Arnhem Jim

From the Halls of Old Nassau to the Shores of Tripoli-The Original Insigne of the USS Princeton (LPH-5)

2012-03-01T14:02:00.030-08:00

Having the very good fortune of attending Princeton University on an NROTC Scholarship, I graduated in June 1958 (yes at that time Princeton still had ROTC Units) with an Ensign’s commission in the United States Navy. My first duty assignment was the USS Princeton (CVS-37). The then Bureau of Naval Personnel was transitioning to first generation computers using punch-card decks. I’ve always jokingly contended that somehow that may have contributed to my assignment.

USS Princeton (LPH-5) at the carrier piers United States Naval
Air Station North Island Summer 1959, showing new hull
number 5 on stack, note then San Diego skyline in background

During the course of my tour in Princeton the United States Marine Corps developed the concept of vertical envelopment in an evolution of amphibious warfare. The USS Princeton on the west coast and the USS Boxer on the east coast were selected as the trial platforms for implementing the concept into operational capability. They were re-designated as LPH-5 (Landing Platform Helicopter) and LPH-4 respectively.

Aft flight deck of the USS Princeton (LPH-5) departing Long
Beach Naval Shipyard Summer 1959, note Sikorsky HS2S-1
heavy lift helicopters spotted aft of the Sikorsky UH-34Js

As a relatively minor part of that total evolution the ship needed a new insigne reflecting it’s new mission. Anyone who has been in the military knows you do not volunteer for anything, but by that time I was on reasonable terms with CAPT William L. Dawson, the Commanding Officer and CDR John I. Hardy, the Executive Officer, so I came up with what seemed like a fairly appropriate design. That was the “Old Navy”, no P.C. review boards, just get the job done. If the Skipper and the XO liked it, make it so.

The original art in model airplane dope, was done during July 1959, and submitted to Commander Naval Air Force United States Pacific Fleet for approval and authorization, which occurred 21 September 1959.

Original art and letter of approval and authorization of the
insigne of the USS Princeton (LPH-5)

Close-up of the insigne of the USS Princeton

The Princeton was in Yokosuka, Japan at the time, and as some of you ‘old salts’ can recall there was a thriving cottage industry for embroidery just outside the main gate. Seem to remember having a dozen patches made, basically the same size as the original artwork. As observant as I normally am, it wasn’t until literally decades later that I realized in setting up the original pattern the seahorse was reversed on this original batch of patches. Fortunately I kept one of the originals, which I believe now to be unique.

Initially it was with some trepidation that I considered showing images of the actual original patch, and still have reservations. However, it can be absolutely stated that unless you got the single patch directly from me, in all likelihood you have a copy! It is going be a really interesting exercise to see how long it takes to have the existing cottage industry producing fakes to start putting the 'genuine original article' up for sale. For those individuals who might be interested at this point in time, go on e-Bay and other web sites and directly compare the imagery in this article with what is being offered. I believe you will find striking differences. For the real purists and forensic badge analysts both sides of the patch are shown. It is hard for me to realize that both the original painting of the insigne and the patch are 53 years old.

Original USS Princeton (LPH-5) patch manufactured in
Yokosuka, Japan in 1959; note the shape and the spacing
of the design components; head of the eagle was more in
a diving attitude in the original art, the waves are separated
and facing the reverse direction, as well as the seahorse

The reverse side of the same patch clearly showing the
regularity and clean stitching in the embroidery

Not a student of heraldry, the symbolism in the insigne is straightforward. The upper left part of the shield is the scarlet red of the U.S. Marine Corps, the lower right being dark navy blue of the U.S. Navy. The major element of the design is a mailed gauntlet hurling a gold lightning bolt, symbolizing the striking power of vertical envelopment. The color gold is also common to both services, and signifies the joint coordinated unity of the mission. The gauntlet/lightning bolt are rising from a set of five wave crests, the new hull number of the ship. The seahorse on the Navy side was first used in WWII insignia as a symbol of amphibious warfare. The diving eagle symbolizing the Marine helicopter component.

During my tour of duty in Princeton, we had some interesting events. One was being used as the setting for part of the movie, 'The Gallant Hours'. The following photographs are not up to the Hollywood cameramen that where on location, but hopefully a few viewers will recognize Jimmy Cagney, Dennis Weaver (television show 'Gunsmoke'), and Robert Montgomery the movie's director.

USS Princeton during night shooting of
the movie, 'The Gallant Hours'

Jimmy Cagney portraying ADM William F. 'Bull' Halsey in
'The Gallant Hours', talking to Dennis Weaver, Ward Costello
is on the right hand side

Robert Montgomery behind the cameras with the hangar deck
of the USS Princeton in the background

Somehow during the same period of time I was able to modify a plastic scale model of an Essex Class aircraft to a reasonable facsimile of the Princeton's configuration at the time. For anyone that might be interested in building a similar model which was specifically designed as the USS Boxer (LPH-4), or as the Princeton, you may want to look at http://totalnavy.com/700boxer.htm. Unlike my model it comes with a complement of 8 Sikorsky UH-34J 'Seahorse' helicopters.

Starboard bow-on shot of scale model of the USS Princeton
(LPH-5) built while serving in the ship circa 1959; compare
the main mast antenna array to the pictures of the actual ship

Flight deck of of scale model showing
the initial configuration of deck 'spots'
for the Marine helicopters

Starboard side of scale model showing amphibious embarkation
station markings, boat booms and refueling station/hose

Port side of scale model showing deck-edge elevator, and
barely discernible Efficiency Award 'E's'

For years I was able to save another piece of memorabilia I had made at the time, but now only have the life-ring, and an oil painting copied from an Official U.S. Navy Photograph, that I was able to 'commission' from one of the many artists on that same street in Yokosuka (certainly beats anything on black velvet).

Appropriate Junior Officer's Staterooom
decoration in USS Princeton (LPH-5)

Oil painting of the USS Princeton (LPH-5)

For those possibly interested in more information about the USS Princeton (LPH-5) you may want to go to http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/11/1105.htm

The War Canoes of World War II - Cockleshell Heroes

2012-01-29T10:02:00.005-08:00

The concept of using variants of peacetime sporting kayaks in military raiding missions by British Special Forces during World War II was conceived of by several individuals. at about the same time, and each evolved into parallel units. One of the earlier unit was the Army Commando Special Boat Sections, which evolved into the Special Boat Squadron. Its founder was Major Roger (‘Jumbo’) Courtney, MC. Also developed within the Army Commando was 101 Troop. Within the Royal Navy an organization called the Combined Operations (Assault) Piloting Parties (COPP’s) were developed.by Captain Nigel Clogstoun-Willmott, DSO, DSC, RN. Finally the Royal Marines, lead by Lieut-Colonel H.G. (‘Blondie’) Hasler, DSO, OBE, RM, developed the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachments (RMBPD) and there was a separate unit designated Detachment ‘385’. These latter two units were the forerunners of today’s Royal Marine Special Boat Service (SBS). In addition there was the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF) and the Sea Reconnaissance Unit (SRU) founded by Lieut-Commander Bruce Wright, RCNVR, who was an Olympic grade swimmer. There were a few other units raised, but these were the main ones.

The 'tombstone' formation badge of WWII
British Combined Operations, worn by the
swimmer-canoeists, and still worn by their
special forces today, including the elite
Special Boat Service

The ‘Folbot', a sports kayak, manufactured by the Folbot Company, and the Goatley Boat were the principal common origin of craft employed by all these organizations. Needless to say the Folbot had to undergo significant and continuous modification and refinement in order to meet the rigorous requirements of sustained oceangoing combat operations. First and foremost the craft were renamed and officially designated 'Cockles'. The Goatley Assault Boat was originally designed and built by Fred Goatley for combat operations, but was based on his previous peacetime designs. The single best reference I have found on the development and operations of all these boats is, The COCKLESHELL CANOES BRITISH MILITARY CANOES OF WORLD WAR TWO, Q. Rees, Amberley Publishing, Chalford, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2008, ISBN 978-1-84868-065-4 (See video of BBC interview below). The detailed technical information and copies of original drawings and photographs contained in this book are exceptional.

I am personally indebted and most appreciative of Quentin Rees' direct contributions to this blog, insuring the accuracy of the contents.

There are very few surviving specimens of any of these vessels (6 known), the majority of which reside in military museums. On extremely rare occasion a privately owned example will come up for sale or auction.

The following set of drawings shows a representative grouping of some of the designs employed by British Special Forces during World War II.

1. Cockle Mark 1, (sports kayak procured by Admiralty) circa 1939-1940

2. Cockle Mark 1**, (purpose built primary craft of COPP's) circa 1942

3. Cockle Mark 2**, (purpose built) circa 1943

4. Cockle Mark 6 (Powered)

5. Motor Submersible Canoe (MSC ‘Sleeping Beauty’)

6. Klepper Canoe (RM SBS, derivative used in Falklands 1982) circa 1958 – Present

7. 18’ Dory, circa 1941

8. 20’ Surf Boat, circa 1942

9. Y-Type Inflatable Raft, circa 1943

Drawings of representative Cockles and other craft
employed by British Special Forces in World War II

The following photograph was taken at an exhibit at the Combined Military Services Museum, Chelmsford, Essex. The craft is one of the six actual canoes used in Operation Frankton, the Royal Marine Commando attack on German shipping in the French port of Bordeaux in 1942. It is the restored Cockle Mark 2 named 'Cachalot', which was damaged onboard the submarine HMS Tuna during the initiation of the raid, and forced to abort the mission. The 1955 movie 'Cockleshell Heroes' was based on this raid. Lieutenant Colonel Herbert "Blondie" Hasler, DSO, OBE, the leader of the real-life raid, was seconded to Warwick Films as technical advisor. Ex-Corporal William Sparks, DSM, the other survivor of the raid, was also an advisor.

The exhibit at the Combined Military Services Museum,
Chelmsford, Essex of a restored Cockle Mark 2

The following series of photographs are of a Cockle Mark 2**, showing details of its construction. This Cockle also currently resides in the Combined Military Services Museum, Chelmsford.

The following photographs are of a Mark 9 Powered Aluminum Sectional Bulkheaded Canoe where else, but in an English Garden! A similar, but simpler Cockle, specifically the Cockle Mark 1** designed by Fred Goatley, was used by the COPP's. Variants were also used by the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment (RMBPD) swimmer- canoeists in their operations. The craft is 18 feet long and had a 28 inch beam (required to pass through the hatch diameter, as well as the interior passageways of a submarine).

WWII Mark 9 Powered Aluminum Sectional Bulkheaded Canoe;
Note relatively large tiller and port side sponson, matched by
a starboard sponson (not visible), for added stability in an
ocean environment

A view from the stern with a better look at the tiller assembly

The bow; showing the forward watertight hatch
to the bow storage area

View from astern showing the aft watertight hatch
and tiller assembly

Various components of the engine assembly

The location of the lowered propeller under the keel

Engineering drawing detailing the retractable
two-stroke gasoline engine installed in the
Canoe MK VI and Canoe MK VIII

The latin sail and mast assembly; for use when weather and security
conditions permitted

Close-up of the latin sail showing ordnance markings

An interview with Quentin Rees, author of 'Cockleshell Canoes', conducted by the BBC on the 65th anniversary of the successful attack by Royal Marine Commandos on German shipping in Bordeaux Harbor during World War II. This is followed by a documentary series of this raid in 1942, as well as another highly successful attack against Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbor in 1943.

Following the end of World War II the majority of these units were disbanded or down sized. However the Royal Marine Commandos maintained a small craft capability for the missions of coastal/beach reconnaissance and raiding. Missions of this nature continue to be executed to this day by the Special Boat Service. The next photograph is shown with thanks and full acknowledgement to the Elite UK Forces web page.

"Special Boat Section (SBS) commandos paddle a 2-man canoe during training for a raid on the Northeastern coast of Korea, 12 December 1951. During the Korean conflict, the SBS carried out a number of reconnaissance and sabotage operations along the enemy's coastline coast and further inland. The 2-man canoe is a stealthy method of infiltration/exfiltration that is still believed to be in use in the modern-day SBS.

Between 1940 and 1977, ' SBS' stood for Special Boat Section. From 1977-1987 the SBS became the Special Boat Squadron,. In 1987 the unit became part of the United Kingdom Special Forces group (UKSF) and changed its name to the Special Boat Service."

Famous War Horses in History and Who rode Them

2012-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is a field in which I have absolutely no background, and extremely limited knowledge. However with current popularity of both the musical and movie, “War Horse”, thought it would be interesting to search for man’s ‘other’ best friend, particularly in time of war. From what I have been able to learn to date, it appears that the horses of Generals and ranking officers of both the Union and Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War seem to be the most well documented. This initial list will hopefully be in rough chronological order, and without a great deal of detailed background, as I’m on a fairly steep learning curve. Where known it may be a favorite/principal horse, or in some cases multiple horses. There is redundancy between the names in the first general list, and the second list which is limited to the American Civil War. Readers will not be surprised at the first named due to the principal subject matter of the blog. Readers who may have additional knowledge are encouraged to add to this database with information submitted in the Comments Section below.

Pegasus – Bellerephon

Incitatus – Emperor Caligula of Rome

Bucephala (Bucepphalus) – Alexander

Llamei – King Arthur

Shadowless – Chancellor Cao Cao, Han Dynasty

Gazala – Baldwin I of Jerusalem

Babieca – El Cid

Matsukaze – Maeda Keji, Samurai, 1543 - 1612

Steiff- Gustavus Adolphus, Battle of Lutzen 1632

Blueskin, Magnolia, (Old) Nelson, Roger Leo, Ellen Edenerg – General George Washington

Bijou – Count Johan Augustus Sandels, Swedish Field Marshal, Finnish War 1808-1809

Copenhagen – Duke of Wellington

Marengo, Ali(Aly), Bijou – Napoleon Bonaparte

Palomo – Simon Bolivar
Black Prince - Major Mathews, Royal Gloucestershire Hussars 1843-1927
Ronald - Lieut-Colonel (later Lieut-General) James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854
Sir Briggs - Captain Godfrey Morgan, 17th Lancers, Balaclava 1854

Traveller – General Robert E. Lee

Little Sorrel – General ‘Stonewall’ Jackson

Rienzi(renamed Winchester) – General Phillip H. Sheridan

Methuselah, Cincinnati – General Ulysees S. Grant

Comanche – Sole survivor of the Battle of the Little Big Horn

Blackie – Chief Sitting Bull
Vonolel - Field Marshal Lord Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, Bt, VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, KStJ, PC
Jimson the mule - 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment), India and the Boer War.
Simpson's Donkey - Jack Simpson Kirkpatrick, ANZAC Corps, Gallipoli, WWI 1914

Kidron – General John J. (“Black Jack”) Pershing

Aristocrat – Lieut General Sir Harry E. Chauvel, O.C Desert Mounted Corps

Warrior(‘Old Warrior’) – General Jack Seely, WWI

Songster – Leicestershire Yeomanry, WWI, 1914
Orleans - Captain Whitworth, MC, Epehy, 1917

Kitty – Marshal of Finland Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim

Kasztanka – Marshal Jozef Pilsudski, Poland

Ogeltez – Hero of the Soviet Union, Stalingrad, August 1942

Reckless – U.S. Ist Marine Division, Korea

Black Jack – the last Quartermaster issued U.S. Army horse, died 6 February 1976
Sefton - Blues and Royals, survivor of IRA bomb attack in 1982
Burmese - Queen Elizabeth II, gift from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1969 (Honorary War Horse)

The next videos are of the charge of the then Royal North British Dragoons, later The 2nd Dragoons Royal Scots Greys, from the 1970 movie 'Waterloo' and the 1936 movie 'Charge of the Light Brigade' starring Earl Flynn.

The following video is of a more recent version (1968) of the 'Charge of the Light Brigade', showing both the 11th Prince Albert's Own Hussars and the 17th Duke of Cambridge's Own Lancers at Balaclava in the Crimean War 1854. The specific presentation is embedded so must be linked for viewing. See; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBiUWQ5YLQ4.

The next video is from the movie, 'The Light Horsemen', and depicts the charge of the 4th (Victoria) and 12th (New South Wales) Australian Light Horse at Beersheba, Palestine, 1917.

The following is a list of horses of the American Civil War and the senior Union and Confederate officers who rode them (With full acknowledgement to Wikipedia).

Horse	Officer	Notes
Aldebaron	Philip Sheridan	first horse
Almond Eye	Benjamin F. Butler
Baldy (also Old Baldy)	George G. Meade	favorite horse, wounded at First Bull Run and Antietam
Bayard	Philip Kearny	secondary; Kearny was killed at Chantilly while riding this horse
Bill	Henry J. Hunt
Billy	George H. Thomas	named for William T. Sherman
Black Bess	John Hunt Morgan
Blackie	George G. Meade	secondary
Blackjack	Jefferson Davis
Brown Roan	Robert E. Lee	secondary
Bucephalus	Sterling Price
Burns (AKA Black Burns)	George B. McClellan	secondary
Butler	Wade Hampton	favorite
Captain	Wade Hampton
Charlemagne	Joshua Chamberlain
Cincinnati	Ulysses S. Grant	favorite horse, acquired in 1864
Cornwall	John Sedgwick	secondary
Daniel Webster	George B. McClellan
Decatur	Philip Kearny	secondary; horse shot through the neck at Fair Oaks
Dixie	Edward Porter Alexander
Dixie	Patrick Cleburne	horse killed at Battle of Perryville
Dolly	William T. Sherman	secondary
Don Juan	George Armstrong Custer	secondary
Fancy	John F. Reynolds	favorite
Fanny	John Gibbon
Faugh-a-Ballagh	Patrick Kelly
Fire-Eater	Albert Sidney Johnston
Firefly	Robert E. Rodes
Fleeter	Belle Boyd
Fleetfoot	Walter H. Taylor
Fox	Ulysses S. Grant
Gertie	George G. Meade	secondary
Grand Old Canister	Daniel Sickles	secondary
Grape	Daniel Sickles	secondary
Grey Eagle	John Buford
Handsome Joe	John Sedgwick	secondary
Harry	George Armstrong Custer	secondary
Hero	James Longstreet
Highfly	J.E.B. Stuart	secondary
Highlander	Nathan Bedford Forrest	secondary
Jack	Ulysses S. Grant	secondary
Jasper^[1]	Robert H. Milroy
Jeff Davis	John Bell Hood
Jeff Davis	Ulysses S. Grant	secondary
Jinny	Isaac R. Trimble
Kangaroo	Ulysses S. Grant	secondary
Kentuck	George B. McClellan	favorite
King Philip	Nathan Bedford Forrest	favorite
Lancer	George Armstrong Custer	favorite
Lexington	William T. Sherman	Favorite

Little Sorrel (also Old Sorrel)	Stonewall Jackson	Jackson was riding Little Sorrel when fatally wounded at Chancellorsville. Little Sorrel is buried on the VMI parade deck mere feet from Jackson's famous statue.
Lookout	Joseph Hooker	named after the Battle of Lookout Mountain
Lucy Long	Robert E. Lee	given to Lee by J.E.B. Stuart
Methuselah	Ulysses S. Grant	first horse on re-entering the Army in 1861
Milroy	John B. Gordon	horse captured from General Robert H. Milroy at Second Winchester
Moscow	Philip Kearny	favorite, but avoided riding due to his conspicuous white color
My Maryland	J.E.B. Stuart	secondary
Nellie Gray	Fitzhugh Lee	horse killed at Battle of Opequon
Old Bill	George G. Meade	secondary
Old Bob	Ambrose Burnside
Old Jim	Strong Vincent
Old Spot	Judson Kilpatrick
Pocohontas	George H. Steuart
Pretty	David McMurtie Gregg
Prince	John F. Reynolds	secondary
Plug Ugly	Alpheus S. Williams
Rambler	John Sedgwick	favorite
Red Eye	Richard B. Garnett
Red Pepper	Patrick Cleburne
Richmond	Robert E. Lee

The Reincarnation of the Calcutta Light Horse, A.F.(I.)

2012-01-14T18:36:00.001-08:00

Having retired after the nominal twenty years plus in the U.S. Naval Reserve, a group of us who had become close friends over the years, decided to have small reunions on a fairly regular basis. In order to provide some identity to the group, and after a reasonable amount of research, we decided to commemorate and reincarnate in obviously smaller numbers, the Calcutta Light Horse, an Auxiliary Force (India) regiment of the British Indian Army.

Several of us remembered having seen a 1980 movie, ‘Sea Wolves (the Last Charge of the Calcutta Light Horse)’ starring Gregory Peck, David Niven and Roger Moore, with Trevor Howard and Patrick MacNee. Since last having members serve in the Boer War and World War I, the regiment had been more analogous to a British gentlemen’s private club than an active military unit. As an adjunct for movie buffs the following is a correlation of the actual personnel from the regiment participating in the action, and the cast of the movie.

Although there were weekly meetings and annual exercises, it wasn’t until well after the start of World War II that this group of middle-aged jute merchants, accountants, solicitors, engineers and stock brokers were able to prove their meddle, and uphold the finest traditions of the regiment in a highly classified combat engagement. Their clandestine action occurred under the command and direction of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE).

In the original regimental history, ‘CALCUTTA LIGHT HORSE A.F.(I.) 1759 –1881 – 1947, published in 1957 by a committee of the Regiment, there appears‘The Unwritten Chapter’. As part of my personal research the following is an addendum to that chapter:

The field service solar topee of the Calcutta Light Horse
between a South African Forces solar topee and a replica
of the full dress turban of the 2nd Punjab Regiment

With the partition of India in 1947 the disbandment of the entire Auxiliary Force, including the regiment, took place. Here is one of the last known photographs of the Officers of the Regiment and of Colonel W. H. Grice, ADC, ED., the last Commanding Officer.

The Officers of the Regiment approximately a year after the
highly successful clandestine attack on German ships in
Marmagoa, Goa harbor in March 1943

Colonel William H. Grice, ADC, ED, Commanding Officer,
Calcutta Light Horse, who directly participated in the attack

Our ranks were very similar in civilian professions to that of the ranks of the Calcutta Light Horse, with the exception of not having any jute merchants. In addition we had a few classified missions to our credit, albeit non-combat in nature. Suffices to say that even our correct regimental ties and blue blazers with regimental crest, were still no match to the colonel’s resplendent full dress uniform.

Officer's Cap Badge of the Calcutta Light Horse as can be
seen on Col. Grice's full dress solar helmet above

Reverse of same cap badge

Calcutta Light Horse regimental blazer badge

Regimental tie of the Calcutta Light Horse A.F.(I.)

In order to provide some semblance of legitimacy to our organization, all members were presented with an honorary commission. Intentionally undersized, when compared with the genuine article, but in all other aspects it was an authentic facsimile, including the signature of the King (Edward VIII), and countersigned for the Imperial General Staff by then Colonel (Later Field Marshal) William J. Slim.

Intentionally undersized facsimile honorary commission
as a Colonel in the Calcutta Light Horse

The following are a few excerpts from the movie, The Sea Wolves (The Last Charge of the Calcutta Light Horse), released in 1980, two years after their WWII mission had been declassified in 1978 under the provisions of the British Official Secrets Act.

Applied Modern Technology in the Reproduction of Cap Badges

2011-12-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

The following discussion provides detailed insight regarding the use of modern technology applied to the reproduction of British and Commonwealth cap badges. As has been discussed on previous pages of this blog the current collector of these badges requires a level of knowledge, and in most cases a reference data base, which provides the equivalent of a forensic analytical capability. This is the only way an individual can have reasonable confidence in discerning a genuine badge from a restrike or modern reproduction. Unfortunately it no longer suffices to merely compare a given badge to one pictured in the two volumes of Kipling & King, or an acknowledged equivalent reference.

In a recent thread of the British and Commonwealth Badge Forum we are all very much indebted to ’Neibelungen’, a member of the forum, for the following information. It puts a detailed perspective on the existing and growing ‘cottage’ industry of reproducing cap badges.

‘Neibelungen’ states;

"As one of those who makes reproductions for re-enactors and occasional TV work it's extremely easy these days to produce near identical copies and die strike them.

With the advent of EDM machining and CNC control there's no requirements for hand or machine cutting and post hardening tool steel any more to produce them. Plus with the decline of manufacturing since the late 90's availability of this once expensive equipment is reasonably cheap secondhand.

Die wise, a block of hardened steel is roughed out to shape, either milled or EDM, and then a copper electroform or pressed graphite 'master' is used to produce a final EDM cut into the roughed shape. Sometimes it might take 2-3 runs to get a precise final form, but often if the initial 'rough' is close one pass is enough. A reverse die can be punched (hobbed) onto the hard front plate and either heat treated to give it 'shrink clearance' or left soft and polished to give clearance.

Total costing for die block work £200 - £300 EDM dies £100.

Secondhand EDM machines can be picked up from £2-£8000

Second hand Hydraulic press £500-£1,000

Often the reason you find the rear of modern fakes have less details than the front, as it relies on the softer back work-hardening and compressing under the pressure to give clearance and why cracking and splits seem more common.

The second part is harder, which is piercing out the voids. Historically a whole separate die set was made to blank out and piece voids to go with each badge. One set piercing the voids and a second (or combined with the first) to blank the outsides.

It can be simplified with a fabricated pancake die (a single plate die with controlled edge angle to act as a blanking die) but the smaller voids are harder to deal with and take more work. Alternatively, given most badges are brass, bronze and occasional nickel, they can be set up to be laser cut and again it's become relatively cheap for these tools secondhand.

There are other ways to make dies. Composite resins developed in the car industry will make short run dies. Nickel electroforms will also work to and even bronze castings can be used. In fact, you can fire a badge into a steel block from a shotgun and get a workable resulting die.

Finally you can outsource the whole process to Asia too for a fraction of the cost, but that has the risk that the outsource will begin supplying the same items to every other dodgy dealer or ebay outlet too.

A commercial die for an original was probably designed to run 4-5,000 badges in a life span and 'hobbed' off a master.

A faker's die costing £200-£400 would probably last a 200-1000 perhaps, at an average £15 badge would net something like £2,000 -£5,000 in it's lifespan

Not a bad return of about 5-10 time cost and clearing 200 badges in a year probably isn't that difficult.

The equipment would cost you about £10K to set up , but 10 badges would probably return that in a year and you could easily produce 50 plus badges a year.

From my own experience, about 75% of 'fakes' are brought in from abroad these days with eastern Europe becoming more popular. Asian quality control shows on a lot of the early stuff, but has caught up a lot once the Chinese showed them how to do it properly. A lot of the really 'good' ones are still with original dies and often 'hobbed' off a rear die instead once the face die wears or begins cracking. Mind you, you can laser weld the cracks today where you couldn't before and silicon RTV gives you infinite life spans for replication.

Re-enactment makers are almost never involved in the 'fake' market, being small scale and still really 'hobby' industries. The WWII stuff is different with TV work making this commercially viable, though 90% is outsourced overseas these days.

From my own part I've always marked my work with my symbol and year stamps from day one, but can guarantee that if I know a dealer has bought something it will reappear on ebay about 3 months later with any markings removed.

A £30 reproduction shako plate going for £300+ on ebay... I'm in the wrong game. Fakes are all about money and selling to the naive-unknowing. Greed.

A lot depends on the film or TV, the timescale and the budget. Often they just want something the designer thinks looks 'right' to the general public and will go with whatever is to hand. Sharpe and Hornblower are classic cases of that, plus neither had the budget for anything correct.

Ebay badge dealers and dodgy dealers are a different game. They are looking at quick quantity sales before the bottom drops out and the sales tail off once people catch on. Not that they seem too from the sales they make. Because they have a background in badges they know what makes a convincing one so will use an original in preference as the master. Besides, sacrificing a £50 badge is peanuts if you can pull a couple of grand off it.

The difficulties are doing high value items where originals are scarce. Too bad and it's easily seen as a fake... too good and it costs a lot more to make. Too high a value and people think and inspect very hard unless you catch somebody being greedy for a 'niave' seller bargain.

I posted up on here when somebody told me about a fake SBP centre, probably copied off a copy I made years ago. Plus I'm sick of seeing bits of my work sold as originals on ebay. I get tarnished as making a fake when it's somebody else exploiting items I've made as clear reproductions for a fraction of the price they sold for. I must have seen at least 6 gorget plates in the last 4 years asking in the £700+ mark when I sold them for around £70

I gave up occasional collecting in the 90's when I saw the s amount of fakes being produced and it's only got worse since then. 90%+ of ebay now is crap/fake and really has created the market more than anything. That said.. 90% of stuff on ebay is crap !!!.

Not exactly, but usually will follow the methodology of an original, ie, pins, footed shanks, bolts. Usually with a modern material or a metric thread. Sometimes a wire loop is required for something early.

The big difference is I will make it as new and not put 200 years or wear and partition into it. Bowl of ammonia or live yogurt and pot of peat is all it takes though. That's the deliberate fraud of a fake. Incised or raised maker and date marks can all still be erased with a little effort and a dremel. !!!"

How to Identify and Date Canadian Paratrooper Wings by 'Tonomachi' from The British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

2011-11-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

The following thread recently appeared on The British and Commonwealth Military Badge Forum authored by ‘Tonomachi’. With sincere thanks and full acknowledgment to the author for a superior effort, I would like to re-publish it here, as a service to fellow collectors who may not be active members of the forum (click on any image to enlarge) .

'Tonomachi' states:

“I have been collecting WW2 era worldwide paratrooper wings for going on about 30 years now to include Canadian paratrooper wings. I understand that the “standard” WW2 era Canadian paratrooper wing continued to be issued after the war so it is difficult if not impossible to determine when it was worn unless you took it off of a uniform yourself. I’m no expert on the subject but I was wondering if other collectors could share their knowledge on maybe clues to determine if a particular wing was worn during the war. I have noticed some things while collecting Canadian paratrooper wings over the years. I have attached scans of my collection and would like to hear from others regarding these observations. The first WW2 era Canadian paratrooper wing I bought some 30 years ago is listed in the attached scans under Wing 1A. I don’t remember the name of the seller in Canada I obtained this from but he told me that it was WW2 worn as he took it off a WW2 era uniform himself. He told me that the way in which you can tell if a particular Canadian paratrooper wing was worn during the war is by the straightness of the wings which should not angle upward in a V shape and the maple leaf should not protrude below the level of the base of the wings. Wing 1A is like this and it was padded at one time. I have noticed over the years while coming across WW2 period photographs that most Canadian paratroopers have their wings sewn on with the wings straight and level with the ground. However in maybe 10 percent of the photographs they have that V shape. So my question is did the standard issued wing come with this V shape but maybe most troopers sewed them on with the wings outstretched to maybe give it that look similar to an aviators wing?

In another thread on this forum it indicates that if the backing cloth is white instead of black you probably have a WW2 era Canadian paratrooper wing. Wing 1A has black backing cloth so does this mean it is post war? Wing 1B has white backing cloth yet the wing tips were sewn on in the V shape so is this a WW2 era wing? I also noticed between Wings 1A and 1B the different shade of yellow of the maple leaf. Could this be another indicator or is it just maybe a fading of the color due to expose to the sun or the manufacture having a different shade of yellow thread that was used for a particular batch of wings.

I noticed that there are differences with the amount of trimming that was done to the standard Canadian paratrooper wing before it was sewn onto the uniform. For instance I have seen examples of Wing 1C (lots of trimming) and 1D (no trimming) over the years (also 2A & B versus 2C). I understand that 1D is usually always the way in which post WW2 era wings were worn but 1C was more likely worn during WW2 due to the excessive trimming. So does the way in which it was trimmed have any indication of it being a WW2 era worn wing?

I have noticed that in most if not all of the unpadded 1D wings there is always extra stitching in-between the sides of the chute and the shoulders of the wings. If the wing is padded to give that relief look then it is necessary to have this extra stitching. However for unpadded wings that lie flat the extra stitching isn’t necessary yet it seems to always be there with the 1D post war wings. Could this be an indicator of a post war wing?

In yet another thread there is discussion of a WW2 era Canadian paratrooper wing having dark colored rear catch threads visible only within the rear light colored embroidery being an indicator that it is a WW2 era worn wing. If you look at Wings 2A and 2B one has the dark catch threads (2B) and the other (2A) does not. So does this mean that Wing 2A is post war and Wing 2B is a WW2 era worn piece?

What about the type of padding material found under these wings. I have only come across one Canadian paratrooper wing for sale with the padding exposed. It was made of crumpled up and very brittle clear cellophane. This particular wing did not have an added backing material to hold the padding in place before it was sewn onto the uniform. So my guess was that the padding was simply placed under the wing while it was being sewn onto the uniform like Wing 1A. Could this be another indicator that post war padded Canadian paratrooper wings always have a backing material to hold the padding material in place prior to it being sewn onto the uniform? Does the type of padding material give you a clue? Does the clear cellophane padding material I saw years ago mean it was a post war worn wing?

Lastly the type of Canadian paratrooper wing might be an indicator. I’ve come across three types of wings (1A – 1D, 2A – 2C, & 3). I was told that 1A – 1D are Canadian manufactured paratrooper wings while 2A – 2C are British manufactured Canadian paratrooper wings. Wing number 3 is what I have been told is a Canadian SOE wing because there is a period photograph of a Canadian SOE paratrooper wearing this particular wing. I personally don’t think that these wings were manufactured just for members of the Canadian SOE as I have seen one amongst a grouping of insignia belonging to a former Canadian member of the First Special Service Force. Could this also be another indicator that the British made wings are more likely WW2 era worn than the Canadian made wings which continued to be issued after the war? I’ve also seen a theater made Canadian paratrooper wing sewn on a WW2 era uniform once which I don’t have a photograph of it. I don’t know how many are out there but does a theater made piece indicate WW2 period worn?

So what do others think of these as indicators that the particular Canadian paratrooper wing was worn during the war:

1. Straight level wings with the maple leaf not protruding below the base of the wings.

2. White rear backing material

3. Dark colored catch threads visible inside of the rear light colored embroidery

4. Padding without extra cloth material to hold in place prior to sewing on uniform

5. Type 2 (British), Type 3 (SOE) or theater made wing

I’m sure there are no stead fast rules while trying to make a determination if a particular wing was worn during WW2. These are just clues which may or may not be correct but I was wondering what other collectors thought about them. I don’t know how accurate this information is and if I’m wrong I would like to know. I have also attached a few scans of bullion Canadian paratrooper wings in my collection that is another headache while trying to determine if they were worn during the war. I’ve never seen a period photograph of someone wearing a bullion wing during the war so are they all post war? Does anyone have a set of indicators that a particular bullion Canadian paratrooper wing was worn during the war?”

In addition the following expert knowledge was provided on the subject by ‘Bill A’, one of the major moderators on the forum:

“To start, from the bottom up. Bullion wire wings were worn during the war, but as each wing was hand embroidered it will be very difficult to determine if certain bullion wings were a wartime issue. Your wing #6 appears very similar to one in Ken Joyce's Into the Maelstrom pg 72. #4 and #5 are not similar to the examples in the reference. #4 in particular looks like it is a post war type.
#3 is identified as a private purchase English made pattern, wartime period.
#2 B It has characteristics that Joyce indicates as his Type 5, page 69. He indicates that pattern was British made, Second World War issue.”

In further discussion 'Tonomachi' additionally states:
"I've added three other Canadian paratrooper wings from my collection to this thread after Jim Baker posted his wing which I feel is a post WW2 era wing. I believe these three wings are all post WW2 era pieces but I could be wrong. Wing 7 and 8 look similar but Wing 7 is embroidered on a dark green colored material while Wing 8 is embroidered on a black colored material. It is hard to see the color difference in these photographs. The black backing cloth of Wing 8 has a tighter weave than the black backing cloth of Wing 7. Their maples leafs are different as well. If you use a black light on Wing 7 and 8 the parachutes glow which some say indicates that synthetic threads were used in the embroidery which would point to post WW2 construction. Wing 9 which is the same wing that Jim Baker posted above does not glow under a black light however I still think it is post WW2. Again if I'm wrong please share your information so we can all learn how to tell the differences between WW2 and post WW2 wings."

WWII British Special Forces Night Vision Technology – An Addendum Introducing the Type “CX” AN 24 A.P.W. 6815x

2011-11-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

From its initial posting the blog page titled; WWII British Special Forces Night Vision Technology – “Tabby” RG Receiver, has proven by far and away, to be the most heavily and widely read page of the entire blog. Given that fact, I hope the following page will also prove of equal interest to most, if not all, readers. People who are interested may after finishing this article, go back and review the older post.

With special thanks and acknowledgement to Mart Janssen in the Netherlands I would like to augment that original blog page on WWII British Special Forces night vision devices. He has provided photographs of another configuration of what appears to be an even earlier model of the same device, but with identical functionality and level of technology, and apparently intended for the same purpose. The device is designated; Type "CX" AN 24 A.P.W. 6815x, and this specimen is dated 1943. (Click on any image for an enlarged view)

An overview of the receiver and carrying case

The end of the battery case and the leather carrying case
showing nomenclature markings

A view of the device's eyepiece and power switch

One theory is that this specific model, in addition to being earlier, may have been deployed with agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), and personnel of the Special Air Service Regiment in interior operations within continental Europe before the D-Day invasion. The rationale being that manufactured from bakelite rather than having a more substantial metal case, would facilitate easier destruction in the event of imminent capture and compromise of this most secret technology. The bakelite casing could be effectively smashed by a rock, hammer or other blunt instrument, and the remains either burned and/or flushed or thrown into water.

Another hypothesis would be that this configuration represents an early engineering prototype, intended for proof of concept, or an earlier limited production run for evaluation, before the final operational model. The bakelite may not have proven strong enough for the intended rugged marine environment, and the metal jacket additionally provides a certain amount of camouflage, appearing as a water bottle.

A final theory is that this particular model was intended for shipboard use with the Royal Navy.

As can be observed in the photographs it employs the same CV-143 RG infrared tube, the identical eyepiece assembly, basically the same volume, with the exception that the batteries are packaged in a separate cylindrical compartment. This feature, unlike the later model, facilitates access to, and replacement of, the batteries. As can be seen the three battery cells are substantial in size, providing a fairly high voltage and low amperage. Operational voltage required was 3.0 kV, Amperage was 10^-9amps.

For those who might be more technically minded, the following web sites provide in-depth knowledge of the development and characteristics of the early CV-14x series tubes; http://www.r-type.org/addtext/add074.htm (also provided as a link on this blog) and http://www.r-type.org (see ir-cell.pdf) or click on to it down in the body of the first referenced site.

An overall view of the assembled battery pack

Another view of the battery pack

This view shows copper leaf connector to the battery pack

The case cavity housing the battery pack

The unit's eyepiece showing focus calibration markings

The unit's body cavity housing the CV-143
tube assembly

Another view of the same

The eyepiece and CV-143 assembly

A close-up view of the CV-143 tube

Another view of the CV-143 tube

Another view of the same

A view of the CV-143 tube which can be directly compared
with that of the 'TABBY' RG infrared device's tube in the
other earlier post

An end view of the receiving surface of the CV-143 tube

The Other Webley - Limited Standard Semi-Automatic Pistol of the Royal Navy & Marines

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

When most people think of a classic ‘Webley Pistol’, even those who are reasonably knowledgeable in small arms, it’s typical that it is the large frame Webley revolver (Full British Ordnance nomenclature; .455 in. Pistol, Revolver, No.1, MkVI), not a semi-automatic pistol. However, at the turn of the twentieth century, the same time frame as the introduction of the Colt .45 cal. M1911, the British gun manufacturer Webley & Scott also introduced a series of self-loading (semi-automatic) pistols in a range of calibers. The heaviest of these weapons being the .455in. Pistol, Self-loading, Mk I., Model of 1912. With a magazine capacity of 7 cartridges, a unique characteristic of this pistol is that it will chamber the standard .45 cal. ACP round (Not recommended due to excessive headspace). Another dangerous characteristic is that its significantly more powerful cartridge will chamber in a .455 in. Webley revolver, and if fired will severely crack, if not blow out the side, of the cylinder wall.

Cut-away drawings of the Webley .455 in.
Pistol, Self-loading, Mk I, Model of 1912

The following table is included for those readers who may have an interest in comparing the ballistic characteristics of the .455 in. Webley to the .45 cal. Colt, as well as the 9 mm and .380 cal. cartridges of WWII (Click on chart to enlarge image):

Table of Ballistic Characteristics of Various WWII Pistol/Revolver
Cartridges

The weapon was eventually procured by the British War Office, and the Royal Navy, as a limited standard. Records show that the first issue was 100 pistols to the Royal Horse Artillery in 1913. Subsequently it was accepted into the Royal Navy and Marines on 14 May 1914, and by the fledgling Royal Flying Corps on 26 April 1915. In addition to government production the weapon was commercially produced in a very limited quantity of 1248 pistols. At the time of World War I British Army officers had the prerogative of private purchase of their personal sidearm, and several availed themselves of this particular semi-automatic pistol which was identical to the Royal Navy model.

One officer to do this was Lt Col V C Thistlethwaite, 1st 7th Battalion Cheshire

Regiment. The photographs which follow are of this weapon which can be seen

as ascribed on the side to this officer. In addition to his pistol, which in and of

itself is rather rare, are its rare canvas covered leather holster together with an

earlier dated pouch of cow hide, a compass and an identity bracelet, all marked

to Lt Col Thistlethwaite.

Right hand side of the Webley .455 in. Pistol, Self-loading,
Mk I, Model of 1912; Note size of the receiver block and
trigger group. (Click to enlarge this image as well as others)

Left-hand side of the same weapon

A Top view

The kit of LCol. Thistletwaite

Equally rare are the accessories that were used with this gun. One was the web

holster manufactured by Mills Equipment Co., Ltd., as can be seen in the

following two photographs, as well as the web magazine pouch, also

manufactured by Mills, which carried two magazines, shown in the last

two photographs. Even though virtually identical in configuration to the
equally rare magazine pouch for the 9mm Inglis Browning (introduced in 1944)
it is dated 1940, but could fit the magazines of a .45 cal., M1911 or 1911A1.
There were in fact a limited number of M1911A1's re-chambered in .455 in.

Issue web holster for the Webley .455 in.
Pistol Self-Loading, Mk I; Note large top
section of holster built to accommodate the
pistol's size and unique shape.

Back side of the standard issued holster. The
Mills Equipment Co. name and date are on the
inside of the flap.

Front of the double magazine pouch

Rear of magazine pouch showing Mills
Equipment Co. stamp and date

Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles (South Africa) Cap Badge – A Forensic Study

2011-10-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Recently while reading an extensive thread on the British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum on a member’s example of this cap badge, I remembered that I had the same badge in my limited collection. As an exercise, somewhat analogous to self-administered surgery, I decided to try and evaluate my own badge, as well as in parallel, submitting photographs to the forum for expert opinions. In that way hopefully I will have an objective critique of my analytical capabilities.

Not being an expert either in military cap badges, photography, or computers, did not deter me, as I thought it could prove an interesting learning experience. With acknowledgement to certain members of the forum, I’m taking the liberty to use photographs of some of specimens which they have submitted for appraisal. The principal challenge, however, is the fact that no one can provide an established genuine specimen of the 1898-1903 version of the badge to use as a benchmark. One extremely knowledgeable individual on the badge forum has stated, ‘they have been faked to death and back to life again, I've never seen a genuine one, not that I can remember, anyway !’

The first is an example of a genuine badge, which dates from before 1898 (at which time the royal duke’s coronet was added to the top of the badge). My badge with the coronet, and the others presented, all date from between 1898 and 1903, and are in white metal. In 1903 the badge was further modified to be made only in gilt or brass.

Observing the reverse of the pre-1898 badge, the following features can be seen:

A crisp clean die strike of the entire body (particularly note lettering and
belt fittings.

Clean sharp edges to all elements of the ‘star’.

A voided center.

Note clean, straight, attachment of footless copper lugs.
(Click on any of the images to enlarge)

The reverse of a genuine pre-1898 Duke of Edinburgh's
Volunteer Rifles cap badge prior to the addition of the Duke's
Coronet.

Looking at the front (obverse) of the badge, one can observe the following details:

Clarity and regularity of all elements, particularly the lettering and
belt buckle and tip details.

Note regularity of the pebbled background of belt surface behind
the lettering.

Fine regular detailing of the edging around the elements of the ‘star’.

The front of the same badge showing the crisp definition
of the die strike in all details.

The next badge is allegedly from the 1898 – 1903 period with the duke’s coronet and in white metal. It is the one I have in my own collection, and the only badge in the entire group which I am willing to definitely pronounce as a restrike or copy, for all of the following reasons:

Lack of a full crisp die strike.

Center of badge is not voided (Not certain on this feature).

Slight copper hue discerned on reverse, indicating the badge
is possibly plated.

Flaw in die is visible on left upper and lower square elements of the ‘star’.

North/South, East/West elements of star die cut straight without crisp
contouring to the pointed ends of all elements of the star.

The Maltese cross on top of the coronet is either ill-defined or badly worn.

Positive attributes of the badge, however, include the following:

Inside base of crown has striations.

Thistle leafs are well defined.

The background of the belt surface behind the lettering is pebbled.
Reasonably clear definition in both the lettering and belt details.

The reverse of a 1898-1903 specimen showing
less than a clean crisp die strike

The front of the same badge showing reasonable
definition of detail suggesting a restrike rather
than a totally new copy.

For direct comparison, the following photograph shows a cap badge from the same period but note the difference in details:

Although a reverse photograph of the badge is not available, it appears
to have sharper detailing around all the edges of the badge.

The center of the badge is voided.

The details of the belt buckle and tip are well defined.

The background of the belt surface behind the lettering is not pebbled.

Inside base of crown missing striations.

Irregularity in shape and spacing of lettering (between DUKE and OF,
and in EDINBURGH'S [G H] as examples).

Thistle leafs not well defined.

Another specimen of the same badge which while
correctly voided shows other flaws.

The next example is apparently a fairly recent acquisition by a member of the forum, which was presented for evaluation (lack of sharp focus in the photography may be a compounding issue), and displays the following characteristics:

A shiny, almost anodized, front surface. Does not look like white metal.

The badge is non-voided (Not certain on this feature).

The entire area where the coronet is integrated with the rest of the badge
appear rough and ill-defined.

It appears to have sharp detailing around all the edges of the badge.

The holes in the belt appear to be ill-defined.

The Maltese cross on top of the coronet is either ill-defined or badly worn.

Still another example of the badge with a different
set of design details which render it dubious.

The final badge specimen is I believe post-1903 and executed in brass. Although of later issue and well worn, it has some positive attributes:

Even though dirty, it appears to have a clean die strike, note letters,
belt fittings and coronet in particular.

Appears to have sharp definition around all the edges of the badge.

Regularity in the spacing of the lettering.

However, it is not voided, and may have been issued that way, as
Rosignoli shows it as not voided in his book.

The reverse of a post-1903 version of the badge struck in
brass with a clear die strike, a good indicator of authenticity.

The front of the same badge, while showing both patina and
wear, still has a fairly sharp definition in its details.

It will be very interesting to learn of expert opinions on the badges which have been presented, as to how many details have been identified, and what other additional in-accuracies exist in each badge.

General Aircraft GAL 49/50 Hamilcar-The Other WWII British Assault Glider

2011-09-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Although the WWII Airspeed AS 51 Horsa assault glider was the most prolific of the allied glider aircraft which augmented the parachute elements of the British 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions it remained for another glider, the General Aircraft GAL 49/50 Hamilcar, to deliver the heavier loads which would provide extra muscle to the lightly armed paratroops and airlanding forces. It was the heaviest of allied gliders and the only one capable of carrying a tank.

More importantly for the airborne forces it was capable of carrying the Ordnance QF 17 Pdr Anti-tank Gun, its Morris C8 30cwt Quad Field Artillery Tractor (FAT), basic ammunition load, and complete gun crew from an Airlanding Anti-tank Battery, Royal Artillery, all in a single load. This capability provided a rather nasty surprise to the most heavily armored German tanks, even the Tiger I (max. frontal armor, 100 mm). The gun was capable of penetrating 118 mm of armor plate at 1000 yd, and with the introduction in July 1944 of an Armor Piercing, Discarding Sabot (APDS) round, 231 mm (9.1 in.) of armor plate at 1000 yd. (more than enough to 'put paid' to even the Tiger II).

The first prototype (GAL 49) flew on 27 March 1942. A total of either 344 or 410 (depending on sources) Hamilcars had been built when production ended in 1946, at a cost of £50,000 per glider. As was the case with the design of the Horsa, construction of the Hamilcar was almost entirely of wood, taking full advantage of Britain's 'cottage industry', aluminum being in short supply. (Most of the images can be enlarged by clicking on them.)

A contemporary detailed cut-away drawing of the prototype
General Aircraft GAL 49 Hamilcar I Glider with acknowledgment
to Creative Cutaways and The Aeroplane Spotter

A later equally detailed cut-away drawing of the GAL 50
Hamilcar Glider showing a Tetrarch Mk VII ICS Tank as carried
with acknowledgment to Flight Magazine

Annotated detailed cut-away drawing of the cargo box of the
General Aircraft GAL 50 Hamilcar Glider

The relatively clean aerodynamic shape of this WWII assault glider seen at a distance belies the size of this leviathan. With a wingspan of 110 ft (33.53 m) and length of 68 ft (20.73 m) it was only slightly larger than the Horsa, but its cargo box was significantly more voluminous, accommodating over twice the payload. The Hamilcar glider’s empty weight was 18,400 lb (8,346 kg) with a maximum takeoff weight of 36,000 lb (16,329 kg) (7 tons of cargo), as compared with the Horsa’s weight of 8,370 lb (3,804 kg) and maximum takeoff weight of 15,500 lb (7,045 kg).

The General Aircraft GAL 50 Hamilcar Heavy Assault Glider,
at a distance very deceptive in size

The Hamilcar was cleared and capable of carrying any one of the following payloads:

1 Tetrarch Mk VII ICS (infantry close support) light tank (15,680 lb)

1 US Locust M22 light tank (16,400 lb)

2 Universal (Bren) Carriers (17,000 lb)

3 Rota Tank trailers with 4 Airborne supply panniers

1 Mortar carrier (9,280 lb) with 8 motorcycles (2,880 lb)

1 17 Pdr Anti-tank gun (4,624 lb) with modified Morris C8 30cwt
Quad Tractor (empty weight 7,496 lb (3,400 kg), prime mover)

1 25 Pdr Field gun with modified tractor

2 Daimler Armored Scout cars

1 D4 Small Bulldozer (15,920 lb)

1 Universal (Slave battery) Carrier with 1 Jeep

48 Airborne supply panniers for equipment and ammunition

1 Scraper with equipment plus 1 Fordson tractor for pulling scraper

1 Grader with 9 Airborne supply panniers

1 40mm Bofors Antiaircraft gun (Self-propelled)

Bailey pontoon bridging equipment

1 HD10 or HD14 bulldozer (in three Hamilcars)

Load test showing a Universal (Bren) Carrier emerging from
the Hamilcar Glider

Another load test showing an American Locust M22 Light Tank

The Locust M22 Light Tank, with tank crew in flight
positions, and tank properly chocked and shackled in the glider

The Tetrarch Mk VII ICS Light Tank being disembarked from
the Hamilcar glider during load qualification trials

A Morris C8 30 cwt Quad Field Artillery Tractor (FAT)
in unmodified configuration, for glider flight it would
be stripped of its canvas top and framing

Rear view of the Ordnance QF 17 Pdr Anti-tank Gun a
massive artillery piece (weight in action, 4,624 lb)

The 'business end', i.e. muzzle, of the 17 Pdr Anti-tank Gun

Close-up side view of a pair of 17 Pdr Anti-tank Guns

A group of three 17 Pdr Anti-tank rounds;
the one on the left being the Armor Piercing
Discarding Sabot (APDS) configuration

Only the heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force were capable of towing a fully loaded Hamilcar glider. These included the Sterling, Lancaster or Halifax bombers. Towing speed was 150 mph (240 km/h) and the normal approach speed was 100 mph (130 km/h), with maximum never exceed diving speed of 187 mph (300 km/h).

Hamilcar gliders participated in Operation Tonga (in support of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Operation Overlord), Operation Market-Garden (Arnhem) and Operation Varsity (Crossing of the Rhine). They were principally flown by personnel of the Glider Pilot Regiment, Army Air Corps (AAC). The Tetrarch tanks were manned by the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps. An excellent book about this unit, as well as the Hamilcar and Tetrarch is; Airborne ARMOUR, K. Flint, Helion & Co., Ltd., Solihull West Midlands, 2004, ISBN 1 874622 37 X

Detailed multi-view of the Tetrarch Mk VII
ICS Light Tank showing all tactical signs

Side elevation and top plan view of the
Tetrarch Mk VII ICS Light Tank

With special thanks and acknowledgment to Howard J. Curtis, the following photograph was taken of a display at the National Tank Museum, Bovington, UK, of one of the few remaining Tetrarch Mk VII ICS light tanks, within the partial fuselage of a Hamilcar glider (note the glider's cockpit up and behind the tank).

Tetrarch Mk VII ICS Light Tank shown in its storage position
on the forward cargo deck of the remains of a fuselage from a
General Aircraft GAL 50 Hamilcar I Glider.

The most intact remaining example of a Hamilcar Glider can be found at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, UK. Our sincere thanks and acknowledgment to Peter Clarke for this great photograph of the display. To give you a better appreciation of size note the mannequin of a glider pilot up by the rear cockpit seat.

The forward fuselage section of General Aircraft GAL 50
Hamilcar Glider, particularly noting the size of the wing spars.
The gun in the foreground is a Soviet ZPU Quad 14.5mm
mobile AA gun, obviously not associated with the Hamilcar.

For more details regarding the General Aircraft GAL 49/50 Hamilcar glider, its development and operational use see; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Aircraft_Hamilcar, and the Para Data link of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Museum, Duxford listed on this blog.

WWII Parachute Regiment Cap Badge - A Forensic Study

2011-09-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

The WWII cap badge of the Parachute Regiment of the British Army is another famous, and much sought after cap badge by collectors. In addition, because of its fame, the regiment has seen wide popularity with re-enactment groups throughout the world. As a consequence of these two factors it is the frequent and continuous target of both restrikes and fakes by replicators seeking monetary gain.

Another compounding element is that the cap badge incorporates a crown and Imperial lion (sometimes referred to as 'dog and basket'). When the regiment was originated in 1940, under the reign of George VI it was the king’s crown. In white-metal. ‘Royal Crest. In white-metal. Sealed (pattern) 25th March 1943’, according to Kipling and King (Vol. II, pp. 72-73). With the ascension of Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, the badge underwent a transition to a queen’s crown. ‘A St. Edward’s crown in the Royal Crest. In white-metal. Sealed (pattern) 28th September 1954’, again according to Kipling and King (Vol. II, pp.72-73). There are obviously genuine issued configurations of both available on the militaria market. However, because most of the re-enactment groups focus on WII, the king’s crown version suffers, by far, the most fraud abuse.

In addition there is the currently issued queen's crown badge in anodized 'staybrite' aluminum, as well as a matte black subdued tactical version which dates from the regiment's tours of duty in Northern Ireland in the late 1960's into the 1970's.

Before it’s forgotten there is also a WWII issued economy silver-gray colored plastic (bakelite) version of the badge. This badge uses bendable flat metal spades as fasteners. This analysis however, will be confined to the white-metal badge.

After observing whether the badge has a king’s crown, one of the first things to check is whether the badge has two lugs and a split pin(s) as a fastener or uses a slider. It is commonly held among knowledgeable collectors that WWII vintage (1943-1945) badges were manufactured with lugs, not a slider. There is definite consensus on this detail, but not unanimity.

Another issue which to my knowledge has not been fully resolved is whether there was an authorized manufacture and issue of brass badges which were then nickel plated. Examples of this configuration, with varying stages of wear exist. The vast majority of badges were manufactured in white-metal.

I am greatly indebted and wish to sincerely thank Jim McLean, a member of the British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum, for sharing both his extensive knowledge and excellent photography. He has conducted an in-depth systematic forensic analysis that gives a side-by-side comparison of a genuine badge to one of the commonly known, and widely distributed fakes.

First an overview direct comparison of a genuine badge with a fake. At initial glance the differences may not be immediately apparent. (Click on any of the images to enlarge.)

The first clue is the degraded clarity (crispness) of the die strike itself in the fake, as can be seen in the photograph of the reverse of both the genuine and fake badges.

The most glaring error is a die flaw in the left wing of the fake as seen in the following photograph. Also note the straight perpendicular transition of the top of the wing in the genuine badge, as compared with the angle in the fake.

Next compare the shape of the winglets that are closest to the canopy. Note both the curvature and depth of definition in the genuine badge.

The following photograph compares the Royal Crest ('Dog and Basket') as presented on two genuine examples to a fake. Specifically note the difference in height, proportions and scale of the fake versus the genuine badges.

The final point of comparison is between the parachute canopy shroud lines on a genuine versus a fake badge. In addition note the difference in the shape and size of the bases of the badges.

Personally I have collected memorabilia from the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces for over four decades, and have been 'burned' in the arena more times than I choose to remember, on a broad variety of Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces insignia. I have seen specific special forces insignia books intended for collectors where the 'genuine' specimen of this specific badge, presented on a page in the book, was a fake. Given the excitement and crowds (and sometimes time constraints) of a large militaria or gun show, or even major auctions, it's a challenge to maintain cool detached objectivity. If you have a photographic memory be sure and scan this page, otherwise like most of us you may want to take notes, and carry them with you.

WWI Royal Naval Division Cap Badges - A Forensic Analysis

2011-08-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

With acknowledgment and sincere thanks to John 'Paddy' Newell of the British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum for an in-depth forensic analysis. This post presents a one-on-one comparison of genuine versus counterfeit cap badges of the WWI Royal Naval Division Battalions Anson, Drake, Hawke, Hood, Howe and Nelson. Using these annotated photographs provides approximately a 95% confidence level in recognizing a genuine cap badge. Paddy had even taken the time and effort to highlight the specific differentiating features, but due to my technical limitations (read computer illiteracy) combined with the blog page design I'm unable to provide that feature at this time and apologize. This is a significant study and contribution. Contemplate for a moment if a team of knowledgeable individuals (no single person could do it, not even in a lifetime!) could compile an equivalent forensic analysis on the entire contents of both volumes of Kipling & King.

Anson Copy

Letters on ANSON scroll are a lot thinner on the copies, most noticeable on the “N”s.

Upper ends of Nil Desperandum scroll are semi-circular on the copies, more elongated on genuine badges and sharper curves.

Anson Genuine

Upper band of coronet almost touches the band above the jewels on the genuine badges, much larger gap between the 2 bands on the copies. Upper band above jewels is more finely notched than on the copies.

Drake Copy

Not marked on badge but there are only 7 lines of longitude on copies, 8 lines on genuine badges.

Less detail on white metal ships on copies. Pennants are more voided on genuine badges.

Drake Genuine

DRAKE tablet lettering much thicker on genuine badges. Scroll ends are also more detailed on genuine badges. Gap between AUXILIO and DIVINO on genuine badges. British Isles more clearly defined on genuine badges.

Hawke Copy

Talons of the bird do not touch the letters R & I on the STRIKE scroll.

Shape of bird’s head on copies more like a pterodactyl, genuine heads are smaller and more rounded. Left wing on copy has 2 rows of feathers, genuine birds have 3 rows.

Hawke Genuine

Lettering on HAWKE tablet much thicker and fills the whole tablet.

Talons of the bird touch the letters R & I on the STRIKE scroll.

Fleur De Lys on genuine badge is more clearly defined.

Hood Copy

On copies the bird appears to be standing on a diagonally notched rod.

Lower scroll ends on STEADY scroll are shorter on copies.

Birds eye on copies is much larger than on genuine badges.

Hood Genuine

Lettering on STEADY scroll thicker on genuine badges, most noticeable on A & D.

On genuine badges the bird appears to be standing on a rope of 6 distinct sections.
Note difference in the size and shape of talons.

Howe Copy

About 75% of copies have no voiding on sails and so are very easy to identify as fakes. Of the other 25% of copies there is too much voiding. Pennant ends are attached on genuine badges but totally voided on these copies.

Howe Genuine

Lettering on HOWE scroll thicker on genuine badges.

Upper band of jewel band is more finely notched on genuine badges.

Nelson Copy

Vertical lines on the left hand side of the 3 sails, no such lines on genuine badges.

8 planks on left hand side of ship on copies. NELSON tablet on copies has smooth background.

Nelson Genuine

Upper pennant voided on genuine badges. 9 planks on left hand side of ship on copies.

NELSON tablet on genuine badges has rough (seeded) background.

Lettering on NELSON scroll thicker on genuine badges, most noticeable on Ns & O.

Vintage W. Britains Toy Soldiers – Netherlands Infantry, an interesting set from 1939

2011-08-24T13:24:00.006-07:00

In the year 1939, with the shadow of war descending on Great Britain and the Empire, W. Britains produced three set of toy soldiers ironically using a combination of two previously issued sets. They were Set No. 432 German Infantry with Steel Helmets (the bodies) and Set No. 1435 Italian Infantry with Steel Helmets (the heads), two of the major protagonists in the war that would shortly occur.

The three sets, in order of rarity were Set No. 1837 Argentine Infantry with Steel Helmets (Con Casco, the most rare), Set No. 1850 Netherlands Infantry with Steel Helmets, and Set No. 1856 Polish Infantry with Steel Helmets. Further irony can be seen in the fact that Poland and the Netherlands were among the first nations to succumb to the German ‘blitzkrieg’, and Argentina remained sympathetic to the Nazi cause.

Although not quite as rare as the Argentine set, the Netherlands Infantry remained unlisted in any W. Britains catalog, making it somewhat unique. Recently I was successful in bidding on a set of the Netherlands Infantry, boxed and in near mint condition. The only ‘blemish’ was the beginning of a touch of ‘lead rot’ on the very top of one of the rifleman’s helmets. Needless to say this was very quickly and carefully arrested. The low humidity of the Arizona climate is beneficial to certain ailments of toy soldiers as well as human beings. Not necessarily the ‘holy grail’, however the set is by far the rarest set in my collection (James Opie rarity index of 92 out of 100 on a logarithmic scale). For purposes of comparison also shown are two views of a museum mannequin in the authentic uniform and equipment of the Dutch Army circa 1939. Note that Britains did take 'slight' liberty in replicating the actual shape of the helmet, but the color of the grey, and correctness in the balance of the uniform are fairly accurate.

The final irony is that they represent an army that albeit briefly and unsuccessfully engaged German troops, four years before the ‘Red Devils’ had another go at them in Arnhem and Oosterbeek. (Click on the image to enlarge, and you can zoom in to actual size.)

W. Britains Set No. 1850 Netherlands Infantry
Steel Helmets Slope Arms circa 1939

Netherlands Army
Infantry Service Dress circa 1939

Netherlands Army
Infantry Service Dress circa 1939
(back view)

As an interesting adjunct, appearing at the 2011 Edinburgh Military Tattoo was the Royal Netherlands Army Bicycle Band (Fanfarekorps Koninklijke Landmacht Bereden Wapens), dressed in the identical 1940 Service Dress Uniforms. It is certainly challenging enough to play a musical instrument while mounted on horseback, but try playing a bass tuba while riding in formation on a bicycle. Needless to say their performance was one of the most unique and popular of each evening.

1939 Musical Ride of the RCMP at the New York World's Fair

2011-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

To most Canadians the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is considered a national institution, even a national treasure, as well as being renowned internationally. In 1966 my parents purchased a cottage in the 30,000 Island District of Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. The previous owner was a retired fire department chief from Avon, Ohio, Captain Floyd J. ‘Cap’ O’Neil. The cottage was renamed in his honor, ‘Cap’s Cay’. In the boat house hung a rather unique photograph, subjected to all the realities of the Georgian Bay climate for years, including the humidity of the bay and severe sub-zero winters. Surprisingly it had survived remarkably well, all things considered.

It was a panoramic photograph of the 1939 Musical Ride Troop of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in front of the Canadian National Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. The fair was held during the summer, barely weeks before the start of World War II on 1 September 1939. They were appearing in a series of performances at the fair. While there ‘Cap’ O’Neil had been their host and guide. Out of appreciation the Troop had presented him with the photograph, signed by each and every member. The signatures were somewhat faded due to age and the environment, but still clearly visible.

I matted and framed the photograph, and recently donated the original to the RCMP Historical Collections Unit at the new museum in Regina, Saskatchewan. After an extended series of technical challenges their Forensics Section was able to provide me with a copy of the original in return. Panoramic photography is obviously still readily available, but printing equipment in the size required was not.

Of particular interest are the WWI campaign medals of the Officer-in-Charge and a couple other NCO’s. It would be of significant interest to know how many of this group served on active duty with the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II. The most interesting detail in the picture however, is the presence of then Corporal Cyril N.K. ‘Nordie’ Kirk. Corporal Kirk would subsequently command the Musical Ride in 1953, with the rank of Superintendent. This was in due course during his series of promotions in the force, to ultimately become an Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He had quite an illustrative and distinguished career! For those who might be interested his son has posted a web site in his honor; http://www.pwnhc.ca/programs/archives/kirk_archives.asp.

The photograph is of such size that in order to provide any detail I have to present it in two halves. I have also been able to further discover a contemporary photograph taken during one of the Ride’s performances at the fair. I have personally had the privilege of seeing them twice, once at the Calgary Stampede and at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona, California. For those who may be interested I have included a more recent performance by the Musical Ride of the RCMP at the Canadian National Exposition in Toronto in 2008. (Click on images to enlarge.)

The 1939 Musical Ride of the RCMP in front of the Canadian
National Pavilion at the New York World's Fair

The balance of the panoramic photograph

Then Corporal C.N.K. 'Nordie' Kirk of
the RCMP on the far right, his signature
appearing below the horse's hooves

The Musical Ride of the RCMP performing at the
1939 New York World's Fair

WWI Royal Naval Division Cap Badges - Genuine or Counterfeit?

2011-08-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

In order to provide a quick source of trained manpower to augment the British Army desperately fighting on the European continent in the early stages of WWI, Reserve Royal Naval personnel were organized into eight battalions. These battalions, with the addition of a Royal Marine Brigade, comprised the Royal Naval Division. The division was first engaged in a delaying action at Antwerp, Belgium, in 1914, and later at Gallipoli. The battalions were named after famous British admirals. As shown, and briefly discussed in another page within this blog, they included the following:
   1st Royal Naval Brigade
   1st (Drake) Battalion
   2nd (Hawke) Battalion
   3rd (Benbow) Battalion
   4th (Collingwood) Battalion
   2nd Royal Naval Brigade
   5th (Nelson) Battalion
   6th (Howe) Battalion

7th (Hood) Battalion

8th (Anson) Battalion
Royal Marine Light Infantry Brigade

Because of the unique nature of the Royal Naval Division, and the distinctive cap badges of the battalions, they have become a popular and sought after element in the collection of British Regimental cap badges. Only 6 of the badges were identified in Kipling & King's definitive work, the cap badges for the Benbow and Collingwood battalions not being shown. With the limited availability of genuine original cap badges has come the opportunity for unscrupulous entrepreneurs to counterfeit all of the badges. One such example is the badge of the Nelson Battalion.

With acknowledgement and thanks to John ‘Paddy’ Newell, a member of the British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum, here is a specific case study of the counterfeiting of the cap badge. Shown is an annotated image of the badge highlighting specific areas on one of the most common fakes. . On the fakes the pennant at the top is usually unvoided (on the good ones it is separate and more pointed). The sails on the fakes have got additional vertical lines which are not on the good ones and if you look at the left hand side of the ship's hull there is a gap between the bottom of the yard arm and where the planks start and then there are 9 planks, on the fakes there are 8 planks. In addition the mottled finish that should be present behind ‘NELSON’, and the figurehead is not there. (Click on images to enlarge.)

Counterfeit WWI Royal Naval Division Nelson Battalion
cap badge - Note discrepancies in the circled areas

A genuine WWI Royal Naval Division
Nelson Battalion cap badge for comparision

As if this were not enough there is a further compounding of the issue by the recent surfacing of examples which have had a manufacturer's 'plate' (J.R. Gaunt London) added to the back of the badge. Experts are currently trying to evaluate the veracity, or lack there of, of this badge configuration. In some instances the badges have been modified by the removal of the lugs, or no lugs initially, to a pin-back 'sweetheart' pin.

Questionable WWI RND Nelson Battalion
badge converted to 'sweetheart' pin.

Back of same badge showing J.R. Gaunt
'plate' and pin back.

The following pair of photographs are of an established genuine example of the RND Nelson Battalion badge, with lugs and a 'plate' attached to the back.

Genuine WWI RND Nelson Battalion cap badge,

Back of same badge showing both the 'plate' and lugs.

Parachuting for Dummies - 'Rupert' World War II Deception Device

2011-07-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

PARACHUTING

In 1985 my good friend Maj Robert J. ‘Bob’ Bragg, Parachute Regiment (Rtd.) was extremely gracious in presenting a significant gift to me. Even at the time I was well aware of the unique nature of item. Having come through Bob’s hands it has impeccable provenance. Some readers may recognize the name R.J. Bragg as the co-author, along with Roy Turner, of two definitive works on airborne insignia of the world. The books are; Parachute Badges and Insignia of the World, R.J. Bragg & Roy Turner, Blandford Press, Poole Dorset, 1979, ISBN 0 7137 0882 4 and PARACHUTE WINGS, Bragg & Turner, Peter A. Heims, Surrey, 1985, ISBN 0 9506426 2 2. Others may remember him as president of the Manchester Chapter of the Parachute Regiment Association. He had previously served with the 13th Bn PARA (TA). Roy Turner served on active service with 45 Royal Marine Commando, and saw action in both Aden and Malaya. Bragg & Turner in the Airborne and Special Forces Insignia arena are all but synonymous with Kipling & King in the field of cap badges.

It is a British dummy parachutist. Official nomenclature is; Device, Camouflage, No. 15. They have also been referred to as a ‘Rupert’ (A Scottish derisive term for an officer in the British Army) and a ‘Paragon' (Origin undetermined, but may be a play on words, 'Para - Gone'). As a battlefield expendable made of hessian (hop sacking), not that many survived their World War II operational deployment. Obviously the example I have did not see combat, as it is unissued, complete with its parachute and all associated fittings. (Most of the images can be enlarged twice for details)

Two of the most significant employments of the dummies were the night of 6 June 1944 in Operation Titanic I – IV with elements of 1^st SAS, in direct support of Operation Overlord. They were also used in Operation Market-Zone I through III on 16-17 September 1944, in support of Operation Market-Garden.

The dummy has been in a cedar lined storage closet for an extended period of time. Several years since I lasted looked at it, and I was a bit concerned due to the low humidity in Arizona. As an expendable the canopy is made out of a fine cotton, rather than scarce silk, rayon or nylon. The texture and weave almost feel like Egyptian cotton (Very probably a closely woven cotton material called Ramex, which was used in the fabrication of most X-Type Statichutes). As a result it has seemed to have fared a lot better than had it been made of the other materials. Suffices that it is still very soft and pliable. The shroud lines are carefully laid into the dummy’s bag, then the folded canopy. The static cord is tied to the crown of the canopy with a short piece of fine twine. The same twine is used to secure the four flaps of the bag.

The body of the dummy, as can be seen in the photographs is well made of a tightly woven burlap/sack cloth or hessian material. It would have to be in order that it can hold the sand used to provide both shape and weight. The dummy is approximately half life sized, about 36 inches in overall length, and the parachute canopy scaled to match. I have not unpacked the parachute (fragility and value issues), but judging from museum displayed examples there are a reduced number of shroud lines attached to the canopy compared to a full sized tactical parachute, such as the X-Type Statichute or T-5. In addition the shroud lines are a relatively loosely woven cotton cord, rather than the more familiar parachute shroud line cording.

The example I have is obviously not one of the self-destroying configurations (See following photograph), and as far as I can discern there are no special provisions for attachment of the gunfire simulation devices, which were employed in conjunction with the dummies. Specific information and photographs on these simulators, including detailed means of attachment to the dummies, are found in the referenced web site below.

There are several web sites that show and discuss the operational use of the dummies, however I would seriously question some of the information contained in certain sites. There is one site run by the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Museum which is historically accurate and outstanding both in scope and detail. The URL is: http://www.paradata.org.uk/media/14560?mediaSection=Equipment+lists. It has four parts each of which can be accessed from the menu bars on the left hand side of the window.

The following YouTube video was made on or about 6 June 2011 on the anniversary of Operation Overlord. While containing a few inaccurate details, overall it provides a modern historical perspective on 'Rupert'.

19th Century Military Communications at the Speed of Light – The Heliograph

2011-06-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

The first recorded use of a crude type of heliograph in military communications is believed to have been by the Athenians, using highly polished shields, between Athens and Marathon, a distance of 26 miles in 490 BC. This was to signal the victory over the Persians, and apparently occurred in parallel with the fabled Greek runner who also conveyed word of the outcome of the battle. This incident in history is recounted by Alan Harfield, author of a book entitled Early Signalling Equipment, THE HELIOGRAPH, A Short History, Royal Corps of Signals Museum, 1986.

An Athenian Hoplon Shield - Possibly one similar could have been
the first military 'heliograph' ( Could stand a bit of polishing) circa 400 BC

The Zulu War - Heliograph at work across the Tugela River
1879

2nd Life Guard Signalers - Heliograph Drill

The relatively modern military heliograph found its origins in the heliothrope, invented by Karl Gauss, a German scientist and mathematician, in 1821. This ‘light-reflecting’ system evolved to the heliostat, a non-oscillating mirrored instrument, and was converted to a more effective device with the incorporation of a shutter, which facilitated the use of Morse Code. After this evolved system was being used, Henry Mance (later Sir Henry Mance) brought it to the attention of the British Indian Government, and it was introduced into the British Army in 1875. Obviously not in time to provide communications during the Indian Mutiny (1857 – 1858), however it did see extensive service in India, particularly in the Northwest Frontier, well into the Twentieth Century. Given an optimal operational environment heliographs can efficiently operate at a range of up to 70 miles. Heliographs were extensively used for line-of-sight communications in both India and Africa. They were also widely used by the United States Army, particularly in the Southwest desert.

U.S. Army Portable Heliograph (Mance type) circa 188'0s

One of the more common configurations of military issued heliographs is the British and Commonwealth Army’s, HELIOGRAPH, 5-inch, Mark V. It was employed into the early part of World War II, and used by the Pakistani Army up to 1975. It is said that the Canadian Army retained theirs in TO&E well into WWII, because officers thought they made “excellent shaving mirrors". Complete heliograph kits can still be found today, however are becoming scarce, necessitating acquisition of multiple units in order to comprise one complete heliograph with its leather carrying case, tripod, duplex mirror assembly, accessories and cased spare mirrors.

As a closing aside Rudyard Kipling wrote one of his more memorable poems, "A Code of Morals" about the ficticious use of the heliograph in the general area of the Khyber Pass, near the Afghan Border of then India.

Shadi Bagiar, entrance to the Khyber Pass circa 1878

British Indian Army Heliograph Party

Lest you should think this story true

I merely mention I

Evolved it lately. 'Tis a most

Unmitigated misstatement.

Now Jones had left his new-wed bride to keep his house in order,

And hied away to the Hurrum Hills above the Afghan border,

To sit on a rock with a heliograph; but ere he left he taught

His wife the working of the Code that sets the miles at naught.

And Love had made him very sage, as Nature made her fair;

So Cupid and Apollo linked , per heliograph, the pair.

At dawn, across the Hurrum Hills, he flashed her counsel wise--

At e'en, the dying sunset bore her husband's homilies.

He warned her 'gainst seductive youths in scarlet clad and gold,

As much as 'gainst the blandishments paternal of the old;

But kept his gravest warnings for (hereby the ditty hangs)

That snowy-haired Lothario, Lieutenant-General Bangs.

'Twas General Bangs, with Aide and Staff, who tittupped on the way,

When they beheld a heliograph tempestuously at play.

They thought of Border risings, and of stations sacked and burnt--

So stopped to take the message down--and this is what they learnt--

"Dash dot dot, dot, dot dash, dot dash dot" twice. The General swore.

"Was ever General Officer addressed as 'dear' before?

"'My Love,' i' faith! 'My Duck,' Gadzooks! 'My darling popsy-wop!'

"Spirit of great Lord Wolseley, who is on that mountaintop?"

The artless Aide-de-camp was mute; the gilded Staff were still,

As, dumb with pent-up mirth, they booked that message from the hill;

For clear as summer lightning-flare, the husband's warning ran:--

"Don't dance or ride with General Bangs--a most immoral man."

[At dawn, across the Hurrum Hills, he flashed her counsel wise--

But, howsoever Love be blind, the world at large hath eyes.]

With damnatory dot and dash he heliographed his wife

Some interesting details of the General's private life.

The artless Aide-de-camp was mute, the shining Staff were still,

And red and ever redder grew the General's shaven gill.

And this is what he said at last (his feelings matter not):--

"I think we've tapped a private line. Hi! Threes about there! Trot!"

All honour unto Bangs, for ne'er did Jones thereafter know

By word or act official who read off that helio.

But the tale is on the Frontier, and from Michni to Mooltan

They know the worthy General as "that most immoral man."

So much for the operational security of the heliograph!

British Cap Badges – Additional Guidance in Identifying Restrikes and Counterfeits

2011-06-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

The following compilation of additional information is presented with acknowledgment to the membership of the British and Commonwealth Military Badge Forum. Membership in the forum is strongly recommended for advanced collector to neophyte alike. Here is an example of the detailed forensic guidance that can be found on their web site. The forum has an extensive file of high resolution photographs of a wide range of both cap badges and cloth insignia. Another outstanding forum with the same scope and depth of British and Commonwealth subject matter (particularly elite forces insignia) is surprisingly, Wehrmacht - Awards.com (See British and Commonwealth Militaria Section). Both are listed in this blog’s links.

Although lacking in clarity the badges shown in the following photograph should be sufficiently clear to allow the collector to at least identify the regiment. Every badge shown is a restrike. If the badge you are trying to evaluate is amongst those shown, extra caution is certainly advised. As previously discussed on other pages of this blog, and as can be seen in this photograph (first six badges), the Highland Regiments of the British Army are a very popular subject for reproduction. (Click on image to enlarge.)

A display of the range of identified restrikes of
British Regimental Cap Badges

The following discussion is attributed to member of the British & Commonwealth Badge Forum, and is so acknowledged.

'There are a number of things that the back of a badge reveals. The fasteners are one major indicator. The type of lug, slider, tangs, (blades in UK terms), etc are important. Flat lugs vs wire lugs tell a story. Maker marked vs plain sliders tell something, length and shape of the sliders, material the slider is made from, etc. Many of these characteristics are specific to a time period, a production method, or a particular maker. The reverse reveals other information. The back may reveal if the badge was cast or stamped, the type of material used may be visible (brass, white metal, precious metals, etc.), the position or location the fasteners were attached at, or details of the stamping / casting not visible on the face.

The first thing that I look for on the reverse of a badge is the definition of the strike; many fake badges have poor reverse definition.

As for lugs, I have seen and there are many variations in size, shape and material to be considered. I have noted that prior to pictorial evidence being uncovered that footed lugs were in the main shunned, however the modern mass produced footed lugs are pretty easy to spot.

That said I have original issued naval badges with such lugs.

Also new copper tends to be a lot brighter/pinker than that of any age, although in my opinion caution has to be exercised if a badge has been chemically dipped as new residues can be apparent.

On plated badges I would usually expect either lugs or slider to show signs of the plating as well.

I have badges in my collection that I know to have been re-lugged and on one or two the workmanship is iffy, on others that I have you would be very hard pushed to tell that they had been repaired. It suffices to say that a re-lugged/repaired genuine original cap badge is far superior to a reproduction.

Sliders are another minefield with many variations, for WW1 period badges I look for an authentic crimp mark as some indication of an original badge and also the degree of taper evident as well as the shape of the end, I look for some degree of uniformity here.

Sliders that have a wide top often arouse doubt if they are not maker marked and I also look at the gauge of metal used and have noted that on many new or fake metal badges although the gauge seems correct the metal used is very soft and pliable.

There are badges such as the Tower Hamlets Rifles where a long slider is expected in general terms but attention must be paid to the position of the fixing as often all is not what it seems.

Obviously the above statement is far from exhaustive but I hope it explains to some degree why the back of the badge is important.

To be honest I have in the past been so excited to have my hands on a particular badge that I have handed over my hard earned without so much as a glance at the back, luckily for me I have had the good fortune to have been stood at the table of one of the good guys on the occasion though he may have despaired at my lack of thoroughness and my un-questioning trust.'

Let's look now at two specific examples of British cap badges that have been widely copied.

In World War I one of the specialized units of the Royal Navy was the Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS) Armoured Car Squadron. Although frequently miss-identified (and collected) as a cap badge, the personnel wore distinctive collar dogs. The rarity of genuine surviving examples of these badges immediately makes them a prime target for reproduction. Short of holding a copy in one hand, and the genuine badge in the other, the following are reasonably high resolution photographs of the front and back of each for close comparison. Unfortunately there are better reproductions than this, so extreme care should be exercised with this badge.

Front of an identified copy of a WWI RNAS
Armoured Car Squadron badge

Back of the same copy; Note both the lack of
definition in the die strike and the spacing of the lugs

Front of an identified original of a WWI RNAS
Armoured Car badge; Note the fuller font and the
spacing of the periods between letters

Back of the same original badge; Note the
clarity of the die strike and the difference in
the spacing of the lugs indicative of a collar dog

Genuine examples of the second badge are at least as rare. It is the distinctive badge wore by commanding officers and ‘officers of the day’ of 21 SAS Artist Rifles on the black leather cross (‘cartridge’) pouch belt of the No.1 Dress Uniform. As such it was at least sterling silver (probably hallmarked) and had two screw posts in N-S orientation. As would be expected there are not that many photographs available of personnel in this uniform. The badge is classified by collectors as unobtainable. Apparently for a period of time a white metal die struck version (Queen’s Crown) with lugs, not screw posts, in a E-W orientation was available for sale to serving personnel in the PRI (regimental kit shop). This badge is as close as you can come to an original. Suffices to say that even these 'semi-official' replicas have been counterfeited, as can be seen below. One assessment of the differences is as follows:

Semi-Official badge characteristics:
• Rear side is smooth throughout, i.e. no ‘orange peel’ or matt type surfaces.
• Front side matt surface between wording & ‘gods’, is even thro’ out.
• Rear side of badge to, ‘21 over SAS’: no horizontal lines/striations, i.e. smooth surface.
• 2 copper lugs are brazed with a fillet of solder. Copy shown has no fillet.
• The wording on the badge, i.e. ARTISTS CVM MARTE MINERVA has crisper definition.
• The position of the lugs is different, i.e. further down on the badge.

• Bottom stems of laurel wreath are both present and well defined.

• Overall appearance of white metal different from 'sheen' evident in copy.

Front of 'Semi-official' 21 SAS Artist Rifles
cross belt badge; Note consistency of
pebbling on surface of oval area

Back of same badge; Note absence of striations
around the lettering '21SAS'

Front of copy of 21 SAS Artists Rifles cross
belt badge; Note almost anodized appearance
of the badge

Back of same copy badge; Note striations
around the lettering '21SAS'

Elite Forces Headdress from the former USSR, France and Italy

2011-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

The first photograph shows, from left to right, an officer's beret from the former Soviet Naval Infantry (also wore by Naval Spetsnaz), circa 1991, an officer's beret of the Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV, also wore by Spetsnaz), circa 1991, the next is a cloth jump helmet of the Soviet Airborne Forces, circa 1991, then an officer's winter service Ushanka of the Soviet Airborne Forces, circa 1991, and finally a replica of the WWII officer's beret of the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade Group, who were attached to the British 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem (Click on any of the images to enlarge).

The next grouping of headdress are three kepi from the French Foreign Legion. From left to right, the first is an enlisted man's service dress kepi wore in French Indochina and Algeria, circa 1954, next is an enlisted man's review dress kepi (without the white 'kepi blanc' cover), circa 1950, the next kepi is full dress for a Captaine of the Legion, finally is a winter dress Senior Colonel and General Officer's Papahka, (Astrakhan of Persian lamb) of the former Soviet Army, circa 1991.

The French Foreign Legion is steeped in tradition. and it is always on display on the 14th of July, Bastille Day. The following video shows the bearded Pioneers (Sapeurs-Pionniers) of the Legion (1er Regiment Entrangere d'Infanterie) leading the parade. They are marching to the measured cadence of 'Le Boudin' ('The Sausage'), the regimental march of the Legion.

The dress uniform headdress of the Italian Army has always been unique and very colorful. Here are three examples, all still currently wore. From left to right, first is an an enlisted man's Moretto w/Cappelo piumato of the 28th Bn of the Bersaglieri (Light Infantry), WWII Pattern, circa 1950, next is the full dress Lucerna of an enlisted man of the Corpo dei Carabinieri, current issue, finally there is a field service hat of an enlisted man of the 6th Alpini Regiment, circa 1960.

Each of these military units maintain a marching band consistent with the unique traditions and character of their respective organizations. The following series of videos will hopefully afford the viewer a sample of each. First the Fanfara of the Carabinieri (note that the lucerna plumes of the bands are white over red, rather than the normal red over blue), followed by the Fanfara (Tridentina) of the Alpini, and finally the Fanfara (Bedizzole) of the Bersaglieri.

A Small Collection of Military Headdress from Great Britain and the Commonwealth

2011-06-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Military headdress has long been, and remains, a highly popular field for the militaria collector.The following set of photographs shows a representative variety of military headdress from the world’s military forces. Because of a particular personal interest, the first group of helmets and hats are from Great Britain and the Commonwealth, with a focus on their Airborne and Elite Forces. The initial two photographs are an overview of that part of the collection (Click on any of the images to enlarge).

In the first group (left to right) is seen; a WWII Royal Marine Commando beret, a WWII Cap Comforter as worn by both Royal Marine and Army Commandos, a WWII Royal Artillery officer’s service dress hat, frequently wore with battledress, a classic WWII Australian slouch hat, a Canadian Forces winter fur (synthetic) wedge cap (Cap, Man's Winter, Fur, C.F.) also formerly worn by the RCMP), dated 1976 and a colored field service side cap of an officer in the Royal Artillery, circa 1941.

In the next photograph can be seen: the unique foreign service helmet or solar topee of WWII South African Armed Forces, next the more common WWII foreign service helmet, universal (Wolseley Pattern) worn by British Forces, this is followed by a replica of the full dress turban of a Subedar-Major of the 2^nd Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army, circa 1923-1947.

First hat in this photograph is the classic Hat, Felt, Gurkha, worn as standard field service dress by all of the Gurkha Regiments, since the beginning of the 20^th Century (this specific example is from the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Goorkhas, Sirmoor Rifles, circa 1950), second is a cadet’s dress forage or ‘stable cap’ from the Royal Military College of Canada (Royal Roads), next is an officer’s glengarry of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders WWII, followed by a desert shemagh of the British Special Air Service Regiment, circa 1990 (which they have worn, in this configuration and color, since the founding of the regiment in 1941 to the present) and an officer’s No. 1 dress beret of the Special Air Service Regiment.

In this series first is an Armoured Vehicle Crewman’s GRP helmet (referred to as a‘Dan Dare’) from the Falklands War Period 1982, circa 1980-1991, next a WWII Motorcycle Dispatch Rider’s steel helmet, then an early WWII British Paratroop cloth ‘Sorbo’ Training Helmet, and finally a rimless 3rd Pattern British Paratrooper’s Helmet from the Suez Campaign (Operation Musketeer), dated 1955 (identical to late WWII issue).

In this photograph of British Forces headgear are three of the more recent helmets and the classic WWII ‘Tommy’ helmet. From left to right first is a Helmet, Shell Parachutist, Pattern 1980, Light-weight Ballistic Nylon (Kevlar), W/liner, Web /leather chin cup harness, and Issue DPM Camouflage Cover. Circa 1986, next is a Helmet, Combat, General Service (GS), MK6, Light-weight Ballistic Fibre, W/Liner, Web chin harness & Issue Desert Camouflage Cover, circa 1987 followed by a Helmet, Parachutist, Pattern 1976, Light-weight Fiberglass, W/liner, GS Nylon and PVC Harness, Web chin strap (No cup) & dark drab green nylon net, as used in the Falkland Islands 1982, finally the iconic Helmet, Combat, MK II, W/liner, Chin strap & Camouflage net, WWII (dated 1942).

The final photograph in this series is of a WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm flying helmet, specifically the Helmet, Leather, Flying, Navy, Type C (2nd Pattern), W/Flying goggles Mk VIII and a Type G Oxygen mask. To it's left is a model of the Fairey Swordfish Torpedo Bomber Mk I, which was instrumental in initially damaging and slowing the German battleship Bismarck in the North Atlantic in May 1941, and previously conducting the highly successful attack against the Italian Fleet moored in Taranto Harbor in 1940 (Experts will probably notice that the torpedo warhead should not be flat (indicative of a more modern acoustic homing torpedo), but fully rounded and commonly painted bright red).

For those who might be interested in more details about the headgear presented on this page, as well as many others from throughout both history and nationalities, it is recommended that you visit; http://www.militaryheadgear.com/ .

Lest We Forget - Past Glories in Miniature through Toy Soldiers

2011-06-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons, perhaps a rationalization, that toy soldier collectors have collections is to give them a recollection and linkage to history. They may focus on a specific period of time, such as the Ancient Egyptians, Roman Empire, Napoleonic, Colonial Empires, or World War I or II, to name but a few examples.

In the case of W. Britains Ltd., the span of the company's production of toy soldiers (1893 - 1966) coincided with a significant span in both world and military history. If the catalog sequence of their sets is reviewed, you can see they directly reflect contemporary world events, not just the British Empire, but such now esoteric periods, as the Balkans Wars prior to World War I.

The 'New Toy Soldier' manufacturers (dating from the 1970s), have maintained this historical perspective in the range of themes they have, and are currently offering. A classic example are the sets offered by William 'Bill' Hocker of Berkeley, California, who started his highly successful line in 1983, paralleling what he said, 'were sets which W. Britains had left unsaid'. See Links for his web page. His precise sculpting style, high gloss painting, innovative animation, composition of sets, packaging (bright red boxes) and even advertising form and content, are essentially a modern, but nostalgic, extension of W. Britains' catalog and products. His sets initially reflected the Campaigns and Armies of Queen Victoria's reign, but in recent years have reflected United States history. These have included:

Crimean War Indian Mutiny Abyssinian & Ashanti Wars NorthWest Frontier
Zulu War Nile Campaigns Boer War Indian Army
Imperial Durbar Diamond Jubilee Victorian Army at Ease

American Revolution Barbary Coast Wars War of 1812 Mexican-American Wars
American Civil War American West Buffalo Bill's Wild West
Spanish-American War

In the following photographs you will see a fairly wide variety of toy soldiers reflecting both famous regiments and the battles they fought, integrated with other items of militaria, including original British Campaign Medals. Those familiar with the style of W. Britains toy soldiers will readily recognize them. Britains collectors will probably also recognize the similarity of Bill Hocker's sets. Other toy soldier and military miniature manufacturers that can be seen include, Greenwood & Ball, Imperial, Steadfast, King & Country, Blenheim, All the Queen's Men, Mark Time, Asset, Rose, Imrie-Risley, Monarch Regalia, Frontline, Toy Army Workshop, St Peterburg Collection, Battlezone, British Bulldog, Chota Sahib, Crescent Toys, Corgi, Tommy Atkins, OZ Made, PNF Figurines. Kingcast, Militia, Soldiers of the Queen, Franklin Mint, Dinky Toys and Forces of Valor. Please click on any of the images to enlarge them.

As has been told to my grandchildren, with the right kind of care and nurturing in the Arizona climate, the toy soldiers can grow. The following are two good examples.

British Parachute Regiment Officer,
Full Battledress circa 1944

Lieut-Colonel 92nd Gordon Highlanders
Review Order circa 1936

Battle of Arnhem - Two Movies on the Battle

2011-06-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

The author of this blog has had published two reviews on movies chronicling the Battle of Arnhem. The first was 'Theirs is the Glory' (1946) and the second 'A Bridge Too Far' (1977). Reproduced below they can also be found at Airborne Assault ParaData, The Living History of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. See; http://www.paradata.org.uk/content/theirs-glory-1946 and
http://www.paradata.org.uk/content/bridge-too-far-1977.

THEIRS IS THE GLORY

The film 'Theirs Is the Glory', produced in 1946, was the first significant effort to chronicle the gallant stand of the British 1st Airborne Division, including 2 Wings of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group in the battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden) which lasted from 17 September to 25 September 1944. It preceded the epic film A Bridge Too Far by 31 years.

It was a unique production in many respects, not the least of which was it was actually filmed on the war-torn site of the battle, used as ‘actors’ only actual participants in the battle, and was jointly produced by the J. Arthur Rank Organization and the British Army’s Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU). Some of the cast members having been only recently released from POW camps.

Among the persons appearing in the movie were, Lt. Hugh Ashmore, Maj.C.F.H."Freddie" Gough, Maj. Richard "Dickie" Lonsdale, Mrs. Kate ter Horst, Pte Tommy Scullion of County Antrim, Pte Peter Holt from Middlesex, Pte David Parker from Scotland, Cpl Pearce from Wales, Pte George ‘Titch’ Preston from Grimsby, Pte Frank ‘Butch’ Dixon (proven lethal with a PIAT), Sgt John Daley of Waterford, and war correspondents Stanley Maxted and Alan Wood. In addition the total cast was comprised of other paratroopers, gunners, sappers, RAMC, RASC, reconnaissance squadron and the glider pilots, all veterans of the battle. Each member was paid £3.0s.0d. per day by the Rank Organization.

The movie had simultaneous premieres in Ottawa, Arnhem and the Gaumont Theatre in the Haymarket London on the second anniversary of the start of the battle, 17 September 1946.

Originally in VHS format from 1987 and more recently on DVD, it is currently available in European format (PAL) and on NETFLIX. A detailed article on the making of the film was contained in After the Battle Magazine, Issue number 58.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR

The year 1977 saw the release of the movie A Bridge Too Far, which now ranks as one of the epics of World War II. It is based on Cornelius Ryan’s book of the same name, which chronicled the British, American and Polish Airborne Forces, as well as their German foes, during Operation ‘Market-Garden’, 17 September 1944 – 25 September 1944. There is a specific focus on the British 1st Airborne Division and their action during the battles of Arnhem and Oosterbeek. It is one of the last major war movies to be made in Western Europe.

In addition to accurately conveying the overall action, the movie used a series of vignettes portraying significant personages in the battle with a cast of eminent actors. The Hollywood production directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, and produced by Joseph E. Levine, included, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Robert Redford, Sir Laurence Oliver, Liv Ullmann, Edward Fox, Gene Hackman, Maximilian Schell, Ryan O'Neal, Dirk Bogarde, Hardy Kruger, Elliott Gould, and Jimmy Caan.

There were several significant technical features in the movie. Included was the hire of a veritable livery of over 100 World War II vehicles and armour from the Military Vehicle Museum, in Falmouth, owned by Charlie Mann. Eight C-47 Dakota troop transport aircraft were on hire from the Finnish and Royal Danish Air Forces. Six full-scale Horsa gliders were constructed. The logistics of feeding, boarding, transportation, wardrobe, armoury, film-making equipment was equivalent to an actual major military operation. The movie was estimated to have been injected in excess of £8 million into the local Dutch economy for hotels, motels, hostels, lodging rooms, suburban homes and caravan parks.

The movie is available in both VHS and DVD format. A detailed article on the making of the film was contained in After the Battle Magazine, Issue number 17.

Battle of Arnhem - Colonel John L. Waddy (Rtd) OBE relates the action of the 156th Parachute Battalion

2011-05-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Then Major (later Colonel) John L. Waddy commanded B Company, 156 Para Bn, 4th Parachute Brigade Group. After retirement he has conducted battlefield tours, and authored a detailed illustrated guide, relating his unique insight of the Battle of Arnhem, based on his direct combat experience. His book entitled, 'A TOUR OF THE ARNHEM BATTLEFIELDS 17 - 26 September 1944', John Waddy, Leo Cooper, South Yorkshire, 1999, ISBN 0 85052 571 3, is highly recommended. He was a technical adviser during the making of the movie, ‘A Bridge Too Far’ in 1977.

As an integral element of one of his most recent tour/lecture series of 16 April 2011, he was video recorded directly on the former drop zone (DZ 'X') and landing zones (LZ 'Z' and 'S') of Renkum Heath and Reijerscamp, over which he and B Company of the 156th Bn fought, when they landed as an element of the 4th Parachute Brigade Group (delayed by 4 hours due to weather in England) on the second day, 18 September 1944.

The video provides the rare opportunity of witnessing an oral history by one of the few remaining combat officers who actually served and fought at Arnhem. Below is a copy of a contemporary British Army map of the area (click on map to enlarge, and you may want to print off a copy in order to more easily follow the course of the battle). Colonel Waddy's videos follow and are in sequence of the six part series of his briefing. Colonel Waddy can be seen briefing visitors at the Hartenstein Hotel (Airborne Museum), Oosterbeek, in 1961 at http://www.paradata.org.uk/media/2252?mediaSection=Photos&mediaItem=10169

Below in the first segment of his briefing Colonel Waddy discusses some aspects of the planning for Operation Market-Garden. One of the principal reasons for creating this blog was to share an in-depth analysis of all aspects of that planning. If the viewer is so inclined they can read that analysis by going to the main menu bar and clicking 'Operation Market-Garden'.

British & Commonwealth Cap Badges - Known Common Restrikes and Counterfeits

2011-05-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to provide further assistance to collectors in identifying and differentiating genuine British and Commonwealth Cap Badges, the following list is offered of some of the more common restrikes and outright counterfeits/fakes known to exist. As can be seen Special and Elite Forces predominate. One of the other common groups of badges frequently seen in restrikes are the Scottish Regiments of both the British Army and Commonwealth. Please be aware that this, unfortunately, is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Parachute Regiment (discussed in detail on this site in WWII Parachute Regiment Cap Badge - A Forensic Study)

Special Air Service Regiment

No. 1 Demolition Squadron (Popski's Private Army)

Long Range Desert Group

Raiding Support Regiment (cloth)

The Glider Pilot Regiment

The Army Air Corps

No. 2 Commando (metal and cloth)

The Reconnaissance Corps
The Reconnaissance Corps (Yorkshire Units, w/rose)
101 Troop (6 Commando) (cloth)
V Force

No. 50, 51 and 52 Commando
21st Special Air Service, Artists Rifles
21st Special Air Service, Artists Rifles, (cross belt badge)

Special Boat Service WWII (metal and cloth)
Special Boat Service, Royal Marines (cloth, current)

Special Reconnaissance Regiment (cloth, current)

Canadian Parachute Corps
1st Canadian Parachute Battalion (cloth)

17^th/21^st Lancers

19^th Hussars

King Edward’s Horse

Canadian Armored Carrier Regiment

Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Section (WWI)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Gaurds Machine Gun Regiment

Royal Naval Division (WWI 6 badges, see detailed analysis in another page of this blog)

Anson Battalion

Hood Battalion

Howe Battalion

Drake Battalion

Hawke Battalion

Nelson Battalion

75^th Regiment of Foot (1874-1881) Glengarry (see blog on Fox & Co. restrikes)

92^nd Regiment of Foot (1874-1881) Glengarry (see blog on Fox & Co. restrikes)
92nd Gordon Highlanders (badge attached to shoulder belt plate)

The British and Commonwealth Badge Forum (http://www.britishbadgeforum.com) is one of the best web sites available for assistance in identifying restrikes and counterfeits. Once having joined the forum, using the search word ‘restrike’ you will immediately have at your disposal a database of 500 entries. In order to narrow that down the next obvious search term would be the specific name of the cap badge in question. There are member's specific albums devoted to restrikes and counterfeits. Most importantly, while only the front (obverse) of example badges are shown here, the albums show the backs (reverse) which are critical to accurate identification as well. Courtesy of various members of the forum here are a few examples of reproductions (Click on individual images to enlarge).

WWI Royal Naval Division
(Nelson Battalion)

WWI Royal Naval Division
(Anson Battalion)

WWII Reconnaissance Regiment
(Yorkshire Units)

WWII V Force

WWII Intelligence Corps

In addition the following individual, listed as kao751, has developed and published 7 guides on e-Bay which are very detailed and quite helpful. This is both a significant and excellent piece of research.

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Yeomanry-Cap-Badges_W0QQugidZ10000000002332018

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Infantry-Regiment-badges-How-to-spot-the-fakes_W0QQugidZ10000000001396773

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Cap-badge-fakes-don-apos-t-be-taken-for-a-ride_W0QQugidZ10000000001236635

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Cavalry-Army-Cap-badges-how-to-spot-the-fakes_W0QQugidZ10000000001230252

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Irish-infantry-Cap-badges_W0QQugidZ10000000001407577

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Cap-Badge-Spot-the-copies-London-Regiment_W0QQugidZ10000000001412386

One of the members of the British and Commonwealth Badge Forum has recovered and published a list of known reproduction Canadian Badges circa 1989. There is some redundancy with the previous list.

Prince Rupert MG (2 piece)

Osgoode Hall COTC

CWTS Red Cross

Knights of Columbus

U of McGill COTC

Prince Edward Island Light Horse

Newfoundland Regiment

Toronto Scottish (small officers version nickel silver)

General List (Maple leaf with GL over beaver)

British Columbia Women’s Auto Assoc

British Columbia Regiment

Irish Regt of Canada kc (bimetal officers base, large size like qc)

RCAF (brass)

RCAF (bandsman in sterling silver)

8th Recce (sterling with white gold overlay)

Maple Leaf 2nd Canadian Special Infantry Battalion Aldershot

RC Air Cadets (badge used for overseas cadets)

NB Regt Tank

Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment

2nd Armd Car

Canadian Parachute Corps

Manitoba Volunteer Reserve

Control Commission Germany (sic)

P.E. Instructor (sic)

15th Light Horse

16/22nd Sask Horse (gilt officers)

Brigadier General

RCA Veterinary Corps (two piece sterling overlay)

Manitoba Mounted Rifles

Alberta Officer Training Corps (??)

CATS (Can Aux Trans Service)

CMHQ maple leaf badge (sterling silver)

Special Service Force (arrows)

Jr Soldier (Salvation army)

Garrison Regt

Trinity College COTC

De La Salle Cadets 247

Toronto Public School Cadets

Bishop Ridley College (cadets)

Veteran’s Brigade

RC Navy CPO kc two piece with sterling anchor

Maple Leaf with three C’s. (corps of commissionaires)

Cadre Instructor

McMaster U COTC (sterling)

Boys Brigade

Regiment de Lévis (small shield)

RCAF busby badge

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Military School of Piping

Seaforth Cadets

Piper’s arm badge

48th Highlanders TRH

48th Highlanders YTC

Seaforth Highlanders 4 piece officer’s sterling

Mount St Louis COTC

Newfoundland Highlanders

Newfoundland Pipe Band

Winnipeg Highland Cadets

20 EFTS

Ashbury College Cadet Corps

Prince of Wales Rangers

Boys Brigade (large pattern in sterling)

Brigadier General (large and small in bronze)

RCA Chaplain Corps collars

RCA Chaplain Corps gold plate with sterling overlay

Galt Aircraft School

King’s Own Rifles Corps

Canadian Women’s Volunteer Reserve

Irish Regt kc sporran

Oxford Rifles

Argyll Tank

Argyll Light Infantry

Halifax Cadets

La Salle Cadets sterling over gold

CWAC base badge

Sask Vets Civil Service (sic)

Canadian Corps Commissionaires 1st type scroll on bottom

Middlesex Regt(qvc crown on kc pattern badge)

Canadian Women’s Service Force (maple leaf pattern)

UCC kc

RCAF Association hand painted

2nd / 10th Dragoons

Cape Breton Highlanders (Canada on top)

Regiment de Québec

Pictou Regt 2 piece sporran badge

Defence Research

Victoria Rifles of Canada

Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps

Canadian Guards Bandsman

Chaplain’s Badge

Tri-service badge 57mm pattern

UCC qc

Irish Regiment qc sporran

Regina Rifles qc 10 battle honours error

9 Bn CEF

BC Horse shoulder titles

31 B C Horse collars

31 B C Horse cap

Given just these lists, as a collector you begin to appreciate not just the need for, but absolute necessity of acquiring a reference library. Because you are dealing with detailed features in every case, the requirement for clear photographs of genuine examples is inherent in the criteria for that library. Conversely photographs of the details of identified fraudulent badges can also be helpful in your forensic analysis, and believe me it has truly become an application of forensic science. Recommendations on some of the acknowledged excellent references are discussed in this blog under 'British Militaria'.

Fallschirmjager Artillery during Operation Merkur (Mercury), Crete 1941

2011-04-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

I only have a very limited knowledge of WWII German Airborne Forces, my primary area of interest being the British Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. I’m not certain of the origin of these photographs but believe them to be personally taken (or had taken) by a Fallschirmjager Hauptmann (Captain) in an artillery unit assigned to the XI Fliegerkorps (Air Corps). Based on available Order of Battle data it is highly probable that it is Fallschirmjager Artillery Section 7. The photos depict both the 10.5 cm L.G. (Leichtgeschutz – Light Gun) 40 (105mm Airborne Recoiless Rifle) and 7.5 cm Geb. G 36 ( Gebirgskanon -75mm Mountain Howitzer) in action in Kreta (Crete) during Operation Merkur (Mercury) in 1941. Both recoiless weapons were organic to the TO&E of artillery elements assigned to the Flieger-Division. However, confusion arises due to the same designation, L.G. 40, being given to both a 7.5cm and 10.5cm recoiless rifle. The Flieger-Division was also equipped with the 3.7 cm Pak (37mm Antitank Gun) which was motorcycle towed. The 75mm Mountain howitzers were organic, in 2 Sections (6 guns/section), to the Gebirgs-Artillerie-Regiment 95 (Mountain Artillery) of the 5th Gebirgs Division.

The SdKfz 2 Kettenkraftrad, which was initially designed as a light tractor specifically for the fallschirmjager, can be seen in the photos as the prime mover for the Geb. G 36 ( Gebirgskanon -75mm Mountain Howitzer). Also seen in one photo are the Sd.Anh. 1 special trailers supplied with the SdKfz 2. Based on the photos it appears that the 750 ccm BMW R75 Kraftrad (motorcycle) was sufficiently powerful to be used as a prime mover for the L.G.40 recoiless rifles.

Based on the limited view the radio set shown in the one photograph is probably the two-man pack Transceiver (Torn. Fu. a2). The set had a 1 watt power output, giving a range of 9 mi for CW mode and 4 mi for radio/telephone; based on data contained in TM-E 30-451, HANDBOOK ON GERMAN MILITARY FORCES, Department of the Army, 15 March 1945 issue. This particular radio set was standard for communications between infantry regiment (brigade) to battalion, and from battalion to corps.

Both the DFS 320 gliders employed in the invasion of Crete, and the GO 242 subsequently introduced in 1942, primarily as a supply glider on the Eastern Front, can be seen.

It appears that the photographs were taken both during the course of the battle in Crete, as well as the return to depot in Germany.

In several of the photos it can be seen that the captain is wearing the Iron Cross 1^st Class, and Luftwaffe Pilot’s badge in addition to his Luftwaffe Parachutist’s badge. In one photo he appears to be talking with Reichmarschall Herman Goring.

A study titled, AIRBORNE OPERATIONS, A German Appraisal, CMH Pub 104-13, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1989, was written for the Historical Division, EUCOM, by a committee of former high ranking German Luftwaffe officers. The list reads like a who's who of the Fallschirmjeger. It follows an outline prepared by the Office of the Chief of Military History, Special Staff, United States Army, and can be read in its entirety at http://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii/104-13/104-13.HTM. In that assessment the following was stated regarding the employment of artillery by the Fallschirmjeger during Operation Murkur. It was written by Oberst (Colonel) Freiherr von der Heydte (awarded Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves of the Iron Cross for action in Crete), an outstanding field commander of German parachute troops.

'The greatest headache for the German paratroop command was the lack of artillery in support of infantry fighting. The German paratroops were equipped with the excellent 75-mm. and 105-mm. airborne recoilless guns; both had short barrels and carriages made of light metal alloy. In suitable terrain the 75-mm. gun could be easily drawn by two men, and its elevation was the same as that of the 37-mm. antitank gun of the Army. The maximum range was 3,850 yards for the 75-mm. gun and 9,000 yards for the 105-mm. gun. Both had the following disadvantages:

a. A large amount of smoke and fumes was generated, and the flash toward the rear was visible at night for a great distance.

b. They could be used only as flat-trajectory weapons. Attempts to use the airborne recoilless guns as high-angle weapons were not satisfactory. Moreover, in an airborne operation it was seldom possible to carry along the necessary amount of ammunition or have it brought up later. Thus, as a rule, only important point targets could be attacked with single rounds, generally from an exposed fighting position.

Besides these weapons, 150-mm. rocket projectiles were used in the Crete operation. They were fired from wooden carrying crates, which also served as aerial delivery containers. These rockets did not prove successful; because of their high degree of dispersion they were suitable only for use against area targets and in salvo fire. However, the quantity of projectiles needed for such a purpose could not be transported on an airborne operation, and a Junkers JU-52 (German troop carrier aircraft) could carry and drop only four projectiles at a time.'

Oberst Freiherr von der Hydte
Commander of 1st Bn 3rd Fallschirmjager Regt
at Crete