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Some bits and pieces from my small collection

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    #182
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    My yesterday's find from Dublin fair. I have been looking one of these a long time!;)

    Saxony War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz), 1915-1918

    Established on the 30th October 1915 by Saxony king Friedrich August III. Awarded mainly for Red Cross workers, humanitarian workers or to people, who had some merit activities during the war. Award was suppressed after the war in 1918, so it was in use short 3 years only and because that not the most common piece to find.

    It has unusual Latin cross pattée with the wreath around the center. In the center, there is King Fredrich August III bareljef, Saxony crown on the upper arm and the date when the cross was instituted on the lower arm "1915".

    192260755a3f0b_o.jpg


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    #183
    Brennans Row
    Registered Users Posts: 1,976 ✭✭✭Brennans Row


    phaethon wrote: »
    British and Turkish Crimean War medals (1854-1856).

    British medal has been regimentally impressed for a soldier from 14th Regiment of Foot (West Yorkishire Regiment). With the "Sebastopol" clasp.

    17764891e79e43_l.jpg

    Hi Phaethon,

    Very interesting stuff you have posted here.:cool:

    I have just sent you a PM, looking for assistance on where I could find more details on 14th Regiment of Foot.


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    #184
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Looks like someone removed suspension from prefectly good shape medal disk.... high current silver prices:eek:

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thomas Murray[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]7th (Service) Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]






    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regimental number 15876[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding Medal Index Card, Private Murray was entitled to:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- 1914-15 Star (B/7B Page 243)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- British War Medal (B/101 B5 Page 398)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- Victory Medal (B/101 B5 Page 398)[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding Thomas’ service number and his unit, Thomas Murray enlisted to the army as a New Army recruit around second half of October 1914.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]When the Royal Dublin Fusiliers formed new service battalions, they continued with the same numbering series that was in use for the regular 1st and 2nd Battalion. Number 15075 joined on the 1st October and 16339 joined 2nd November 1914 (11/13).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]After Minister for War, Field Marshal Earl Kitchener called up on 5th August 1914 a New Army then as a part of K1, 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was formed. Each man signed up for new "general service" terms of three years or the duration of the war (whichever the longer) and would agree to being sent to serve anywhere the army needed them (2/4).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The 7th Battalion was formed in August 1914 and was stationed first at the Curragh. On the 2nd February 1915 they moved to the Royal (now Collins) Barracks in Dublin. The Battalion trained in trench warfare in the Phoenix Park and musketry training at Dollymount beach (2/7/11).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private Murray unit were attached to the 30th Brigade in 10th (Irish) Division and moved to Basingstoke, Hampshire on the 1st May 1915 from Dublin. In the next three months the whole Division underwent training until 27th June 1915, when they were ready for action (7/11).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thomas and his battalion embarked on the HMT Alaunia at Devonport at about 7am on Saturday 10th July 1915 and sailed to Gallipoli as part of the new Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. H.M.T. Alaunia Captain was Captain Rostron (Royal Naval Reserve). He had been the Captain of the “Carpathia” when it picked up survivors of the Titanic disaster in 1912 (12).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the way there moral was high, also they had stops in Gibraltar, Malta and Alexandria. No the 24[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]th[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] of July they arrived in Mudros Bay on the island of Lemnos where they saw the Red Cross boats from Dardanelles full of wounded – a hint of what was to come. The next day the soldiers arrived Mitylene (2/9).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 6th of August the battalion was boarded on H.M.T. Fauvette for landing in Suvla Bay, where they arrived 4am following morning, under Colonel Geoffrey Downing command.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Problems started because lack of organization; units were without maps and orders, drinking water ran short and at time they ran out of ammunition. But the men fought well and in the first day the battalion captured Chocolate Hill (called after "Dublin Hill"), which they occupied from the 8th – 12th August. Following battle for Kizlar Dagh on the 13th – 15th August, until withdrawal 29th September (9).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]However, Thomas wasn’t with the others on the first day of landing. His Medal Index Card shows that he entered to the theater of war two days later on the 9th August as a reinforcement (1). I located another soldier from 7th Battalion with the same entering date; D Company (Dublin Pals), Pte. Cecil William Murray, 14125 who got killed in action on the 16th August 1915 (13). 7th Battalion D Company paid a terrible cost in Gallipoli: of its 239 men who landed, only 79 remained after 8 weeks (9).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]All together 569 Royal Dublin Fusiliers (6th and 7th Battalion) lost their lives in Gallipoli, before [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]the Allies withdrew from there (12).[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On 30th September battalion left from Gallipoli on the SS ‘Abbasieh’ to Mudros and from there on Tuesday the 5th of October, the battalion embarked on the transport vessel H.M.T. Aeneas to Salonika, where they arrived 11th October 1915 (9/12).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]After reorganization and rest in the camp, they were sent to the Serbian mountains to try to stop the Bulgarian advance. Thomas and his unit relieved the French in the Hasanti-Gojceli-Bala-Causli line (9).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The situation up there was very hard on the men again. The whole 7th Battalion was still dressed in shorts with pith helmets without any winter clothing. The weather was very cold and lots of men suffered frostbites, dysentery and malaria (9).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 2nd October 1916, the strength of the 7th Battalion was 28 officers and 741 other ranks (12).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]3rd October 1916 the Dublin Fusiliers took part in the capture of the village of Jenikoi where they suffered heavy casualties, because of friendly fire from their own artillery. 7th Battalion lost there 128 men killed, wounded or missing in action (12).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In November 10th (Irish) Division held the front line between Kosturino and Lake Doiran.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The f[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]ollowing year, in August 1917 the 7th Battalion, along with the rest of the 10th (Irish) Division, were ordered to concentrate in Salonika in preparation for moving from the Balkans. In September they arrived in Egypt and then commenced their participation in the Palestine campaign. [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The campaign was [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]a better success then the previous campaigns. The battalion took part in the Third Battle of Gaza (27[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]th[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] October – 7[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]th[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] November 1917). Also the capture of Jerusalem and later on defense from Ottoman counter-attack (9/12).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Early 1918 [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thomas’s unit mainly held their gained positions. In March 10th (Irish) Division attacked enemy position in Jilijilia area which was again a success.[/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Meantime Germans launched their Spring Offencive in the Western Front what gained many casualties on the Allies side. Because of that, ten Battalions from 10th (Irish) Division were moved to France, including 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusilisers. They left from Alexandria on the 23rd May 1918 on board the P&O ship Kaiser-I-Hind and arriving in Marseilles 1st June 1918 .[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The b[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]attalion got a week next to the sea at Rouxmensnil, near Dieppe to rest and on the 6th June 1918 the Battalion was reduced to a cadre and men absorbed with the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Four days later the cadre returned to England and was absorbed into 11th Royal Irish Fusiliers.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]11th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers was reorganized and on the 28th June 1918 moved to Akdershot, as a part of 48th Brigade in 16th (Irish) Division. Late in July 1918 they landed again in France and already coming month, on the 29th August, absorbed with the 5th Battalion (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private Thomas Murray was sent to Army Reserve “Z” after 1918 December, what means that he returned to civilian life but with an obligation to return if called upon. The “Z” Reserve was abolished on 31 March 1920 (1/3).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There aren’t many notes available about him but because he was sent to Army Reserve “Z”, it is possible to guess that he survived the war and came out of it good enough shape for future service, if necessary.[/FONT]




















    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) WO329, RDF, British Army Medal Roles, Infantry Record Office, Dublin[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) Kitchener's Army - Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener's_Army[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) 10th (Irish) Division - [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_(Irish)_Division[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) 10th (Irish) Division – The Long, Long Trail, 1914-1918[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net/10div.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](7) 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/7-battalion.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](8) Ireland and World War I - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_and_World_War_I[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](9) Irish Battalions – RDF Major Battles[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.greatwar.ie/ire_batmb.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](10) Family Tree, Genealogy and Census Records - Ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.ancestry.co.uk/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](11) The Pals at Suvla Bay[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]By Henry Hanna, K.C.[/FONT]



    19285739f56563_o.jpg

    192857416bc736_l.jpg


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    #185
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Wilson Baggaley (187[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]5 – 1942)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]9th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Dublin Fusiliers 40785[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Labour Corps 409245[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Lancashire Fusiliers 60789[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private Wilson Baggaley was entitled:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Victory Medal (Roll H/1/101/B29 Page 5930)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British War Medal (Roll H/1/101/B29 Page 5930)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Wilson was born in Calver parish in Derbyshire on 1874 as a son of Joseph and Fanny Baggaley (2). They lived in [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Newburgh Terrace, Calver (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He entered service most likely under Derby scheme and was mobilized around winter/spring 1916 (regimental number 40422 – joined on January 1916). He was listed with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers 9th Battalion as a Private and was sent to France some moment in late 1916 (as reinforcement after Battalion lost 66 men killed in the attack on Ginchy) or early 1917 (3/4/5).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Most likely Wilson saw some action at this time, because 9th Battalion engaged in the Battle of Messines and the Flanders Offensive (3rd Battle of Ypres) from 7th June - 10th November 1917 as a part of 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division, where the Division suffered over 4,200 casualties (3/4/5).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Maybe because of his age or he got wounded in action, he was transferred to the Labour Corps 882nd or 883rd Company (probably 882) around October 1917. His new service number was 409245. These two companies were for Garrison Guard duties (1). These were armed companies used to guard and escort POWs and storage depots.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In April 1918 882nd Company became part of 4th Provisional Guards Battalion in France. On the 25th May this Battalion was redesigned as the Lancashire Fusiliers 23rd Garrison Battalion (3). Because of this move, Wilson received a new service number again, what was 60789 until he was demobilized (1).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]England & Wales, Death Index, Wilson died during Second World War at 1942. He lived at this time in the small market down [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Bakewell, Derbyshire and he was 68 years of age.[/FONT]






    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Source:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1)[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Family Tree, Genealogy and Census Records - Ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) 9th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/9-battalion.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]16th (Irish) Division - [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_(Irish)_Division[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]England & Wales, Death Index: 1916-2005[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](7) Military Labour during the First World War[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]www.labourcorps.co.uk[/FONT]

    1928574555595b_o.jpg

    19285747616e63_l.jpg


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    #186
    R.Dub.Fusilier
    Closed Accounts Posts: 588 ✭✭✭R.Dub.Fusilier


    hello phaethon. there was another Thomas R Murray in the Dublin Pals from Co Kerry shot in the left heel 7th August 1915 rejoined his unit October 1915.


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    #187
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    R.Dub.Fusilier wrote: »
    hello phaethon. there was another Thomas R Murray in the Dublin Pals from Co Kerry shot in the left heel 7th August 1915 rejoined his unit October 1915.

    Thanks R.Dub.Fusiliers! Yes, I am familiar with that name via D Coy listing in he book "The Pals at Suvla Bay".
    Regarding how common name it is, I was able to locate 4 same names in the RDF during Suvla landing. No hope to find out more, if I don't pick up some extra clue, listing(s) about him.

    Actually I still haven't got time to check any of my awards via LG.


  • Options
    #188
    R.Dub.Fusilier
    Closed Accounts Posts: 588 ✭✭✭R.Dub.Fusilier


    phaethon wrote: »
    Thanks R.Dub.Fusiliers! Yes, I am familiar with that name via D Coy listing in he book "The Pals at Suvla Bay".
    Regarding how common name it is, I was able to locate 4 same names in the RDF during Suvla landing. No hope to find out more, if I don't pick up some extra clue, listing(s) about him.

    Actually I still haven't got time to check any of my awards via LG.

    i would say that the name was a common name and if you check the census you may find dozens of possable Thomas Murrays to match your one. if i get any RDF medals with a Suvla landing date the first thing i check is the "The Pals at Suvla Bay" book and see if he is in it. i was lucky a few years ago to get a star & bwm to one of the Pals and his service record survived so i was able to get a lot of info and a photo from the book. i recently got a victory medal to a RDF KIA on the first day of the Somme.


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    #189
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    phaethon wrote: »
    One pretty scarse imperial Russian medal. Medal for 1914 Mobilization (should be with the dark blue ribbon - white eagle order ribbon)

    187589030432c2_l.jpg

    Busy times with our new baby and son but managed somehow finish write-up about few medals. One is the medal above.

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal for Works on Excellent Performance of General Mobilization in 1914[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](Медаль «За труды по отличному выполнению всеобщей mобилизации 1914 г.»)[/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It was only award what was established during the Great War and the last one, what became in use from Romanov’s dynasty during their power in Imperial Russia.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This medal was established on the 12th February 1915 and was awarded to the officials, who were involved in the preparation works or planning the 1914 mobilization. This includes as well militia officials, reserve military personnel, supply and transportation troops and institutions, who were directly worked for mobilization.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]During patriotic movements and the “call of the Emperor”, medal obverse was designed very simple: just left-facing portrait of Nicholas II, without any imperial attributes or text, etc. On the reverse there is text “[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]For Commendable [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Efforts in Carrying out the General Mobilisation of 1914” ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]За труды по отличному выполнению всеобщей mобилизации 1914 гoдa[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the St.Petersburg Mint there was at least 50,000 medals made. Also there are other makers and because that some details can be vary on the medal. It was light bronze award with the diameter of 28 mm.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It was worn on the chest and it was only medal in the Imperial Russia history what used Order of the White Eagle ribbon (dark blue).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Империя наград[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://217.15.25.94/index[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) Mедалей царствования императора Николая II[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://erich-bubbi.ucoz.ru/forum/38-598-1[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Order of the White Eagle – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_White_Eagle_(Russia)[/FONT]


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    #190
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    next one...

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Commemorative Medal of Reign of Emperor Alexander III [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Медаль В память царствования императора Александра III[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif])[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This Russian medal was one of the first awards, what the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II (Nikolai) established. The medal was instituted by Imperial decree on the 26th February 1896 for a memory of the reign of Alexander III in the 51st anniversary of his birth, who his son Nicholas really loved and honoured.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Award was first granted to bishops, priests, general’s staff and senior officers and higher Table of Ranks (“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Табель о рангах[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]” ; [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]this was formal list what moved all the Russian officials into three fundamental type of service[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]: [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]military[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]civil[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]court[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], dividing each into 14 ranks (grades). It determined position and status of everybody according to service. Everybody had to qualify for the corresponding grade to be promoted; however grades 1 through 5 required the personal approval of the Emperor)[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] who served during the reign of Emperor Alexander III.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medals statute was reviewed by Emperor Nicholas II on the 31st May and 10th June, 1897 on the 8th November, 1898 on the 27th March and 16th December, 1899 on the 5th April, 1901 on the 21st February.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 1905 decree was widened and women, who held appropriate positions in various departments, have been awarded with that medal as well.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Lists of receivers were looked after by the Committee on Civil Service Ranks and Awards.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the obverse of medal there is portrait of Emperor Alexander III with the laurel branch. On the edge runs description “Emperor Alexander III (Иm[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]п[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif].[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] Александрь[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] III).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the reverse, there is a Russian Imperial Crown and Emperor Alexander III reign period “1881 - 1894” and in the bottom as a religious country – Crucifix.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal was worn on the chest on the Order of St.Alexander Nevsky ribbon (red).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]299,765 medals was ordered and coined by St.Petersburg Mint. There is a cyrillic maker mark "AG" to the undercut of the shoulder. Medal weight is 12,2 gr., diameter 27,9 mm.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ордена и медали России (Orders and Medals from Russia)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.rusorden.ru/?nr=ri&nt=m23[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Российские императоры (Russian Emperors)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://rusimper.narod.ru/doc/medal_aiii.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Table of Ranks – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Ranks[/FONT]



    193912259df4c0_l.jpg


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    #191
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    I have been forgot to post one of the most common 19 century campaign medal to here:
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Commemorative Medal for the Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871 ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Kriegsdenkmünze 1870-1871[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif])[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This medal was established after decisive victory against France (19th July 1870 – 10th May 1871), what resulted formation of German Empire (18th January 1871).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm I instituted this medal on the 20th may 1871 for Army and Navy combatants, who fought during the war in France (in the Navy crew of SMS Augusta as an example).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Also there was a steel non-combatants version of that for medical personnel, Army officials and government clerks. As well these medals had reverted colour ribbon.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Official medals were made from captured French cannons. On this model, there is a text on the edge “‘Aus Erobertem Geschuetz’ (from captured cannon). Many veterans ordered after the war as well privately made medal, what is without the text and sometimes slightly thinner then official model.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the obverse there is an Iron Cross with the rays between the arms and laurel wreath. On the reverse Kaiser Wilhelm I monogram. Medal was made from Bronze, diameter 29 mm and weight ….. .[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Source:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ehrenzeichen-orden[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.ehrenzeichen-orden.de/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) Franco-Prussian War – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco-Prussian_War[/FONT]
    [/FONT]
    193912291d7622_o.jpg


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    #192
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    phaethon wrote: »
    Imperial Russia 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese medal.

    18758905c00438_l.jpg


    Still chatching up with the wite-ups. My todays free time result;


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Commemorative medal of Russian-Japanese War 1904-1905[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Медаль «В память русско-японской войны»)[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This medal was established by Russian War Ministry “Imperial degree” on the 21st January 1906, after Russia has been defeated by Japanese troops in the East Asia.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The war was lost miserably, partially because [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]logistical problems (supplies came from St.Petersburg, but combat took place in East Asia – around 9,700 km railway track between), also Japanese modern naval attacks destroyed almost all Russian ships and the Baltic fleet, what traveled all around the world, was almost annihilated by the Japanese in the Battle of the Tsushima Strait.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Also their main stronghold Port Arthur [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]surrender to Japanese forces on the 2nd January 1905. Commander of the port Major General Anatoly Stessel was convicted by a court-martial in 1908 and sentenced to death for that. This sentence was later commuted to ten years imprisonment.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]However, it pleased the Emperor Nicholas II ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Николай II[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif])[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif],[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] to establish "a special medal to commemorate the monarch's gratitude to the troops who participated in the war against Japan”. Meantime many people didn’t share this opinion and before the medal was instituted, small disputes took place. Also some anecdotes connected to this award, were around during the establishment.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As many Imperial awards from this period, they used simple design and the inscription on the reverse.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the obverse there is the Eye of Providence surrounded by rays of light (or glory) and dates at the bottom “1904-1905”.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Eye of Providence (or the “all-seeing eye of God), enclosed by a triangle, and on this medal interpreted as representing the eye of God watching over humankind.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]However, there were strong Masonic movements in the Imperial Russia, because that, this can be as well one reason why this symbol found on his way to this medal. As an example, also in the Winter Palace Square in St.Petersburg is possible to see the same God’s eye.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the reverse there is very interesting text, what has been raised questions and disputes.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Inscription says “May God blesses you when the time comes” ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Да вознесет вась Господь вь свое время[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]). There are rumours around that the mistake was made during early war, when they introduced a medal sketch to the Emperor, he wrote on the paper lines “approved, should be produced [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]when the time comes[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]”. Although Nicholas II wrote the last line close to the medal reverse inscription “May God Blesses you”.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]When finally all the issues with the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]medal’s establishment were decided at the highest level in early 1906 and project was ready to go ahead, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]they took accidently a line from Emperor remark as well and added it to the final version.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Other legend says that the line has been taken from “New testament”.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal was made from three different types of metal;[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Silver; for military and naval troops, medical personnel and priests who took part of the Siege of Port Arthur permanently or temporarily during period of 12th May 1904 to 20th December 1904 or troops who fought on the Kwantung Peninsula. As well local residents from Port Arthur, who carried out defence duties or looked after sick and wounded soldiers.[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Light Bronze; for all the officers and lower ranks of military and naval units, as well state militia, border guards and volunteers, who fought at least one or more battles against Japanese forces in the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Manchuria territory[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]. Also to the medical institutions, priests and persons who not belonged to the military Table of Ranks (“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Табель о рангах[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]”), but presented any type of combat duties in the area.[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Dark Bronze (Copper); for all who did not participate in combat, but served in the army or was assigned to the war involved institutions as Border Guards, Red Cross Society, medical facilities who supported wounded soldiers, civilians and government officials, who carried out their duties for war effort in the Far East and Siberia along the Samara- Zlatoust railway, in the areas under martial law during the period of 26th January 1904 to 1st October 1905. Also all persons of all classes that have had during the war with Japan any war related act of merit. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal was worn on the chest. Ribbon was combined with the traditional St.George and St.Alexander Nevsky ribbons (half of the ribbon three black stripes and two brown stripes, second half of the ribbon all red).
    [/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 1st March 1906 ribbon bow to the medal was authorised as addition for all officers and soldiers, who got wounded during the battles in the war.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In total around 800,000 medals were produced.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Many bronze examples were made privately and because that there was various different types available, where some details differ from official State made awards.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It is possible to see different size of triangles, altered position from the centre, size of the rays or even changed number of rays. Also there can be slight difference of the shift what was used on the reverse.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Almost same time, on the 19th January 1906, Emperor Nicholas II also instituted a Red Cross medal for Red Cross nurses, medics or even to people, who hosted soldiers or donated for war effort.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ордена и медали России (Orders and Medals from Russia)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.rusorden.ru/?nr=ri&nt=m23[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) Империя наград[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://217.15.25.94/index[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Nicholas II of Russia – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) Anatoly Stessel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatoly_Stessel[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]
    [/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) Russo-Japanese War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_War[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) БОЕВЫЕ НАГРАДЫ РОССИЙСКИХ ГЕРОЕВ ВОЙНЫ 1904—1905 гг.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](Russian Military Honours of the War 1904-1905)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]By Valeri Ivanov[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](7) Table of Ranks – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Ranks[/FONT]


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    #193
    Brennans Row
    Registered Users Posts: 1,976 ✭✭✭Brennans Row


    Phaethon, I found some information on the 14th Regiment of Foot in a book I bought during the week.

    Titled “Images of Sarsfield Barracks” by Denis Carroll, Michael Deegan, Stephen Kelly & William Sheehan.

    It has a section in its appendix listing the units that have served there since 1797.

    In 1853 and 1854 it states . . . .

    Headquarters, 14th Regiment of Foot (The Buckinghamshire), OC Lt-Col. Maurice Barlow.

    These facts will keep my Limerick interest active on your Crimean War Medal holder for the time being.


  • Options
    #194
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Hi Brennans Row,

    Thats great information! I wasn't aware about this all (I have pretty limited libery regarding different units).


  • Options
    #195
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    MIA(KIA) during RDF first VC winning action in France.

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Michael Killeen[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Michael Killeen was entitled:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- Victory Medal (Roll B/101 B7 Page 553)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- British War Medal (Roll B/101 B7 Page 553)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]- 1914-15 Star [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](Roll B/7B Page 195)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Michael was born in Longwood, Co. Meath as a son of John and Mary Killeen on the 1877. After his childhood, Michael moved to Dublin and married with the Jane Killeen around 1899. They had four sons and three daughters. Michael worked as a Coal Labourer. And their family lived in 33 Constitution Hill, Arran Quay, Dublin[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (6/8).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]When the Great War broke out, new service battalions were called up next to the old regiment battalions. Also modern warfare gained heavy costs and fresh reinforcements were vital for bloody war in France and East.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Because Royal Dublin Fusiliers continued with the old service number series, it is possible to indicate that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Michael enlisted for service around second half of May 1915 (20095 enlisted 1st May 1915, 22290 enlisted 29th July 1915. His service number was 20230 (3/4).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]After initial training, he was posted to the France on the 14th December 1915, as reinforcement to the 2nd Battalion [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](nicknamed ‘The Old Toughs’)[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] Royal Dublin Fusiliers, what was part of 10th Brigade in 4th Division (2/4/6). Because that move end of the year, Michael qualified as well for a 1914-15 Star (9).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At this time Battalion have seen some of the bloodiest battles in France, including suffering 1915 summer serious gas attacks against their position. Because heavy losses, they didn’t took part any major battles in the end of 1915 (1/10).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Coming year, Private Killeen took part [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]the battle of Somme, what begun 1st July 1916. The opening day of the battle, British Army suffered the worst one-day combat losses in its history, with approx. 60,695 (19,240 KIA) (1/5/10).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private Killeen’s unit attacked in the second wave area near Hawthorne Redoubt what was just detonated using explosives in the tunnel but still 503 men who went into battle, 325 became casualties (10).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Almost in the end of the battle, 2nd Battalion was located near Ginchy in October 1916.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 23rd October men went over the top in four waves. Their objective was a German machine gun position known as Gun Pits with four machine guns. It was located east of village Lesboeufs[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (1/10).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Under heavy machine gun fire, men managed to crawl into German trenches where horrific hand to hand fighting started. In the end, 2nd Battalion managed to take that ground. Also history for the whole Royal Dublin Fusiliers was made, Sgt. Robert Downie from B Company won in the Great War Regiment first Victoria Cross (London Gazette 25th November 1916):[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. When most of the officers had become casualties, this non-commissioned officer, utterly regardless of personal danger, moved about under heavy fire and reorganised the attack, which had been temporarily checked. At the critical moment he rushed forward alone, shouting, 'Come on the Dubs'. This stirring appeal met with immediate response and the line rushed forward at his call. Sergeant Downie accounted for several of the enemy and in addition, captured a machine gun, killing the team. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But the price was hard as well: 17 men got killed and 124 wounded, 36 men were missing[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (10).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One of the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]soldiers, who became a casualty on that day, was Michael Killeen.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Notification about his death was recorded on the Irish Times on the 27th November 1916 (11).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He is commemorated in the Thiepval memorial (reference Pier and face 16 C) next to the other 377 Royal Dublin Fusiliers soldiers, who found their final resting place in there. He was 39 years of age, when he got killed[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (1/6/7). [/FONT]


    [FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Source:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – a forgotten regiment[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://search.ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Army Service Numbers 1881-1918[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.com/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Dublin_Fusiliers[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://search.ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](7) Commonwealth War Graves Commission[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]www.cwgc.org[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](8) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]National Archives: Census of Ireland 1901/1911[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](9) British Campaign Medals, 1914-2005 (Shire Library)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]by Peter Duckers[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](10) Crown and Company, 1911-1912, 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]By Colonel H.C.Wylly, C.B.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](11) The Irish Times, 27th November 1916[/FONT]


    194299738322a7_l.jpg

    19429975fde503_l.jpg


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    #196
    Jim S
    Registered Users Posts: 131 ✭✭Jim S


    John Kelly (1900 – 22.08.1918)
    Private, 20815
    2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers
    7th (SIH) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.

    Your write up on this poor lad , excellent - really enjoyed seeing your photos and research. Thank you.

    Michael Killeen
    Private
    2nd Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

    Good to see these young men being remembered.


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    #197
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thomas[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] J Hearne (1899 – xxxx)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]7th [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Tho[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]mas J Hearne is entitled to:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Victory Medal (Roll B/101 B12 Page 955)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British War Medal (Roll B/101 B12 Page 955)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Silver War Badge (B/1217)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Tho[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]mas enlisted in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on the 4th June 1917 and he was posted to the 7th Battalion as a private, his service number was 30199 (1/2/3). He was around 17 years old at this time.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This battalion was formed as a part of K1 at the Curragh[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] Camp and was attached to the 10th (Irish) Division (1/2/3/4/5/6/7). They first saw action in the bitter fighting at Gallipoli. From 1915 7th Battalion was sent with the Division to Salonika.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thomas’ Silver War Badge entry confirms, Private Hearne first saw action in the Balkans (area code “2A” from 1916), where he must of arrived before August 1917, because at this time [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]10th (Irish) Division, were ordered to concentrate in Salonika in preparation for moving from the Balkans. In September they arrived in Egypt and then commenced their participation in the Palestine campaign (6/8). [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pte. Hearne[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] most likely took part in the Third Battle of Gaza (27th October – 7th November 1917), and also in the capture of Jerusalem and later on the defense from Ottoman counter-attacks (4/5/6/8).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In e[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]arly 1918 Thomas’s unit mainly held the positions they had gained. In March 10th (Irish) Division attacked the enemy’s position in Jilijilia area which was a again success.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1918 heavy losses taken during the German Spring Offensive in France on the Western Front required extra reinforcements. As a result, ten Battalions from 10th (Irish) Division were transferred to France, including 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. They left from Alexandria on the 23rd May 1918 on board the P&O ship Kaiser-I-Hind and arrived in Marseilles 1st June 1918.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The b[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]attalion had a week to rest beside the sea at Rouxmensnil, near Dieppe. On the 6th June 1918 the Battalion was reduced to a cadre and the men were absorbed with the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Four days later the cadre returned to England and was absorbed into 11th Royal Irish Fusiliers.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]11th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers was reorganized and on the 28th June 1918 and moved to Aldershot, as a part of 48th Brigade in 16th (Irish) Division. In late July 1918 they landed again in France and in the coming month, on the 29th August, where absorbed with the 5th Battalion (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]These organisational changes probably didn’t affect Thomas Hearne’s service as during his period in the front line he was wounded and was probably sent back to home to recover. He was discharged on the 27th March 1919, based on King’s Regulation 392 (XV1) which meant that he was no longer physically fit for war service. At the time of his discharge, Thomas was 19 years and 10 months old (3).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Unfortunately I am not able to locate him on any census listings. Due to this I do not have any information about his nationality and where he lived before his service or/and after.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) WO329, RDF, British Army Medal Roles, Infantry Record Office, Dublin[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) 10th (Irish) Division - [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_(Irish)_Division[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) 10th (Irish) Division – The Long, Long Trail, 1914-1918[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net/10div.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/7-battalion.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](7) Ireland and World War I - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland_and_World_War_I[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](8) Irish Battalions – RDF Major Battles[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.greatwar.ie/ire_batmb.html[/FONT]

    194929439749ac_l.jpg

    19492945cb26f7_l.jpg


  • Options
    #198
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Oldest RDF man in my collection and smallest service number. To be at least in 40s, muddy French trences are not the best place to be!

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]James Fox[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private/[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Corporal[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]2nd Battalion[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]James was entitled to:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Victory Medal (Roll 7B/101B Page 4)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British War Medal ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Roll 7B/101B Page 4)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1914-15 Star (Roll B/6a Page A36)[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding his service number 4780, James enlisted to the Dublin Royal Fusiliers around end of March 1893 (number 4761 joined in 2nd March 1893). He must be born at least 1875 (4).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Unfortunately there isn’t any information about him online or other sources what I have and because his name is very common, it is impossible to find him on Census of Ireland without the extra details.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Because he is not on the Queens South Africa and Kings South Africa medal roles, I presume that he was sent to reserve before Royal Dublin Fusiliers moved to the Boer War on the 10th November 1899.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]When the Great War broke out, the 2nd Battalion was in [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Gravesend, part of 10th Brigade in 4th Division, commanded by Brigadier-General J.A.L. Halden C.B., D.S.O.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 4th August 1914, 5.5 p.m. the order to mobilization was published. At this time James was probably called back for service and quick training.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Meantime 2nd Battalion was sent as a part of British Expeditionary Force (BEF) to France, where they embarked on the 22nd August on the “S.S. Caledonia” (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Battalion found themselves in heavy battles immediately. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]They took part in the retreat following the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Battle of Mons[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], taking part in their first engagement on 26th of August 1914 at Le Cateau that helped delay the German advance towards [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Paris[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], inflicting such heavy casualties that the Germans thought they faced more machine-guns than they actually did (2).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But Battalion suffered many casualties and lots of them found themselves in the German hands and staid rest of the war in the POW camps mainly in Limburg.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private James Fox was sent to France as reinforcement and on the 27th November 1914 he entered to the theatre of war (3). [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He isn’t mentioned on the wounded lists at the Irish publications, most likely he was one of the lucky ones, who didn’t became a casualty during the war (wounded or killed).Also he haven’t been discharge during the war cause of his wounds, sickness or health problems.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]However, Medal Index Card also shows that during his service, he had been promoted to the rank Corporal. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Courier New, monospace][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) The 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the South African War[/FONT][/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]by Cecil Francis Romer and Arthur Edward Mainwaring[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Crown and Company, 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]By [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]H.C. Colonel Wylly[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://search.ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Army Service Numbers 1881-1918[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.com/[/FONT]


    194929393aecef_l.jpg

    19492941a9a335_o.jpg


  • Options
    #199
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Oh, I start forgeting whats up and whats not:cool:

    James Dowling
    Private
    1st Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

    Royal Dublin Fusiliers Service Number 8083
    Hampshire Regiment Service Number 11425

    James Dowling was entitled:

    Victory Medal (Roll B1/103 B33 Page 3221)
    British War Medal (Roll B1/103 B33 Page 3221)
    1914-15 Star (B/6 B Page 94)
    Silver War Badge (B/48)

    James enlisted to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers around end of 1902 or early 1903 (Service number 7999 joined on 9th October 1902 and 8823 joined on 15th September 1903). He served as a private and his service number was 8083 (1/2). At this time new recruits signed a contract for a period of 7 year’s full time service with the colours and another 5 on the National Reserve (3). He must have been at least 18 years old for a recruit (although he could not be sent overseas until he was aged 19) (3).
    Unfortunately there are many James Dowling’s on the 1901 Irish Census whose age would broadly fit, therefore it is at this point impossible to narrow him down without any extra information (4).

    Probably during this time he also served abroad if he was posted to the 1st Battalion which was based in Crete and Malta. From 1905 they were posted in Egypt and Sudan.
    2nd Battalion was in Buttevant, Cork after the Boer War. They left for Aldershot, England in 1910 and remained there until Great War begun in 1914 (6).
    After his full-time service with the colours, he was sent to the reserves around 1910.

    When the Great War broke out, reservists were called up for service in August and September 1914. One of them was certainly Private James Dowling.

    After retraining he was attached to the 1st Battalion what arrived to England from Fort St. George, Madras in August 1914 (3/5).
    Early 1915 they were attached to the 86th Brigade in 29th Division and were located in Nuneaton (3).

    On the 16th March they left from Avonmouth and embarked on the ship “Ausonia” to the port Mudros on the Aegean island of Lemnos. They arrived to there on the 9th April 1915 (3/5).

    After preparations, 29th Division had orders to land at the Dardanelles peninsula, at Cape Helles. It was very difficult choice because open beaches or cliffs what was relatively easy to defend by Turkish troops. Also naval artillery support wasn’t able to destroy Turkish positions before men moved in (5).

    Battalion start moving to their landing sector on the “SS River Clyde” night before 25th April 1915. Before they approached to the beach, their Brigade Commander told to the men; “Fusiliers, our brigade has the honour of the first to land.” (5).

    And as a part of very first men of landing, companies from 1st Battalion landed at “V” Beach on 25th April 1915 at 06:25. They suffered instantly heavy casualties, most of not even getting out of their boats (6).
    After few days serious fighting, British forces had been secured themselves on the peninsula but far from their objectives, continuously suffering casualties.

    Cost to 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers was horrific: battalion was 901 men strong on the SS River Clyde and during the period of 25th April – 30th April they lost 163 men killed, 342 wounded and 21 men missing. Because Royal Munster Fusiliers suffered similar casualties, they were decided to amalgamate and called “Dubsters” for next month until replacements arrived (3/5/6).

    It is impossible to say when exactly Private James Dowling landed in Cape Helles because mistake on his medal card what gives Date of entry therein 16th April 1915. But surely he was there because his first theatre of war first served in is recorded Balkans (2B) what includes Gallipoli (1).
    Also The Irish Times from 7th June 1915 records him as a one of 43 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers wounded in action (7).

    Probably after his recovery, he was transferred to the Hampshire Regiment as a private and his new Service Number was 11425.

    Again, there is no trace did he got wounded for a second time or previous wounds were the reason of that but James was honourably discharged from the Army on the 11th September 1916 and he received one of the first Silver War Badge, what was started to issue from the same month.

    Source:

    (1) British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920
    http://search.ancestry.co.uk

    (2) Army Service Numbers 1881-1918
    http://armyservicenumbers.blogspot.com/

    (3) The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians
    http://www.1914-1918.net

    (4) National Archives: Census of Ireland 1901/1911
    http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie

    (5) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – a forgotten regiment
    http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com

    (6) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Dublin_Fusiliers

    (7) The Irish Independent, 7th June 1915

    19531625993825_l.jpg


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    #200
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    For a change back to my first love - ribbon bars (don't tell that to my wife:D)!!!

    I am usually not very fancy of WW2 period items some how but I haven't seen many ribbon bars from Norway on the market!

    - Participation Medal 1940-45 (the device indicates service in Norway and with Norwegian forces in exile)
    - Medal for the 70th Birthday of King Haakon VII, which went to members of the Norwegian forces serving on the 3rd August 1942

    (Big thank you to the Jeff on OMSA for ID)

    Regards,

    Timo


    195430416bec56_l.jpg


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    #201
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Lets continue with the Imperial Russian awards. I finished write-up just today.

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Crimean War Commemorative Medal (1853-1856)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Медаль «В память войны 1853–1856 гг.»)[/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Crimean War (October 1853 – February 1856) was a conflict fought between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the French Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The war was part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire. Most of the conflict took place on the Crimean Peninsula, but there were smaller campaigns in western Anatolia, Caucasus, the Baltic Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the White Sea.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The war has gone by different names. In Russia it is also known as the "Eastern War" (“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Восточная война”[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]), and in Britain at the time it was sometimes known as the "Russian War".[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Crimean War is sometimes considered to be one of the first "modern" wars as it "introduced technical changes which affected the future course of warfare," including the first tactical use of railways and the telegraph.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It is also famous for the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, who pioneered modern nursing practices while caring for wounded British soldiers.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Most famous event during this war was surely Siege of Sevastopol, port who two commanders Admiral Vladimir Kornilov and later replaced Admiral Pavel Nakhimov both fell during defence.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]War ended as a victory for Allies and piece was [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]through the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Congress of Paris ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Treaty of Paris).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To commemorate Crimean war, five months after signing the Treaty of Paris, medal was instituted on the 26th August 1856 by Emperor Alexander II ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Александр II Николаевич[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif])[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]. He became coronated during the war on the 2nd March 1855 and he was well known about his liberal reforms during his reign. Because that, he was known as well as “Alexander the Liberator” (“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Александр Освободитель[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]”).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the 26th August 1856 manifesto was released[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], what granted people more rights. Addition to this was also order to establish medal “in memory of the Eastern War of 1853-1856”.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal was struck in two types – light and dark bronze. Diameter of the medal was 28mm.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the obverse there is [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Nicholas I and Alexander II monograms, crowned with the imperial crowns and with the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Eye of Providence surrounded by rays of light (or glory) and dates at the bottom “1853-1854-1855-1856”.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the reverse there is a text “[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]We have set our hopes in Thee O Lord, Let us never be ashamed” [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]На Тя[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Господи[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]уповахом[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]да не[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]постыдимся во веки[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]”[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Depend of type of involvement during the war; medals were awarded with four different ribbons as follows:[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Light Bronze medal [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.George ribbon - awarded to the military personnel who served in Caucasus, Danube area, sailors who participated in the naval battle of Sinop ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]took place on 30th November 1853 and was led by Russian hero [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Admiral[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pavel Nakhimov[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]) and defenders of Petropavlosk on the Kamchatky Peninsula, what was put under siege by the Anglo-French forces but under the command of Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky city never fell.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Andrew ribbon – combatants[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (Army and Navy), who didn’t received medal with the St.George ribbon but took part any engagement against enemy.[/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Vladimir ribbon –[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Militia units, Cossack’s and nurses, who performed their duties in the battle positions.[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Dark Bronze medal[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Vladimir ribbon – To all military and table of Ranks [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](“[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Табель о рангах[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]”) and noble families[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif], who didn’t took part of the conflict.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Anne ribbon – Merchants and Russian citizens who distinguished themselves, offering money for war effort, helped injured and families of those who had been killed in action.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There was around 1,7 million medals made in light and dark bronze (including [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ekaterinburg Mint[/FONT][FONT=Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]made 430,000 pieces).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Sobiratel - [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Commemorative Medal of war 18[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]53-1856[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.sobiratel.net/zasluga/Russia/Empire/1853/1853.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Медаль[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] «В [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]память войны 1853[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]-[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1856 гг[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif].» — Википедия[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Категория:Медали_Российской_империи;[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ордена и медали России (Orders and Medals from Russia)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.rusorden.ru/?nr=ri&nt=m13[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) Alexander II of Russia – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_II_of_Russia[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) Crimean War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_War[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) Table of Ranks – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Ranks[/FONT]
    [/FONT]
    19562471fa8a55_l.jpg


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    #202
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    And suprise suprise.... medal to the man from the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. I wasn't able to confirm much about him and very common name didn't helped too. If any of you have something extra about him, please let me know. I hope to finish more write-ups coming weeks what medals has been lined up.

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Francis O’Hara[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]6th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private O’Hara served with the following units:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Dublin Fusiliers 16561[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Munster Fusiliers 1205[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Dublin Fusiliers 16561[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Labour Corps 396174[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Engineers WR/342371[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Victory Medal (Roll RE/104 B8 Page. 2273)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British War Medal (Roll RE/104 B8 Page. 2273)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Victory Medal named to “16581.PTE.F.O.HARA.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]R.D.FUS”[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Regarding his service number 16561, Francis enlisted for a service around November 1914 (service number 16339 enlisted 2nd November 1914 and service number 17664 enlisted 4th January 1915) (1).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal role confirms that he was posted to the 6th (Service) Battalion, what was formed in Naas as part of K1 from August and was attached to the 30th Brigade in 10th (Irish) Division (5/6).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Following year on the 11th July 1915 they embarked to the ship “Alaunia” and sailed to Gallipoli where they landed on the 7th August (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]However, Francis must be staid back at this time because his Medal Card confirms his entitlement as Victory Medal and British War Medal only. Others from the 6th Battalion became entitled for 1914-15 Star as well after the Suvla Bay landing.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the end of 1915 6th Battalion among with the 10th (Irish) Division was moved to the Salonika, where they saw some bitter action and also suffered many casualties because hard winter, hot summer, mosquitoes and disease.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Because there isn’t any trace about Private Francis O’Hara’s service, it is impossible to narrow down what time he joined the battalion on the field but most likely it happened during this time in Balkans.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Next move has to be taken place soon, when he was transferred to the Royal Munster Fusiliers. His new service number was 1205. After short service with “[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Dirty Shirt” [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]he was moved back to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers within his old service number. [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Next move took place when Francis was sent to the Labour Corps. His new service number was 396174 and he finished his service with the Royal Engineers Waterways and Railways unit (service number WR/342371). [/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I wasn’t able to trace him via Census or other publications. It is impossible to say when the transfers took place and where he was at this time.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – Ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]www.ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) Royal Dublin Fusiliers – a forgotten regiment[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Royal Munster Fusiliers – [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Munster_Fusiliers[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]WO329, RDF, British Army Medal Roles, Infantry Record Office, Dublin[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) The Long, Long Trail – The British Army of 1914-1918 – for family historians[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.1914-1918.net[/FONT]

    19562479398ef7_l.jpg


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    #203
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Small Austrian ribbon bar to the combat figther from WW1 period.

    195847610b1d3c_l.jpg


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    #204
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    More ribbon bars...

    Imperial Germany. Pure early Weimar period ribbon bar around end of 1919.

    It is possible to date it because:
    - Silesian Eagle what was established 1919 and also what isn't on it (many bars in 20s has unofficial veteran organisation awards + all WW1 veterans became entitled to the Honor Cross for Combatants on the 1934.
    - Long Service Medal/Cross was supressed early 1920.
    - "Flat pin" what was in use only during the war and staight after the war until stock was used up.

    - Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz)
    - Silesian Eagle 2nd Class (Schleischer Adler)
    - Prussian General Honour Decoration (Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen)
    - Long Service Medal/Cross

    19592791d607f7_l.jpg


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    #205
    Little Alex
    Registered Users Posts: 1,302 ✭✭✭Little Alex


    phaeton, I have to say that you have an amazing collection and it's a privelege to read through your posts! :)


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    #206
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Thanks Little Alex!;)

    Lets continue with the ribbon bars. Here is one of my rarest British bar what I have. It is maker engraved on the back. Also combinations is unique - hopefully I can find out owners name.

    1) BoT Rocket Apparatus Medal
    2) DSC
    3) Army LSGC

    OK, not sure what these ribbons reprecents. I will update the post when it's cleared. Hands up - I don't know and it's drive me nuts... meantime I love this kind puzzle!

    19647833084c94_l.jpg


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    #207
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Canadian bar with the life saving awards.

    19647835ef2229_l.jpg


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    #208
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Rare New Zealand Navy group of 8:

    * Distinguished Service Cross
    * 1939-45 Star
    * Burma Star (with silver rosette denoting Pacific bar)
    * Defence Medal
    * British War Medal 1939-45
    * New Zealand Service Medal 1939-45
    * Korea Medal 1950-53
    * United Nations Korea Service Medal 1950-54

    DSC awarded to NZ Navy at this period less then 100 times!

    1964783176b074_l.jpg


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    #209
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    Something from Imperial Russia again;


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal for Zeal, silver, 1894 to 1917 ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]медаль «За усердие»[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif])[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][/FONT]



    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medal for Zeal was established already December 1801 by Emperor Alexander I ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Александр I Павлович[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]) who was Emperor of Russia from 23rd March 1801 to 1st December 1825.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]It was awarded for [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]meritorious service to the Russian government, military and civilians in times of war and piece. Also it was very common award to the foreign soldiers and civilians.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]During 19th Century, many medals went to members of merchants guilds due diligence in supplying troops in a different conflicts where Russian Empire engaged.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]During Nicholas II ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Николай II, Николай Александрович Романов[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]) reign from 1st November 1894 to 15th March 1917 there was four different types of medals:[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Small Silver (28mm)[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Large Silver [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](50mm)[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Small Gold (28mm)[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Large Gold[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] (50mm)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Large medal was for a wear around the neck and the small model on the chest.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But because this medal was common and many manufactures produced these, the size and the metal quality can be vary. Especially examples, what was minted during the Great War.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Medals were worn on the different ribbons:[/FONT]


    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Stanislaus ribbon[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Anne ribbon[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of Alexander Nevski ribbon[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St. Vladimir ribbon[/FONT]
    ● [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Order of St.Andrew the first called ribbon[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the obverse there is portrait of Emperor Nicholas II with the text “By the kindness of God Nicholas II Emperor and despot of all the Russia” ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Б. М. Николаи II имрераторъ и самодежецъ всеросс[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]).[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On the reverse there is palm and oak leave half wreath next to it text “For Zeal” ([/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]З[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]а [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]У[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]сердіе[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]).[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]
    [/FONT]

    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Sources:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Medals of Imperial Russia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.gwpda.org/medals/russmedl/russia.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) Награды Императорской России 1702 - 1917 гг..[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://medalirus.narod.ru/Nag19_20/Userd.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Sobiratel[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.sobiratel.net/zasluga/Russia/Empire/Zeal/Zeal.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ордена и медали России (Orders and Medals from Russia)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.rusorden.ru/?nr=ri&nt=m23[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) Nicholas II of Russia – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Российские императоры (Russian Emperors)[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://rusimper.narod.ru/doc/medal_aiii.html[/FONT]

    19661989bb35cd_l.jpg


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    #210
    MedalFuhrer
    Registered Users Posts: 184 ✭✭MedalFuhrer


    Very very nice and interesting collection. I love the history that you collect with each piece.


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    #211
    phaethon
    Registered Users Posts: 436 ✭✭phaethon


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Bernard Clarke[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Private, 27083[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]10 Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Entitled:

    Victory medal (Roll A/101 B2 Page 318)    [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]British War medal (Roll A/101 B2 Page 318)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Served:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Dublin Fusiliers 27083 – 10th [/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Munster Fusiliers 18244 – 2nd and 1st[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal Irish Regiment 41065 – Acting Corporal[/FONT]




    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Bernard enlisted around late spring 1916 and he started his service with the 10th Battalion of Royal Dublin Fusiliers.[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At this time 10th Battalion stationed at the Royal Barracks, Dublin (now Collins barracks) (1/4).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Most likely Bernard enlisted straight after Easter Rising in Dublin (24-30 April 1916) and received his initial training in Phoenix Park fields. On the August 1916 whole unit was sent to England for last preparations and already 19th August 1916 they all landed at Le Havre, where they became under command of 190th Brigade in 63rd (Royal Naval) Division (2).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Because Private Bernard Clarke’s service papers don’t exist, it is impossible to find out when exactly he entered to the Theatre of War but most likely he was with the battalion from its first day in service abroad.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]After few months of acclimatisation, major event for the 10th Battalion became the Battle of the Ancre (13 – 18 November 1916), where they experienced worst casualties; 314 men died, 81 men alone on the 13th November 1916 (1/5).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Next biggest engagement took place with the enemy on the attack at Gavrelle on the 15th April 1917, when the 10th Battalion lost 14 men killed.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Most likely after some of these big engagements Private Clarke was transferred to the Royal Munster Fusiliers 2nd Battalion and later on to the 1st battalion. His new service number was at this time 18244.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Next he was transferred again and this time to the Royal Irish Regiment. Also he was promoted to the rank Acting Corporal.[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Acting Corporal Bernard Clarke was sent to the Class “Z” Army Reserve 2nd October 1919 (6).[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Source:[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](1) Dublin Fusiliers 10th Battalion history[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.dublin-fusiliers.com/battaliions/10-battalion.html[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](2) The Long, Long Trail – The Royal Dublin Fusiliers[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.corkrecords.com/WWIMemorial.htm[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](3) Family Tree, Genealogy and Census Records - Ancestry.co.uk[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://www.ancestry.co.uk/[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](4) Collins Barracks – Wikipedia, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collins_Barracks_(Dublin)[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](5) Battle of the Ancre - Wikipedia, [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]the free encyclopedia[/FONT]
    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Ancre[/FONT]


    [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif](6) Royal Irish Regiment – Roll of Individuals entitle to the Victory Medal and/or British War Medal[/FONT]



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