medals will also feature strongly in this sale. One of the more interesting groups to be offered is a Northern Ireland troubles Queen’s Gallantry Medal, awarded to a member of the 14th Intelligence Section for undercover work in Belfast in the late 1980s. The Centenary of the Great War is not forgotten with a number of gallantry groups; one poignant group of this conflict is the group awarded to 2Lt John Alfred Raymond Andrews of the 6th Bn Lincolnshire Regiment attached to the RAF as an Observer, who was killed in April 1918. His medal group, including plaque and Memorial Scroll, is accompanied by a large archive of ephemera that includes over 200 personal letters sent home from the front to his mother. WWII Gallantry groups will see Military Medal groups won on the beaches of Dunkirk, the Battle of El Alamein, and the jungles of the Far East. The medal section will also see the first part of a fine collection of New Zealand War Medals and a collection of Naval General Service Medals including one bearing the clasps ‘Yangtze 1949’ and ‘Malaya’. The recipient was stranded aboard HMS Amethyst during this crisis.

Bosleys 4 March

Uniforms will once again have a strong showing, with a superb rare Queen Victoria, Edward VII uniform of an ADC to the Monarch. This uniform, contained in the original metal Japanned storage trunk, is also unusual in being an Officer of the Royal Artillery, complete with gold laced overalls, cocked hat, waist sash etc. A scarlet and profusely embroidered tunic of an ADC to the Viceroy of India would make an impressive addition to any collection.

The Headdress section will see good examples of the British Army Home service pattern helmet and regiments represented will be Oxfordshire Light Infantry (1902-08 pattern helmet plate), North Middlesex, The Welsh Regiment, Norfolk Artillery Militia, and the West Surrey Regiment. A fine helmet of Welsh interest is also included, that of the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry, as well as a superb attributed Seaforth Highlanders Officer’s Forage Cap.

Further details of this sale can be found on Bosleys web site www.bosleys.co.uk or see the back cover advertisement of this copy of The Armourer.

The first sale entitled Malcolm Claridge – 20th Century Militaria, will take place on the 16th – 18th March 2015 at www.25BlytheRoad.com, and will include historical documents, insignia, uniforms & field equipment, photographs, medals & awards from The Boer War through the two World Wars, to the Afghanistan Operations of the 2000s’.

Highlights from the sale include:The Kaiser Standard used at the Palace House, Beaulieu, by 2nd Baron Montagu on the visit of The German Emperor Wilhelm

II in 1907. Also attached a photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II and John Montagu of Beaulieu standing outside Palace House, taken at this visit. The German Emperor was a very keen car collector, having bought no less than 17 motorcars in the last two years. When he visited John Montagu, a fellow car enthusiast, the Kaiser felt he was wearing inappropriate clothes, (Montagu was serge-suited and bowler-hatted) which apparently he turned into a diplomatic incident, complaining to King Edward about it. Estimate: £4,000 - £6,000

Kaiser standard

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The first Military Auction of the year held by C&T Auctioneers and Valuers was a huge success. The sale consisted as usual a good

selection of Medals, Badges, Paperwork & Ephemera, Uniforms, Headdress, Edged Weapons and Third Reich items.

This auction also included a number of small private collections including one of Rhodesian / UDI items, British Military Issue Whistles and early

American Militaria from the Civil War to the Spanish American wars. It was proved that having a small collection of items in one sale gathers attention and momentum amongst bidders, this was certainly true with the collection of whistles, with some

lots achieving triple the presale estimate. The highlight of the whistle collection was lot 271, 1916 dated example engraved to a member of the London regiment which hammered after a fierce bidding battle between room bidders and online bidders for a staggering £170.

Edged weapons proved very popular in the auction, with some of the Wilkinson made swords achieving top estimate plus. The highlight of the edged weapon section was Lot 234 a Scottish Broadsword which was attributed to Sir Jonathan Roberts Davidson CMG TD which finally sold to an International Internet bidder for £800. Other edged weapons also performed well with a large percentage selling top estimate and above.

Although smaller than previous sales the Uniforms and Headdress sections also performed well with a high percentage of the lots selling.

C&T Auctioneers are starting to get a name for selling interesting items of paperwork and ephemera in their auctions. This was certainly the case in this auction with some very interesting lots offered and some very healthy prices achieved. Early Military photograph albums from the late Victorian period are performing well, with Lot 145, Photograph Album from Afghanistan Campaign 1878-1880 selling to a telephone bidder for £2,000. The star lot in this section of the sale was the Royal Flying Corps log book and photograph album belonging to Air Ace Lieutenant G F Anderson DFC 88 Squadron which finally hammered to a commission bidder after fierce bidding by another bidder in the room for £4,200.

C&T Auctioneers are now working on their next auction which is scheduled to be a two day event on the 5th & 6th May 2015. If you have an item you wish to enter into this auction please contact Matthew Tredwen on 01634 292042 or visit www.candtauctions.co.uk

On 3 November 2014 the independent arms and armour auction house Antony Cribb Ltd was launched. After ten years working for Phillips, Bonhams, Sworders and J.S. Fine Art, in the capacity of Arms and Armour Valuer, Director and Valuer Tony Cribb has launched his own company.

Based in Harwell in Oxfordshire, the offices of Antony Cribb Ltd are located in the Harwell Innovation Centre near Didcot which is just two minutes from the A34. The auctions themselves are to be held at the Milton Hill House Hotel,

again, near to the A34, with plenty of parking and free tea and coffee. The first auction is scheduled for 14 April with viewing on 13 April from 12 noon until 5 p.m.

Of particular interest to prospective buyers will be the PREVIEW page on the company’s website, which allows clients to view every item already consigned for April, along with nine further condition report images. If you have anything to consign for April it will be listed on the preview page within 48 hours of consignment.

Vendor’s commission is 15% plus VAT but is negotiable subject to size, condition and value of the consignment. Buyer’s premium is 18% plus VAT.

The auction will also be available to view online at www.the-saleroom.com and their live bidding platform will also be available for use by buyers.

If you have anything that you would like to consider consigning do please email me [email protected] or call me on 01235 838578.

Antony Cribb Ltd Arms and Armour Auctions

C&T Auctioneers and Valuers will be holding a two day auction in May 2015. This auction will include Part 1 of the Colin Churchill Collection of British Military Collar Badges and Cloth Insignia, this collection has been formed over the last 40+ years and is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of regimental collar badges to have hit the collecting market. Colin Churchill co wrote and authored the collecting hobbies leading reference work on British Army

Collar badges. His insignia collection is also one of the largest collections in the UK.

One of the star lots of the next auction is the extremely rare British issue Gravity Knife that was issued to British SOE and Special Forces. The vendor was given this knife by an elderly neighbour 35 years ago with a bunch of tools, when the elderly neighbour was being moved into a retirement home and his house was being cleared. It has laid in the toolbox ever since and remains still in very

good overall condition.At the time of going to press C&T

Auctioneers are taking possession of an extensive Police memorabilia collection which will feature in this sale. The collection is mostly helmet plates and helmets but does include other items.

If you have items you would like to sell in a future C&T Auctioneers auction please contact Matthew Tredwen on 01634 292042 or visit our website www.candtauctions.co.uk

C&T Auctioneers 5th & 6th May 2015

C&T Auctioneers 4th February 2015

72_auctions.indd 76 11/02/2015 09:48

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Hermann Historica oHG ✦ Linprunstr. 16 ✦ D-80335 Munich ✦ Phone +49-89-54726490Fax +49-89-547264999 ✦ E-mail: [email protected]

N E x t Au C t I O N :

April 28 - May 13, 2015Antiquities, Antique Arms & Armour,Fine Antique & Modern Firearms,Orders and Military Collectibles

Catalogues online by the beginning of April:

www.hermann-historica.com

A visor cap for an Admiral of the Kriegsmarine

H E R M A N N H I S t O R I C A

A Victorian helmet for a member of the British Honorary Corps of the Gentlemen at Arms, circa 1890 - 1901

A standard of the motorised infantry

Hauptmann Wilhelm Ensslen - a Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds

A Messer schmitt Bf 109 G 6

and a BMW R 75 - motorcycle

with sidecar, 1942 model

A photograph album of SS Parachute Battalion 500

From our special catalogue “the Parabellum collection”

A treeby Chain Rifle

General of Flak Artillery Walther von Axthelm - a sword for Luftwaffe generals, 2nd model

Armourer_1p_4c_A70.indd 1 05.02.2015 14:13:30 Uhrp77_ARMMarApr15.indd 1 10/02/2015 13:05


L U S I T A N I A R.E.X Published by Filament Publishing and AuthariumHistorical � ction/Faction£22.95 + P&P for the Author’s Limited Edition

Also available as an eBook.LUSITANIA R.E.X weaves fi ction around the known facts to create a plausible explanation of some of the mysteries surrounding the sinking of this great ship. Since being hit by a single torpedo on May 7th 1915, the passenger liner has been wrapped in mystery and intrigue. This is a story of the Lusitania replete with spies and secret societies, superweapons, millionaires and martyrs. The narrative is centred on one of the wealthiest men in the world, Alfred Vanderbilt, who ignored warnings from the German Embassy, confi dent the fastest ship in the world could outrun enemy submarines during WW1. Alfred lost his life but fi rst saved many children and gave his life jacket to a female stranger.

To this day, experts continue to debate the cause of the second explosion that sealed her fate after the torpedo struck. Imperial Germany immediately claimed she was loaded with explosives destined for the front. The story unfolds on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean in settings that range from gilded palaces and the Lusitania to the blood-soaked trenches of Ypres.

Greg Taylor has been fortunate to develop a relationship with the descendants of some of the main characters in the book. Alfred Vanderbilt’s grandson, the Duke of Marlborough and Trubee Davison’s grandson have all shared original material and anecdotes about their grandparents that are refl ected in the story. Sadly, the Duke passed away last year, just days before his copy of LUSITANIA R.E.X arrived at Blenheim Palace.

In 1905, RIBA President Aston Webb was approached by Cunard Lines to assist in the selection of architects for the Lusitania and her sister ship the Mauretania. It was the fi rst time Cunard hired professional architects to design their ships.

READER OFFERThe Author has kindly offered readers of the Armourer a discount of 20%. To obtain your discount please visit the offi cial websitewww.lusitaniarex.com and click on UK purchase, you will be asked whether you have a discount code at this stage click Apply and enter LREX1915. You will then receive 20% off the purchase price off the book. Please note there is a £1 handling fee and £3.20 for shipping within the UK.

Reviews on Amazon 5.0 out of 5 stars Lusitania REX a great read for people interested in this time period and ships. November 25, 2014By KatherineA historical fi ction of the events leading to the sinking of the Lusitania. Fascinating look into the lives of the people who went down on the ship. If you like the historical period of the early seasons of Downton Abbey you will enjoy this book. I own a hardback special edition copy. I enjoyed the pictures. The author appears to have done a great deal of research on the historical characters involved. Anyone who is interested in ships and this time period will really enjoy reading the book. 5.0 out of 5 stars Lusitania Rex was great fun to read December 12, 2014By KyleLusitania Rex was great fun to read. Even though it is a fi ctitious account of the Lusitania's demise, it is clear that many hours of research went into the writing of this book due to the historically accurate descriptions and people. He weaves a fantastic story through the very real relationships and events that took place in the period leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania. Highly recommend.5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant, exciting and fun. By JohnThe writing is as stylish and elegant as the fi rst-class passengers and the book is also exciting and fun. The author takes us above and below decks, and across continents, blending engaging fact with absorbing fi ction and ranging from his characters' most private thoughts and clubs to the huge historical issues of the time. I was gripped to the end.

Book ReviewsA look at some of the latest military titles

Churchill at WarHis ‘� nest hour’ in photographs 1940-1945By Martin Gilchrist£20 Carlton Publishing Group

This fascinating book on Winston Churchill is packed with incredible photos. It focuses on his most glorious years, from 1940-45, and delivers both candid and offi cial photography.

The layout is picture/caption style, so after a one page intro for each of the years, all the information is delivered in short, pithy and enlightening chunks of copy – the images are really allowed to ‘breathe’.

The book gives a deep insight into man that we think we all know, but has so many facets beyond the traditional perceptions.

The war was eight months old before Churchill, then aged 65, was promoted from Lord of the Admiralty to Prime Minister.

The book tells how Churchill was fi lled with ‘defi ance and confi dence’, and this optimism rubbed off on the national psyche, despite a continuing ferocious onslaught by the Nazis.

Two things struck me about the pictures. One is how often Mrs Churchill accompanied her husband on his travels, and the second is how so much of his role was about PR and morale boosting.

It’s also fascinating to see how far afi eld he travelled at a time when he would have been the greatest prize for the Nazis: Canada, the United States, Morocco, Moscow, Libya, Normandy… he must have bagged a few Airmiles! And that’s despite being laid low with pneumonia and heart trouble at the end of 1943!

50 years after his state funeral, this book offers fantastic insight into the ‘greatest-ever Briton’, and I put the book down feeling that I knew Churchill much better than I did before.

John Sootheran

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPYCarlton Publishing Group have given us 4 copies of Churchill at War by Martin Gilbert to giveaway. All you need to do is visit www.warners.gr/churchillatwarcomp and answer the simple question. Competition closes 1st May 2015.Good luck!

WIN ME

This fascinating book on Winston Churchill is packed with incredible photos. It focuses on his most

The layout is picture/caption style, so after a one page intro for each of the years, all the information is delivered in short, pithy and enlightening chunks of copy – the images are really allowed to ‘breathe’.

The book gives a deep insight into man that we think we all know, but has so many facets beyond

The war was eight months old before Churchill, then aged 65, was promoted from Lord of the

The book tells how Churchill was fi lled with ‘defi ance and confi dence’, and this optimism rubbed

Two things struck me about the pictures. One is how often Mrs Churchill accompanied her

WIN ME

READER OFFER

78_Books.indd 78 11/02/2015 09:37


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80

The Treasure Bunker website is more than just a shop. It also provides a discussion forum for collectors and a free email newsletter with special offers.

WW2 German Luftwaffe Signals EM/NCO’s Visor Cap. Luftwaffe Blue Grey EM/NCO’s Visor cap with brown wool piping denoting the service branch of signals.Complete with Luftwaffe alloy cap eagle, cockade and black leather chin strap.Interior sweatband has one small hole to front and is attached to cap via a black velvet band and still retains the cotton bow to the rear.The celluloid diamond is intact and maker marked “Stirndruckfrei Deutsches Reichspatent” £575.00

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED • INTEREST FREE LAYAWAY PLAN AVAILABLE • MEDAL MOUNTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

21 King Street, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 5QZ Opening Hours: 11am - 5pm Tues - Sat. Tel: 0141 552 8164 Tel: 0141 552 4651

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WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING TO BUY GOOD QUALITY MILITARIA

Over 1000 original items in stock...Uniforms, Headdress, Badges, Medals, Toy Soldiers, Model Tanks, Equipment, Awards and Sidearms... from Waterloo to World War II.

WW1 British 14-15 Trio with Plaque and Scroll awarded to 10048 Pte Alexander James Bell, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died Tuesday 9th July 1918 aged 25£350.00

WW2 German early thirties Hitler Youth Marching drum, with green and white triangles. Complete with all it’s spanner bolts, turnkey and hook holding the snare wires. Small one inch tear to lower skin just below the snare wires otherwise good condition. The green and white drums were the state colours of Saxony and used originally by the Reichsheer and early days of the Wehrmacht along with the SA and Hitler Youth in the Saxony area.£295.00

WW2 German Army M42 Black Panzer Side Cap. Hard to � nd M42 black panzer side cap with two pebbled

metal buttons to front. Complete with machine woven panzer eagle, there

is no cockade and it appears this cap never had one, as it would not be

seen behind the front closure. Usually M42 caps had a one piece T shaped eagle and cockade, this one has only

the eagle, which is hand stitched to the cap. Inside the cap is lined in light

grey rayon with a metal ventilation grommet to either side. Four small

holes to lower right hand side of cap. £695.00

www.wmauk.com

AUCTION DATE 1ST APRIL 2015

Viewing from 4.30pm on sale day.Sale starts at 6.00pm.

Many good quality militaria items including weapons, badges, medals, insignia etc

No Sale – No Fee, 12% Commission, absolutely NO other charges!

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GOOD QUALITY MILITARIA FOR AUCTION - FROM SINGLE ITEMS TO WHOLE COLLECTIONS.

( 01920 871383 ) 07747 8607468 [email protected]

Next Auction: 17th June 2015

HERTFORD HEATH VILLAGE HALL, LONDON ROAD, HERTFORD HEATH, HERTS, SG13 7RH

WARE MILITARIA AUCTIONS

p80_ARMMarApr15.indd 80 10/02/2015 13:41

www.fellows.co.ukFellows, 19 Augusta Sreet, Birmingham, B18 6JALondon Office, 2nd Floor, 3 Queen St, London, W1J 5PA

An auction of Coins & MedalsAn invitation to consignIf you would like more information about this auction, please contact Naomi Wilson.E: [email protected] | T: 0121 212 2131

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We Buy, Sell & Part ExchangeMilitaria, Deactivated Guns & Replica Weapons For Film & Theatre Use. Military Related Giftware & Collectables

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News and ViewsWe welcome letters and feedback on articles and subjects of interest to collectors. Please post to: News and Views, Armourer, Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PHor email: [email protected]

Restoration of the Thiepval Memorial

Stan Streather (Winston Churchill look-alike), fl anked by a Russian soldier and a member of the RMP.

One of the steam engines awaits departure at Alresford.

Three WWII vehicles at Alresford Station.

The plan to restore the Thiepval Memorial in time for

the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016 is about to be carried out. This iconic memorial to the 72,000 British

and Allied soldiers lost in action in that area with no known grave is being undertaken by

the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The monument, known as the Memorial to the

Missing, was created by architect Sir Edward Lutyens and was unveiled in 1932. Teams from

the Commonwealth War Grave Commission will commence the massive task to restore the

monument in the spring of 2015 and when completed by July 2016 it will be fl oodlit for the

fi rst time. The work, supported by the UK government, will include improvements to

ground works and parking for the anticipated thousands who will make the pilgrimage

to mark such a special event in British and Commonwealth history.

Ken Rimell

Home On LeaveThis annual seasonal event held at Hampshire’s Mid Hants Railway, otherwise known as the Watercress Line, brings together a collection of classic wartime vehicles and a number of WWII Living History Groups who travel the ten or so miles along this preserved steam railway, creating the nostalgia of troops (and their ladies), travelling either home on leave or returning to base, whichever is preferred by the individual concerned.

Three classic military vehicles graced the station car park at Alresford while two steam engines plied the route through the Hampshire countryside to Alton and back throughout the two days, carrying a large number of ‘military’ personnel who all seemed to join in the true spirit of the event.

Among the uniformed personnel I found the imposing fi gure of Winston Churchill look-alike Stan Streather, fl anked by a Russian soldier and a member of our own Royal Military Police.

This popular annual event takes place on the railway each December and to those with classic WWII vehicles who wish to take part need to book in with the railway before attending. Those who complete the simple booking-in formalities are given tickets to travel on the steam trains, but it’s imperative to contact the railway fi rst and not turn up on the day expecting to be issued with a free ticket.

Ken Rimell

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PAGE TURNER


After World War II, all across Europe there were millions of displaced persons uprooted by the fi ghting who

were longing to return home. In Britain there were thousands of them, many of whom who had fought as Allies with the British Army, including Polish troops. Some were fortunate enough to be housed in special centres which were established for the purpose of providing them with accommodation.

One of these centres was at Tweedsmuir Camp in the village of Thursley in Surrey, which continued to be used to house around 40 Polish families until the 1960s. Earlier in the war the camp had been used by American, British and Canadian troops and it was bombed on 7 November 1942. The story of its use for displaced persons is told in a permanent display at the nearby Rural Life Museum at Tilford, where a camp school was established for children who had been bombed out during the London Blitz.

The Rural Life Museum exhibits artefacts of 150 years of farming life, with tools and machinery displayed in original buildings. It also hosts a series of events throughout the year, one of which is a 1940s weekend called ‘A Village at War’. This is a popular event which focuses mainly on the Home Front with the Home Guard and other fascinating displays showing various aspects of the war. This year’s event is being held on 9 and 10 May, which particularly signifi cant because it commemorates the 70th anniversary of the war in Europe; ‘VE Day’.

The event organisers plan to celebrate this date by creating a party atmosphere with lots of activities involving re-enactors. This will include interactive displays involving the Women’s Land Army, vehicles and a small battle re-enactment with pyrotechnics and blank fi ring weapons. One particularly fascinating display which was recently shown at the museum was put on by a re-enactment group called ‘The Long, the Short and the Tall’. They had a range of wicker baskets used during the war to transport homing pigeons which were essential for carrying vital messages for the military.

Thousands of pigeons were used by the RAF and even war correspondents used them. The baskets on display were all original and had been refurbished to show how they

Tilford: A Village at Warby John Norris

Refurbished original wartime basket used to carry pigeons for military messages.

Member of ‘The Long, the Short and the Tall’. His armband CPS stands for ‘Carrier Pigeon Service’. His talk was highly informative.

Another original basket used to carry pigeons.Members of the Home Guard on patrol at Tilford.

A Diamond T recovery vehicle at Tilford.

Rare example of a Stanton air raid shelter.

Show Report

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looked when in service use. A member of the group spoke about the important role of the pigeon in war. To underpin the importance of this otherwise humble bird he explained that of the 54 Dickin Medals awarded to animals between 1943 and 1949, 32 were presented to pigeons. The Dickin Medal is considered the animal equivalent to the Victoria Cross. This was just one display and the rest are equally engaging, especially the live action displays.

The Village at War is an event with something for all ages to see and participate in. There are some very unusual buildings within the complex, including an example of a rare prefabricated concrete ‘Stanton’ air raid shelter. This is a site to wander around, mingle, become absorbed in and ask lots of questions. The museum is located in The Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL. Telephone contact 01252 795571 or visit the website: www.rural-life.org.uk

A for ANZAC It is a small thing, but the brass capital ‘A’ shown here above two Rising Sun collar badges earned great respect for its wearer in late World War I and in World War II. It denoted that the wearer was a Gallipoli veteran. The ‘A’ was approved for wear in 1916, at first embroidered on the colour patches and in 1917 in brass.

They were worn on colour patches again in World War II when the colour patches were given a pale grey backing to denote the 2nd AIF (Australian Imperial Force).

Colour patches were introduced in 1914 as a means of readily identifying units. With some exceptions, Australian soldiers didn’t wear individual regimental badges, just the Rising Sun on hat and collar. They were worn on the upper sleeves of jackets and greatcoats. Diggers sometimes painted them on their helmets.

Eric Wiseman

Imperial War Museum Archives, the Government’s responseMy story in the January/February issue of The Armourer about the government cutbacks in overall spending at the Imperial War Museum archives and library services has now brought a response via my own MP, Nick Gibb, from Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture and Digital Economy. His lengthy letter explains that with such an outlay to renovate the Imperial War Museum in London for the 100th anniversary of the Great War, cutbacks need to be made elsewhere, and the possibility of the Museum’s Archive and Library collection going into the private domain (you would pay to view), was one of the options put forward. The huge response from historians against this (and I was one), has brought a stay of execution until 2018. However, the recent IWM £40 million transformation of its Galleries, funded by the Government, Heritage Lottery and a number of private individuals, has seen visitor numbers increase. Ed Vaizey’s final comment was that the Imperial War Museum will now carefully consider the decisions that it makes in reorganising its services, and that it will continue to make a valuable contribution in the Commemorations of World War I.

My own feelings are that there might be other plans afoot that the public need to keep an eye out for; charging via the back door may creep in quietly when the WWI commemorations end in 2018.

Ken Rimell

The Armourer can report that a petition has been launched to reverse current and future cuts to the IWM. If you would like to sign the petition please visit: http://bit.ly/save_IWM.

Trucks on the move at Tilford.

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ARMOURERThe Royal visit of 1911Territorials lining the streets of South London

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PLUS Great War Russian Rifles and Bayonets ■ Medals of WWI ■ In my collection

militaria magazineARMOURERARMOURERARMOURERThe Royal visit of 1911The Royal visit of 1911Territorials lining the streets of South London

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Ask the Armourer

128-1I’m looking for some help in identifying the item shown. This leather container is 2.5 inches long and 1.75 inches wide, and contains the tools shown. It is marked with an ordnance Broad Arrow on the outer piece and has ‘5A166’ stamped on both halves. Can anyone tell me what it is, and if the tools are original to it?

Steve Woolnough

Do you have an item in your collection that would like our readers to identify? Have you bought something and then wondered about its history? This is the place to ask. Send your pictures electronically or by post along with a brief question and we will seek the answers from our readers. If you know what any of the items are and would like to help with some information, please write to us quoting the issue and item number and details will be published in the next issue. Please post to: Ask the Armourer, Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH or email: [email protected]

128-2

I acquired this item about 40 years ago from an American who described it as “a European eagle helmet plate.” I’ve long believed it to be Polish, but would like another opinion on that. It is of a high quality white metal with coloured shield and is 14cm high.

Eric Wiseman

128-3

I picked up the bayonet in the pictures at a steam fair a few years ago from a house clearance guy but my own research has come to nothing as to it’s pedigree. I did fi nd a picture of one on a US auctioneers site but no details of what it is (real or fake). It’s marked UFH (Union Fork and Hoe) 1942 as is the scabbard. It’s 13.375 inches long with a blade length of 8.5 inches. Basically it’s like an M4 but with a large twin fullered blade. If somebody can shed some light on its past I would be grateful.

Dave Pittman

128-4Might I respectfully request the help of our readership in identifying this recent purchase? Measuring approximately 5 inches x 3¾ inches, it is made of brass and is in nice, well-warn condition. To the reverse are 6 lugs, as indicated on the photograph. Any indication of date regiment, purpose (horse tack?), would be gratefully received.

128-5 I also enclose a photo of my long deceased Grandfather, Charles Hall, taken at the time of his army service with the Sherwood Forester’s, during the fi rst World War. May I ask, yet again, for the help of our knowledgeable readership, in identifying the patch (?) on the tunic sleeve.

M. Hall

approximately 5 inches x 3¾ inches, it is made of brass and is in nice, well-warn condition. To the reverse

I also enclose a photo of my long deceased Grandfather, Charles Hall, taken at the time of his army service with the Sherwood Forester’s, during the fi rst World War. May I ask, yet again, for the help of our knowledgeable readership, in identifying the patch (?) on

88_Ask.indd 88 12/02/2015 11:53


ARMS FAIR & EVENTS DIARYAUCTIONS

6 MarchSmiths of Newent16 Broad St, Newent, Glos GL18 1AJT: 01531 821776 W. www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk

13-18 MarchMalcolm Claridge Auctioneers25 Blythe Road, London W14 0PDT: +44 (0) 20 7806 5541 E: [email protected] www.25BlytheRoad.com14 MarchLaidlaw Auctioneers & ValuersEscott Business Park, Rome Street, Carlisle CA2 5LET: 01228 904905E: [email protected] MarchWallis & WallisWest Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, Sussex BN7 2NJT: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 E: [email protected]: www.wallisandwallis.org

128-6

Pehaps someone out there will be able to enlighten me as to the purpose of this lead disc. It's an inch and a quarter in diameter, and is obviously a seal of some-sort. The “I”probably stands for “India”, but as for the other letters, and its use, I can only guess - possibly on an ammunition box? Any information gratefully received. Maurice Kanareek

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES SALE

Friday 6th March at 10am With Medals & Militaria SectionDeadline for entries 19th February

Catalogue on-line from 27th February or available by post on requestViewing 5th March 10am-7pm and morning of sale

Live on-line bidding www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk

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21 MarchDurrants AuctioneersThe Old School House, Peddars Lane, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9UET: 01502 713490 E: [email protected] W: www.durrants.com21-22 MarchLockdales52 Barrack Sq, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RFT: 01473 627110 E: [email protected] AprilWare Militaria AuctionsHertford Heath Village Hall, London Rd, Hertford Heath, Herts SG13 7RHT: 01920 871383 M: 07747 860746 E: [email protected] W: www.wmauk.com11 AprilTW Gaze AuctionsDiss Auction Rooms, Roydon Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4LNT: 01379 65030619 AprilWelsh Arms Antique & Modern Arms AuctionsCardiff, 1 mile off M4.T: 01554 749443 E: [email protected] W: www.welsharms.co.uk

28 & 29 AprilWallis & WallisWest Street Auction Galleries, Lewes, Sussex BN7 2NJT: 01273 480208 F: 01273 476562 E: [email protected]: www.wallisandwallis.org

MILITARY FAIRS

1 MarchBromsgrove MilitariaMedal and Arms Collectors Fair, Spadesbourne Suite, (The Council House) Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AAT: 07980 608211 E: [email protected] W: www.RZMilitaria.com

1 MarchGHQ FairsThe Maltings, off Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QRT: 07919 455799 W: www.ghq.uk.com1 MarchPreston Arms & Militaria FairPark Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard, Chorley, Nr.Preston, Lancashire PR7 5LPT: 01254 263260 M: 07884 284 390 W: www.prestonarmsfair.co.uk1 MarchThe Medal Centre, Wakefield Medal FairOutwood Memorial Hall, Victoria St, off Leeds Rd, Outwood, nr. Wakefield, W.Yorkshire WF1 2NET: 01434 609794 M: 07950 421704 W: www.themedalcentre.co.uk8 MarchNEWARK ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & MILITARIA FAIRCedric Ford Pavilion NEWARK SHOWGROUND NG24 2NYTel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk8 MarchChatham Militaria FairThe Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZT: 07595 511981 E: [email protected] W:www.chathammilitariafairs.com8 MarchMark Carter Militaria & Medal FairsBridgefoot, Stratford upon Avon, Warwicks CV37 6YY T: 01753 534777 E: [email protected] W:www.milweb.net/dealers/trader/markcarter.htm

128-7

Can anyone help with identification of the medal in the photograph please?

Colin Pendlebury

128-8

I hope the Armourer readers can come up trumps again and identify the two items shown. The V.R. badge is 2½ inches high and 2¾ wide. I would like to know which part of the uniform it was worn on. It has three screw posts.

I would also like to know what the initials on the ammunition pouch stand for and what its date is.

Bill Olden

89 Events Index.indd 89 12/02/2015 11:57


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Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that � rms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will ful� l their obligations under all circumstances.Whilst every care has been taken to compile current valuations, the publishers cannot accept liability for loss, � nancial or otherwise, incurred by reliance placed on the information herein. Quoted prices are indicative and are for illustrative purposes only. Always seek expert advice with regard to valuations.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will however investigate any written complaints.

Highlight your entry for£30 plus VAT call Scott on

01778 395002

15 MarchMilitaria & Aviation FairVauxhall Motors Sports & Social Club, Rivacre Rd, Ellesmere Port, Wirral, Cheshire CH66 1NJ (Jct 5 and 53)T: 0151 327 4701 M: 07745 873491 E: griffi n@griffi ntrust.org.uk15 MarchWolverley Militaria FairsWolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, nr. Kidderminster, DY11 5TNT: 01562 851489 M: 07816 85387815 MARCHLIVERPOOL ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & MILITARIA FAIRVillage Hotel Whiston L35 1RZTel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk21 MarchSt Georges HallLime St, Liverpool opp.TrainStation, Liverpool City Centre, L1 1JJT: 0151 259 6873 or 07932 844130

22 MarchDavid Douglas Militaria FairsThe Community Centre, Bowburn Village, Durham DH65ATT: 01668 215574 M: 07796 758974 E: [email protected]: www.daviddouglasmilitariafairs.co.uk

22 MarchCopdock Medals and Militaria FairCopdock Community Hall, Old London Rd, Copdock, Ipswich IP8 3JDT: 07749 764937/07810 311977 W: www.copdockmilitariafair.co.uk22 MarchSovereign Arms Fair, Watford ArmsMilitaria & Medal Fair, The Bushey Arena, London Rd, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 3AAT: 01438 811657 E: [email protected] W: www.sovereignfairs.com22 MarchGA Promotions67 Atcham Business Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4UGT: 01743 762266 W: www.militaryconvention.com25 & 26 AprilThe 92nd London Antique Arms FairHotel Ibis, London Earls Court, 47 Lillie Rd, London SW6 1UDT: 07780 663 819 W: www.antiquearmsfairsltd.co.uk29 MarchBexley Medals & Militaria

Hildenborough Militaria Fair,Hildenborough Village Hall, Riding Lane, off the B245 Tonbridge Rd, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HY. 5mins by car from M25, jct 5. T: 01322 523531W: www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk29 MarchCheshunt Military Collectors Fairthe Wolsey Hall, Windmill Lane, EN8 9AAT: 0771 409 40095 AprilDBG MilitariaAshford Military Fair, Sellindge Village Hall, TN25 6JYT: 07805 399132 E: [email protected],uk W: www.dbgmilitaria.co.ukSunday 5 AprilGIANT LEEDS ANTIQUE ARMS, MEDAL & MILITARIA FAIRPudsey Civic Hall, Leeds LS28 5TATel:01423 780759 or 07889 799896 or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk5 AprilThe Medal Centre, Wakefi eld Medal Fair,Outwood Memorial Hall, Victoria St, off Leeds Rd, Outwood, nr. Wakefi eld, W.Yorkshire WF1 2NET: 01434 609794 M: 07950 421704W: www.themedalcentre.co.uk11 AprilBangor Collectors & Militaria Fairs1st Bangor Presbyterian Church Halls, Main St, Bangor, N.Ireland (opp Asda)E: [email protected] AprilBrenzett AerojumbleRomney Marsh Wartime collection, Ivychurch Rd, Brenzett, Kent, TN29 0EET: 01424 752648 M: 07080 288606E: [email protected] AprilChatham Militaria FairThe Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZT: 07595 511981 E: [email protected]:www.chathammilitariafairs.com12 AprilMark Carter Militaria & Medal FairsYate Leisure Centre, Kennedy Way, Yate, nr. Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 4DQT: 01753 534777 E: [email protected] W:http://www.milweb.net/dealers/trader/markcarter.htm18 APRILBOLTON ARMS, MEDAL & MILITARIA FAIRHorwich Leisure Centre, Bolton BL6 5PYTel: 01423 780759 or 07889 799896 or www.northernarmsfairs.co.uk19 AprilWolverley Militaria Fairs

Wolverley Memorial Hall, Wolverley, nr. Kidderminster, DY11 5TNT: 01562 851489 M: 07816 853878

19 AprilBromley Military Collectors FairCivic Centre, Kentish Way, Bromley, Kent BR1 3UHT: 0771 409 4009

26 AprilBexley Medals & MilitariaHildenborough Militaria FairHildenborough Village Hall, Riding Lane, off the B245 Tonbridge Rd, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HY. 5mins by car from M25, jct 5.T: 01322 523531 W: www.bexleymedalsandmilitaria.co.uk26 AprilMark Carter Militaria & Medal FairsThe Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1NX T: 01753 534777 E: [email protected] W:http://www.milweb.net/dealers/trader/markcarter.htm

EUROPE AND ABROAD7 – 15 MarchRatisbon’sKlaus Butschek, Postfach 110303, 93016 Regensburg, GermanyT: + 49 941 46 700 16E: [email protected] W: www.ratisbons.com12 AprilArchen AssociesParc Silic-94533 Rungis (only 2kms from the Orly Airport South of Paris)T: 33 (0) 6 15 04 85 15 W: www.archen-associes.com26 April 2015Ciney Militaria Belgium3 Rue du Marche Couvert, B-5590 Ciney, BelgiumT: 0032 (0) 83 21 33 94 E: [email protected] W.www.cineyexpo.be28 April – 13 MayHermann HistoricaLinprunstr.16, D-80335 MunichT: +49 89 54726490 E: [email protected]:www.hermann-historica.com

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WANTED... ANTIQUE ARMS ARMOUR AND ASSOCIATED ITEMS

ANDREW BOTTOMLEYANTIQUE ARMS & ARMOUR

TELEPHONE: 01484 685234MOBILE: 07770 398270


We have been dealing in antique weapons for 45 years and we have a long list of clients who wish to buy any interesting weaponry. Please phone or email to discuss any object you might be thinking of selling. Discretion assured. All transactions treated in strict confi dence.

We are currently looking to purchase the following specifi c items for clients...• Guns/pistols made in Maastricht • Spanish swept-hilt Rapiers • Dutch fl intlock pistols and Dutch wheel-lock rifl es • Bronze cannon barrels • Any fl intlock or percussion pistols made in Berlin or Dusseldorf • German pistols and rifl es made by Tanner, Stormer, Krause, Mantz, Drechsler • Weapons marked E.I.G. or E.I.C • All cased pistols, especially cased duelling pistols • French military weapons • German percussion rifl es • Matching European breast plate and back plates • Cased pair of fl intlock & percussion pistols • Knife pistols marked “Unwin and Rodgers” Sheffi eld • Silver mounted Persian daggers • Any “Kerrs patent” revolvers, cased or uncased • All revolvers in .577 calibre • Any fi ne quality Indian, Turkish or Russian weapons • English marked revolvers by Le-Mat • Any Miquelet or Snaphaunce pistols • All multi-shot pistols • All Chinese weapons especially swords from the Boxer rebellion • Any combination weapons especially sword-pistols • Early Scots dirks• Scottish basket hilted swords • Double barrelled fl intlock sporting guns by Joseph Egg, John Manton • “Webley Longspur” revolvers• All miniature arms • Any profusely decorated weapons especially pistols inlaid with Gold or silver • 451 calibre rifl es made by The Whitworth Rifl e Company • Brown- Bess musket with a 46 inch barrel • Jade handled weapons • Native American items including

any quill work or beadwork items ie. head-dress, knife scabbards, quivers, shields, moccasins • Scottish all steel flintlock pistols• All Danish and Norwegian weapons • Any unusual African swords, daggers & artefacts • Mail-Coach blunderbuss • British military Flintlock Padgets carbines • South Sea wooden clubs, weapons and objects • Japanese matchlock rifl es swords and pistols • Any Swiss weapons • Helmets and armour • All bowie knives especially knives made by Joseph Rodgers • Baker fl intlock rifl e with bayonet • World War souvenirs • Spanish Ripoll belt pistols • Naval swords especially with Silver hilts • British 1796 pattern Heavy cavalry sabre (disc hilt) • North American Indian trade weapons, peace pipes, tomahawks • 18th century engraved powder horns engraved with maps • 1805 pattern naval boarding cutlasses • Any Albanian, Greek, Turkish weapons especially with silver mounts • All Napoleonic period weapons • Any unusual Naval weapons especially if named to offi cers • Ottoman/ Persian steel recurved bows • Turkish Quivers • Any genuine Roman or Greek weapon, armour, etc. • Good quality English sporting guns especially guns made by William, Charles and Samuel Smith • Revolvers made by Colt and Remington either percussion system or Rimfi re.

FOR SALE...A SELECTION OF OUR ORIGINAL ANTIQUE WEAPONS

A good Napoleonic Era Flintlock pistol made by Archer of London. Good condition. Ref 7609

£690.00

American Red Jacket Antique 5 shot .32 cal Rimfi re Revolver. Circa 1875. Complete with

its original wooden case & cardboard cartridge box. Ref 7463.

£890.00Every item for sale is guaranteed to be completely original and to be of the period stated.

No Licence is required to purchase genuine Antique guns in the United Kingdom.

See our website: www.andrewbottomley.com

A rare Colt’s Patent No 1 all steel rimfi re derringer in .41 R/F calibre. Circa 1860-

1870. Good condition. Ref 8264

£1500.00

A Colt Army .44 Cal, 1860 6 shot Percussion revolver

£2,650.00

A very fi ne cased pair of single barrelled percus-sion pistols made by the world famous London Gunmakers Charles & Henry EGG. Ref 7795.

£15,000.00

A good antique over/under Double Barrelled Remington Derringer in .41

rimfi re calibre. Good condition. Ref 7573.

£870.00

A Very Fine Pair Of English Brass Barrelled Blunderbuss Pistols with Spring Bayonets.

£4250.00

A rare German Military Percussion pistol-car-bine with detachable shoulder stock. Circa

1840-1855. Ref 8248

£1,700.00

p91_ARMMarApr15.indd 1 10/02/2015 14:08

The Military Auctioneers

BOSLEYSSpecialist Advisers

to HELP for HEROES

£58,000 Realised for this Medal Group

£3,500 Realised for this Medal Group£94,000 Realised for this Medal Group

£115,000 Realised for this Medal Group

ESTABLISHED 1994www.bosleys.co.uk Telephone 01628 488188 [email protected]

21 Years of Achieving the Highest Prices at Auction for Original Medals, Badges, Uniforms, Equipment, Helmets & Swords

Advert 2014:Layout 1 5/12/14 10:29 Page 1

p92_ARMMarApr15.indd 1 10/02/2015 14:08

Armourer

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