Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Church Road, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, GL51 9QS and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
Guests are welcome, please contact us for details. To join the Orders and Medals Research Society please visit - http://www.omrs.org.uk

Branch Programme 2025

2025

January 9 - Jim Carver - A Pathfinder casualty in the family
February 13 - Rev. Paul Roberts - “A man of many talents: cricketer, composer, interrogator and liaison officer to the French Air Force 1940”
March 13 – Dave Seeney – Born in the Desert
April 10 – Paul Brewster - Commendations
May 8 – Christoper Mellor-Hill - ‘African Nuggets from the Hill Collection‘ Or 'The Gambia & Sierra Leone‘ (The expeditions & medals)
June 12 – Zak – France, La Grande Guerre medals and the framed ‘diplomas’.
July 12 - Lt.Col. Nathan Smith – tba

Meeting 9 February 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Paul Brewster, Jim Carver, Richard Emsley, Dave Martin, Christopher Mellor Hill and Dave Seeney.
The pre-meeting reminder sent to members and to the Swindon Village Hall organisers ensured  someone was there to open the bar for the meeting! On Thursday morning, Zak Coombs and Len Evans had a brief meeting with the Secretary of the Tewkesbury and Breedon Hill Probus Club. They have recently increased membership, from about 20 to 65 attending their weekly meetings, we were asking how they achieved this rapid growth, to try and find new members for our Branch.

Rev. Paul Roberts then gave his talk, entitled "The Awkward Corner”. This began with Paul purchasing a WW1 pair to an officer in the Worcesters. Paul knew a little about his life but further research led to a very interesting story. Patrick Barrow also served with the MGC before becoming an intelligence officer, where his skills in French and German were used to interview German POWs. He briefly played first-class cricket and was a composer of orchestral music. In 1939 he got a commission with the RAFVR as an Intelligence Officer and was sent to France to lisaise with the French Air Force. Needing an interpreter for a visit of a French General and British officers to the Maginot Line, Barrow was asked to attend. On meeting an older officer, wearing a greatcoat, the General mistook Barrow for a senior RAF officer. To avoid any embarrasment, Barrow kept his overcoat on during the whole trip. A French film-crew captured the visit for posterity! And so, Barrow's group grew to five medals in total. Barrow also worked with the RAF Central Band and composed "Elegy" which was in the band's repertoire for years. He died in 1974. There were 13 members and two guests from the Western Front Association. The meeting ended at 9.40pm and £14 was collected.

 

Meeting 9 January 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Andrew Derrick, Christopher Mellor Hill, Richard Huges, Alan MacDonald, Dave Martin, Dave Seeney. 
There being no bar staff, Zak will send a reminder to the hall organisers before each meeting. 
Jim Carver gave a moving and personal talk on a relative who served with a Pathfinder squadron. Despite having completed their tour, the crew, except for one man, volunteered to continue. They were shot down and killed. Jim used various letters that were exchanged between the families of the crew to show the tragedy of the loss. Included was one from the surviving member of the crew, who had tried to persuade them not to continue. The suffering of the families adds another aspect to an all too familiar story. 
Richard collected branch subscriptions, there were 12 members present and the meeting closed at 9 pm.
The next meeting will be Rev. Paul Roberts, called "A Man of Many Talents": cricketer, composer, Intelligence Officer, interrogator and Liaison Officer to the French Air Force in 1940.

Meeting 12 December 2024
Apologies received from John Wright, Christopher Mellor Hill, Richard Huges, Alan MacDonald, Danny Rees, Dave Seeney.
Meeting open with short talks on recent purchases
Dave Martin showed a IGS, clasp NWF 1936-37 to A.G. Lewis, and a second RA group, recently purchased on eBay, with WW2 medals, UN Korea, GSM Malaya, with Army LSGC and masses of documents and photographs.
Rev Paul Roberts, OBE and 1914 Star Trio with m.i.d trio Chaplin Winifrith again with lots of interesting documentation.
John Scott showed a group of 4 Australian medals, including an RAF LSGC, the first Australian issue in his collection.
Richard Emsley had a WW1 pair to a Midshipman who made a late entry as a Public Schoolboy with a BWM possibly to his sister.
Len Evans then gave a brief talk with display boards, covering the local U3A Military History groups, and a very interesting tour of the WW1 battlefields, and a visit to Winchester and the Gurkha’s Museum.
Members then split into teams for Len’s quiz on WW2 battles, Commonwealth flags, unit badges, commanders and Operational code names. This closely fought battle was won by John Scott and Rev. Paul Roberts Meeting ended at 2130, and 11 members attended.
Next meeting will take place at the usual venue, on 9th January when Jim Carver will be the speaker. 

Meeting 14 November 2024
Apologies from John Wright, Mick Atkinson, Andrew Derrick, Richard Emsley, Len Evans, Alan MacDonald , Christopher Mellor Hill,  David Seeney
Members Own Show and Tell
Clive Hammond showed a reprint of the 1891 Tancred Medal Collection and an NGS from the collection.
Richard Hughes, MC and bar WW2 to Major Cecil St. John Rodda, 1st Transvaal Scottish Rgt. – bar for first day of El Alamein.
Steve Lewis, bringing members up to speed on the recent addition of some WW2 Medal Application Cards and Service Papers, available on Ancestry
Paul Brewster, Silver Medal of Zimbabwe Independence, and a roll that became available, showing that many numbered medals are ‘in the safe’ and yet some now seem available to purchase.
Dave Martin,  1) Trio and m.i.d to Dvr. Dow for Salonika, with extensive research that shows he was one of the last Gaelic speakers in Strathtrummel, and his voice has been recorded.
2) GSM GVIR Malaya to S.A. W Prince Liverpool and Manchester Rgts. with later service in WW2, and from the new WW2 medal cards, an additional 5 medals!
Brian Hill, Egypt 1882 Gemaziah clasp, to Vivian Ernest Higham, 20th Hussars. Research shows service in WW1 – enlisted 3 times and each time, he was discharged as unfit!
John Scott, 1)Trio and TFWM to JA Potts, RFC. Only 114 issued, 13 to officers, 101 to OR’s. Overseas in 1917 and retired 1919. and  2) AFM and Pair to Sgt Observer Balls. BWM shows Boy Mechanic RNAS and the Victory Sgt RAF. AFM as Observer on Submarine patrols in Sopwith seaplanes.
Revd. Paul Roberts, 1) New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal to Frank Dunnage. Chaplin in the 10th Reinforcements aged 50 and served with the Canterbury Regiment on the Somme
and 2) Complete Chaplin’s Mess Dress Uniform to Reverend Capt. Juliette Hulme the first lady chaplin in the army. She served with 7 Signal Regiment, and with the Field Hospital in Iraq.11 members attended, and the meeting finished  at 2130.

Meeting 10 October 2024
Apologies from Christopher Mellor Hill, Mick Atkinson, Jamie Carver, John Scott, Dave Seeney, John Wright, Alan MacDonald
After a brief Update on post-op progress of Mick Atkinson, Len mentioned plans for future visits, possibly the Chaplin’s Museum and the Logistics Corps Museum, probably when the weather improves in the New Year? Steve showed pictures of a very rare gold medal that he had a chance to handle.
Rick Carver then presented his talk on the life and career of a very difficult man, Arnold Leese. He detailed Leese's career as a veterinary surgeon, who became recognised as the leading expert on diseases in camels in India. He accompanied the Graham Expedition in East Africa in 1913 and was responsible for the important camel corps that served in the campaign. During the war he was commissioned in the Army Veterinary Corps and served in France, mostly with horses. Throughout his career he had the knack of falling out with people in authority and was a very forthright and uncompromising man. On retiring he settled in England and was attracted to the small group of Fascists in Britain. Again, he fell out with the leading Fascists and so formed his own group. He wrote several books setting out his warped, racist and anti-semetic views, one of which led to a surprisingly short prison sentence. Although he did not admire Hitler, he did offer to help with the defence case at the Nuremburg trials, such was his paranoia. He died having achieved nothing, other than briefly being a local councillor.
This difficult story was told with skill, appropriate humour and tact. 
There were 15 present at the meeting, including two guests, Linda Carver and Fiona Watson.

OMRS Cotswold Branch Meeting 12 September 2024 Apologies from John Wright, Steve Lewis, Martin Keyte, and Zak Coombs.
Seven Members were present for this decidedly unusual evening, where the talk and display started with good evening weather in the Village Hall Car Park!! The hall remained firmly closed when our members assembled to look at the uniforms of Lt. Colonel Nicholson, owned by Clive Hammond. Clive originally intended to show these items on two display mannequins at the Branch Mini Convention in July, but a motor car malfunction saw him parked on the side of the road, rather than parked at the Convention!
This was his second attempt, and delayed access to the Hall was not going to defeat him twice, and he gave his brief talk on the Colonel’s military career with the uniforms on display in the back of his car! By the end of his talk, the main building had been opened by another group using the large hall, but frustratingly our members still could not gain access to the Bar Lounge, where our meetings were usually held. Chairs were borrowed from the main hall to set up in the spacious kitchen, and the Branch meeting continued with Clive showing a recently acquired Order of the Bath. This item was the final missing award, that he had been chasing for a long time, to complete a group of medals in his collection.
The meeting continued with lively and entertaining discussion, as several members showed their recent acquisitions, or favourite items with interesting stories.
The meeting ended just before 9.00 pm.

August gathering

The August meeting took place at 1930 hrs at the Exmouth Arms on the Bath Road, Cheltenham!
Apologies  from Christopher Mellor Hill and Alan MacDonald. The weather was against us this year,  and on a mild but rather wet and windy day  only four members turned up for an evening of convivial chat on lots of topics, and some medal talk too! The meeting closed with empty glasses at 10 pip-emma! The next Cotswold Branch of the OMRS will meet at 7.00 for 7.30 start at our regular venue, the Swindon Village Hall, on Thursday 12 September. A video link of some outstanding research work by our Treasurer, Richard Emsley and a  Stow on the Wold antique dealer is attached.  Hope the link works!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh_5mYQTBfk

 

Meeting 11 July 2024

Apologies received from J. Wright, M. Atkinson, C. Mellor-Hill.
Christopher was unable to give his talk this evening and so Jim Carver stepped in with a talk on how he started collecting and some items from his collection. These included family medals, a caterpillar badge to a Hurricane pilot who flew in the Battle of Britain, an East & West Africa Medal to an African soldier who was killed in World War One. He explained that the families of African soldiers killed in the war did not receive any medals. He also showed a WW1 star awarded to a naval VC winner, a wedding present from his wife! An interesting insight into one persons journey into collecting and the paths it can take you down.
There were 22 members present and the meeting closed at 9 pm 

Branch Mini-Convention 6 July 2024
Another successful event, well supported by visitors. A big thank you to Len and his wife for planning and running the event so well, also thank you to the exhibitors who gave up their time to prepare and put on their exhibits. Finally, thank you to the three speakers who gave us interesting presentations.

Meeting 13 June 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, M. Atkinson, D. Seeney, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, L. Evans.
Zak mentioned the email sent to all members with some final details of the branch mini-convention on 6th July. The new branch laptop was unveiled.
Graham then gave his talk on the Air Force Medal. He explained how the medal came about, the design and the various obverses and reverse designs. He then presented the stories of several men from his collection, who were awarded the A.F.M. A series of fascinating and very different stories and medal combinations. This included acts of gallantry and also distinguished service over a period of operations. Questions followed and then John Scott showed two interesting A.F.M. groups from his own collection.
Zak expressed the thanks of the members present for a very interesting talk. He then announced that Graham was to be made a life-member of the branch, on this, his last talk. After being a member for over 20 years, he will be moving away in the near future to be closer to his family. A loss for our branch but we all wish him well.
There were 13 members present and the meeting closed at 9.10pm

Meeting 9 May 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, P. Roberts, M. Atkinson
Len gave some details about the July Convention and will send an email around all members. Zak spoke about putting an ad in the Swindon Village magazine to try and attract new members.
The Friends of the Mercian Regiment will be having a talk about the real military careers of the original cast of Dad's Army, 21st June. Zak informed the branch that the National Arboretum will be refurbishing their "Shot At Dawn" memorial.
John Scott then gave his talk on the Cadet Force Medal. John covered its institution and the various ammendements to the conditions of award over the years. Interesting details, such as wartime service counting double and no entitlment to a Defence Medal was raised. John showed examples of groups from his own collection, to illustrate the sort of careers that these men had.
He also showed a sample striking of the new Charles III Cadet Force Medal. Graham showed two interesting groups, one with a DFM for Aden in the 1920s. Dave Seeney showed a rare WW2 group with an Efficiency Medal named to the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and Cadet Force Medal. An interesting talk on a subject that members knew little about. John also discovered that as well Australia and New Zealand issuing the medal, there were also a handful of awards in Rhodesia.
15 members were present and the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Meeting 11 April 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, C. Mellor-Hill, P. Brewster, T. Mason, P. Roberts, M. Atkinson, J. Scott, A. MacDonald
Richard introuduced the new card payment device for payments of subs and meeting charge, which worked well.
Dave Martin spoke about two Welsh Guardsmen, one a prisoner of war in WW1 and the other in WW2, captured at Boulogne.
Jim Carver spoke about a surprising number of reunites that he has achieved, especially as they are medals to West African troops. Some rare medals on desplay and interesting tales of how the reunite came about.
Next should have been Rev. Paul Robert's presentation, in the form of a video that he sent, as he is currently away. Unfortunately, despite working or the previous presentation, the laptop "died" on trying to start the video. A link has been emailed to all members so they can watch the talk on You Tube.
John Scott asked that anyone who has an interesting group that includes a Cadet Force Medal, please bring it to the next meeting.
14 members were present and the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Meeting 14 March 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, A. Macdonald
Len Evans advised the members of a proposed visit the British Museum (Roman Army exhibition) £22 per ticket. Paul Brewster pointed out that members need to support Helion Books, who publish OMRS books, by buying publications. Dave Seeney informed the branch of a ‘D-Day 80’ exhibition at the Warwickshire Regimental Museum, and Len advised that the Glosters Museum will also be putting on an event, for ‘D-Day 80’ as well.
Following the discussion at last month’s meeting, Richard Emsley described a suitable card-payment system for the branch, and the members present approved going ahead with the implementation. He also called for anyone interesting in volunteering as an editor for the Society Journal, should get in touch with him.
Steve Lewis then gave a very interesting, comprehensive, and well researched talk on the history of the Finnish voluntary auxiliary para-military organisation for women, called the Lotta Svard. He covered the formation, uniform, the insignia, and medals of the Lotta Svard, then described the various voluntary branches open to members of the service, and finally, their disbandment, as part of the armistice with Stalin in 1944. Steve explained that a new women's volunteer organisation is now operating in Finland, in view of the increased levels of concern at events in recent years, involving Russian military actions. Richard asked for members to pay their subs (still £12). These can be paid at meetings or at Q&C Militaria.
14 members and one Lotta attended the meeting. £13.00 was collected in meetings subs, on the evening.
The next meeting will be Thursday, 11th April, 7pm for 7.30pm start. It will be three short talks and the speakers will be, Rev. Paul Roberts, on “Brushes with Royalty”, Jim Carver on an African topic, and finally Dave Martin on “The Welsh Guards”

Meeting 8 February 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, J. Carver, M. Atkinson, D. Seeney, R. Hughes, T. Dowle.
Len advised the members of possible trips, more details when available, including a trip to London to visit the Guards Museum and the British Museum (Roman Army exhibition).
Richard presented the branch accounts and updated members on plans to move to an online account.
Paul Brewster then spoke on the B.S.A.P. in the First World War. He explained their involvement in Africa and how the history of the regiment fails to mention the contribution of part-time, reservists and non-white members. He explained how the published works have understated the awards of medals for this service and how he will put this right in a planned publication. An interesting look at an unusual unit that volunteered to serve outside their usual sphere of operations.
Paul Roberts then presented a family grouping of medals that was offered for sale in separate lots. By securing all the lots he was able to prove the links and keep the story alive. Had the lots been split up it would have been impossible to prove who some of the recipients were.
Richard asks for members to pay their subs (still £12). These can be paid at meetings or at Q&C Militaria. The facility to pay by card is being looked into by Richard and Zak.
12 members and one guest attended.

Meeting 11 January 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, A. Derrick, J. Carver, J. Scott, M. Atkinson, A. MacDonald, R. Hughes, R. Emsley.
Mini-Convention: Len asked for anyone wishing to put on an exhibit in July to let him know. We were sorry to hear the Clive Harmson, for many years the volunteer barman at our meetings, died recently. It was pointed out that the OMRS branch page was still showing last year's programme.
John Ralwinson then gave an overview of the history of the Royal Marines, covering its changing roles over the centuries and presenting medals and artifacts that illustrated apsects of the story. These included a presentation sword to a Royal Marine officer for an engagement with a French ship. The medals covered the Crimean and Baltic campaigns through to Afghanistan and Iraq, inlcuding an officer decorated for the Zeebrugge Raid. A fascinating story and everyone learned something new about the Royal Marines.
15 members attended.

Meeting Thursday 14 December 2023 
8 members attended our Christmas meeting at the Village Hall. Apologies were received from several members unable to attend.
We had the Hall to ourselves, Zumba and the Art Class, have finished for the year. It was a good meeting, held in the ‘round’ with members sitting in a circle around two tables, for the Christmas food and drinks members had brought with them. It was an excellent arrangement to discuss items members had brought, and any other topic of general interest, without the formality of audience style seating. It has been suggested that we adopt a similar, less formal approach to all future “show and tell” meetings.
Our next meeting will be on 11 January 2024.

Minutes of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Meeting on 9 November 2023. 
Any “Errors and Omissions” are the fault of the President, who has never done the minutes before !
13 Members attended the Members Own meeting. £12.00 subs were collected during the evening.
Apologies from Steve Lewis, John Wright, Alan MacDonald, James Carver, Andrew Derrick
AOB. Proposal to move Club funds to an interest earning account was discussed, and the matter was voted on by the members present. Unanimous decision, to leave the situation unchanged with the funds in a non-interest earning account in the Club name. Suggestion has been made to the President, that the amount raised in the monthly raffle used to be recorded in the minutes. But since the introduction of a free-book swap, and the payment of a monthly sub of £1.00 , the amount collected has not been noted in the meeting minutes. This will now be done following each meeting.
Len Evans offered to arrange for the Soldiers of Gloucester Museum to host the club at the Christmas Meeting, as happened last year. This was gratefully received and accepted by all members present at the meeting. 7.00 pm on 14th December at Gloucester Docks, bring your own party food to share, as we would do for similar meetings at the Village Hall. Details to be circulated shortly.
Meeting opened and seven members brought items to share :
Paul Brewster, a WW1 DCM with TFWM and TFEM group to the Brewster family name. On researching, Paul discovered he had the WW1 pair to the brother of this man.
Dave Martin showed a GSM 1918 Palestine to Pte. John George Davison, 1st Worcesters, who died of wounds in Jerusalem. Also, the MM, Star trio, LSGC and MSM to Grenadier and later Welsh Guards. Pte. to RSM. GM Holme who was present in a very clear photo with King George V and Queen Mary.
Brian Hill had an interesting Yeomanry group of WW1 pair, Defence, 1935 Jubilee, 1953 Coronation, and a Belgian CdeG, to A/Sgt. RC Chambers, Hamps Yeomanry, who later became long time Mayor of Romsey, and was in office at just the right time, to get his Jubilee and Coronation medals !
Rick Carver brought a 5-clasp QSA, WW1 Trio to Cpl. WJ Judd, a 6th Dragoons Rough Rider who later became Riding Master. Judd rescued a fellow trooper from a river earning a Bronze Royal Humane Soc’y medal – sadly not with the group. If you have Judd’s Bronze RHS medal, please contact Rick!
Clive Hammond had a sad tale to tell. He showed an immaculate well-made red jacket worn by Lt. Col. Anson Guise of the Gloucester Rgt. Sadly, when having it cleaned, they snipped the maker’s label, with the Colonel’s name on it, out of the jacket, destroying the provenance.
Graham Pitchfork shared the story of his WW1 trio, Defence and War Medals with Navy LSGC and Russian Order of St. Stanislav to Flt Lt JT Gibson who saw service as an Engineer Officer with the RN, the RNAS and finally the RAF.
Richard Hughes closed this entertaining and informative evening, with the MC, WW1 Trio, m.i.d and Army LSGC to RSM George Grover 1st Worcesters, who had several interesting newspaper articles in the local papers about his military service.
Sincere thanks to all members who shared their items and research with the club. A request was made for members to be on the look out for a book The Guinea Pigs of HMS Dianah, they were detailed to steam through a Nuclear Fallout Cloud, during the early nuclear testing programmes. Not many of this ship’s company reached old age !! Any sighting or info to Paul Brewster please!

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 12 October 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Seeney, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, T. Dowle, M. Atkinson
Zak informed the branch that John Wright had resigned as secretary, due to his wife's ill health. The branch thanks John for his many years serving the branch and look forward to seeing him at meetings in the future. Steve Lewis was appointed as the new branch secretary. Len gave the first details of next year's branch mini-convention. A buffet lunch must be pre-ordered (£7). Richard proposed a change to the branch bank account and Zak will canvas the members shortly. Reb. Paul Roberts then spoke about the formation of his collection of "between the wars" medals to Army Chaplains. Using the GSM as his basis, he explained each of the clasps, the number of clasps issued to Chaplains and then showed examples from his collection. Paul showed that a lot of information can be found about a chaplain's career and one group revealed a chaplain that appears to have been present on the Dieppe Raid. An interesting look at a different type of service. There were 14 members and 3 guests in attendance. The meeting closed at 9.20pm.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 14 September 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, D. Seeney, R. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, P.BASP Brewster, R. Emsley
Len reported that the branch mini-convention will be Saturday 6 July 2024, more details as they become available. Mick Atkinson, on his birthday and accompanied by his wife Chris, spoke about am extremey rare medal that he acquired, the French Royal and Military Order of St. Louis. His research proved that the example he has is one of the original examples from 1693. There is provenance that the medal was later presented to General Alexandre D'Alton, a French officer of Irish descen (Dalton)t. He spoke about the Irish volunteers in Napoleon's army and about D'Alton's career, which included many famous campaigns and battles. These included the Russian campaign and the Slave Rebellion on Haiti. Another interesting talk from Mick, who has more research to uncover on this man.
There were 12 members and 2 guests in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 July 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Martin, M. Atkinson, L. Evans, T. Dowle
Ian Roberts explained the creation of the Orders and medals of the Soviet Union from 1918 to 1945. Taking each award in turn, he covered its creation and gave approximate numbers of awards made. He gave the basic criteria for making the awards and pointed out the unfairness of some of them. He then showed some examples from his own collection. He explained that there was no collecting in Russia as it was illegal to sell or export Orders and Medals in Russia. There were a lot of questions, which he covered. We look forward to part two of his talk at a later date.
There were 14 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 June 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Martin, A. MacDonald, T. Dowle, R. Emsley, M. Atkinson, L. Evans
Zak informed the branch of the beginning of planning for our mini-convention next year. Len will lead the planning but would welcome any assistance. Paul kicked off with a presentation of his medal collection to his family name. He explained the cluster of medal around certain parts of the country and how he had produced databases to show how many potential medals are out there. The collection covered from the Indian Mutiny to Northern Ireland. Graham then presented an overview of the Air Force Medal, there being fewer than a thousand ever issued. He then showed examples from his fine collection. Steve then spoke about a group of medals to an Indian Civil Servant who served in Burma, apart from time with the Khyber Rifles during WW1. He then explained that the officer was a school-friend of J.R.R. Tolkien and a member of Tolkien's secret society at school. The fate of the nine members was then covered and how it affected Tolkien.
There were 16 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 13 April 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, D. Martin, A. MacDonald
Paul informed the branch about upcoming OMRS publications, keep an eye on the OMRS website for details. Dave Gibbons raised the fact that several leading medal collectors have passed away in recent months.
Mike then presented the story of how he purchased a Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur at a small auction company. Following a trail of clues, over the space of a year, he built a chain of provenance that strongly suggests that this was the personal Grand Cross of the Emperor Napoleon. It has passed from the British officer who was appointed as ADC to the Emperor-in-exile, who then gifted it to a family friend. When that family eventually died out, the Cross was purchased from the estate by an antiques dealer. After his death, it was put into auction. A geat piece of research and well-presented.
There were 18 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday13 April 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, T. Dowle, J. Carver and Zak.
Len informed the branch of a visit being planned to the Imperial War Museum Duxford and the Combined Operations Museum. This will be a 2-day trip, details to follow. Dave mentioned the recent changes to obtaining military service records from the MOD. The process is now free and MOD are currently transferring 10 million service records to the National Archives, who have contracted ancestry to the digitise the records. John Scott then advised the branch of the Birmingham Medal Society Mini-Convention on Sunday 4 June, at Knowle British Legion Club Solihull, B93 9LE. The day will cost £17, which includes a buffet lunch. Forms can be obtained from Q&C Militaria.
Paul Brewster then delivered his talk, explaining the opportunities and problems he faces as the historian of the British South Africa Police. He then showed some rare items from their collection and linked them into medals that he has in his collection. These were: the silver head of the bandmasters mace, the last British South Africa Company flag that was flying over the BSAP HQ, and a selection of files saved from Rhodesia. These report on actions fought in the war against terrorists in Rhodesia, including the shooting down of a comet airliner, atfer which the terrorists shot all the survivors. A thought-provoking talk that took a different approach to a difficult subject.
There were 13 members and one guest in attendance and £10 was raised for club funds. 

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 February 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, M. Mockridge, P. Brewster
Richard is collecting subscriptions, which is £12 for the year. 
A member's own covering a wide range of subjects. It began with Mick Atkinson talking about some items from his French Napoleonic collection and ended with Zak's story about buying fire volunteers medals from a New Zealand auction.
There were 22 members present and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 12 January 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, R. Emsley, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Hughes, M. Mockridge, A. MacDonald
Zak proposed that instead of holding raffles, people pay £1 at the meeting for club funds and books be put out for people to take. The problem with the club laptop was also raised, Steve will continue to bring his to meetings until this is resolved. Len informed the branch of a trip at end of this month, details to follow. Our speaker, Ian Binnie, then gave an overview of the Gallipoli campaign that led up to the Imperial Yeomanry being ordered to walk, in formation, across a salt flat in clear view of the Turkish artillery. The advance, which was pointless, resulted in no advantage but the loss of many Yeoman. It was suggested that the operation was ordered, to draw Turkish artillery fire away from another attack which began at the same time. An interesting and thought-provoking presentation. The meeting closed at 9pm and there were ten members and one guest present.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 December 2022
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Carver, R. Hughes, B. Hill, M. Mockridge, D. Seeney, P. Brewster
Our Christmas meeting this year was as guests of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, with Len and Matthew Holden welcoming 13 members and guests on a freezing Gloucester night. Gathering in the boardroom, a selection of weapons was laid for us to inspect, including a rare Georgian officers sword with 28 on the blade (28th Foot) and a sword carried by Colonel Carne, V.C. Then Matthew brought out the four genuine VCs held by the museum, again including Colonel Carne's for the stand at Gloster Hill on the Imjin River in Korea. We were then free to walk around the museum, where Len talked about various exhibits. A very enjoyable evening and thank you to Len and Matthew for hosting us. I would urge anyone who has not visited the museum to do, if they have the chance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 10 November 2022
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Emsley, Z. Coombes, L. Evans
Our speaker, Neela Man, told the story of how Cheltenham reacted to the outbreak of war in 1914 and the effect the war had on the town. She talk about the recruiting efforts, the women war workers, local hospitals, etc and ended with the process by which a suitable war memorial was built in the town. The war had a lasting effect on the town and its people, but much of this has faded from memory of most people living in Cheltenham today. Neela has done her part in preserving this past by writing a book on the subject and by giving talks when asked.
There were 15 members and guests present and the meeting closed at 9.30.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 13 October 2022
Apologies received from C. Mellor-Hill, and J. Wright. Richard gave a brief report on the annual convention and then Len proposed that the Christmas meeting be held at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, which has offered to host us for the evening. More details to follow. Jim Carver then told the story of the British administration of the Gold Coast colony (Ghana) and the creation of its first military unit, known as Glover's Hausas. Recruits included freed slaves and one of their roles was to supress the slave trade that was still being run by tribal chiefs. The force then became the Gold Coast Constabulary and the main problem was with the Ashanti tribe, who ruled by oppression, raids, enslaving and selling captured enemies and employing human sacrifice. In the 1890s a Muslim slave army of Sofas was taking from slaves in the area. 1897 Chief Commissioner Francis Henderson and an African Surveyor named George Fergusson, along with 41 men of the Gold Coast Constabulary proceeded to Dawkita, where they were attacked by an army of 7,000 Sofas. For four days and nights they fought off waves of Sofa attacks but were eventually forced to attempt to withdraw. The party had lost 2 killed and 9 wounded, Sofa causlties were put at around 400 killed. Fergusson was captured and shot dead, then beheaded by the Sofas. Henderson was awarded the D.S.O. for his services and the very rare clasp DAWKITA 1897 was awarded for the East and West Africa Medal. Jim then showed some relevant medals, including an extremely rare pair of medals, Ashanti Star and E&W Africa Medal with 3 clasps (including Dawkita 1897) to a member of the G.C. Constabulary who took part in the defence. Although unknown to the general public, the defence of Dawkita is even more remarkable than the Defence of Rorke's Drift. The British anti-slavery actions are, of course, ignored by by certain sections today. There were 19 members and 1 guest present and the meeting closed at 9.15. 

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 September 2022
Apologies received from P. Roberts, G. Pitchfork, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Scott, A. Derrick and G. Hervin. The evening began with two minutes silence as the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen was announced. Zak thanked Len for arranging the successful mini-convention. Len is arranging a private evening at the Glosters Museum, details to be announced. Steve then began his talk with a short presentation about his wife's great uncle who was awarded Hero of the Soviet Union during the Second World War. Ironically he was a Ukrainian and his posthumous award was for an action in the Ukrainian coast. He then spoke about the first repatriation of prisoners of war in February 1915, using the group to Pte F.C. Day, 1st Gloucesters, to tell the story. The British and German prisoners were all deemed unfit for further service, though some went on to win gallantry medals later in the war! The meeting closed at 9.15 and there were 12 members present.

Message from the Branch President:

A few local members asked me about the informal get together, that stands as a meeting in August. Obviously during the lock downs these never took place, but for anyone who would like to meet for a social chat over a beer or two, I suggest a gathering at the EXMOUTH ARMS on the BATH ROAD; kick off, as usual at 1900 hrs and Home-time sometime before closing on THURSDAY 11th AUGUST. The last couple of events have been a bit chilly once the sun goes down, and as we tend to gather outside, I suggest bring a warm jacket – although with the temperature forecast for this weekend that might not be the case this year!! Look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at the Swindon Village Hall for the Mini Convention! Cheers, Zak

Cotswold Branch mini-convention 16th July 2022
It has been several years since the branch held a mini-convention, the previous two, before the covid-period, being commemorations of World War One. Members, and three guests, presented wide-range of themes with a lot of work put into preparing the exhibits. We were treated to five 10-minute talks, which were very well received. Attendees enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch and took advantage of the bar, on a very hot Summer day. Apparently this lovely weather signifies the end of the world, although in my memory this was what summer was like when I was a kid! It was announced that John Wright was made a Branch Life Member for his oustanding record of service to the branch over many years. Thanks go to Len, who took on the task of arranging the day; Graham who organized the speakers; to Zak, Andrew and Dave, who arrived early to help set-up and then clean up afterwards; to the staff of the Hall who provided their usual excellent service; to our OMRS visitors who travelled some distance to attend and support our branch; and finally to all those wbo exhibited. The feedback has been very good and we look forward to 2024!

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 14th July 2022
Apologies received from B. Hill, P. Roberts, D. Seeney, M. Atkinson, P. Brewster. Our speaker, David Abrutat, is the official GCHQ Historian and author of "Vanguard: The True Stories of the Reconnaissance & Intelligence Missions behind D-Day." David gave an overview of the many strands of information gathering, analysis and dissemination that provided the Allied commanders at all levels with the relevant information to make D-Day a success and to minimize casualties.
The sheer scale of the intelligence operation is breathtaking and included tales of very brave French civilians who risked everything to gather and send information to Britain.
The meeting closed at 9.30 and there were  members and 4 guests present.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 9 June 2022
Apologies received for those not present. Stuff was said. Dave Seeney talked on the Sudan War 1916, which no doubt was excellent but I was not present and no notes were taken or report sent in on the meeting!
Members were certainly present and the meeting eventually closed.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 12 May 2022
Apologies received from A. McDonald, J. Scott, S. Lewis, P. Brewster, M. Mockridge, C. Mellor-Hill.
The meeting opened with an update on the July convention and the catering arrangements were agreed.
Zak (welcome back) then introduced the speaker, Mick Atkinson, who spoke on the Retreat From Moscow, Napoleon's disastrous Russia Campaign, which resulted in the destruction of the La Grande Armee. He then showed the medals of four men who fought under Napoleon. Covering the invasion and then retreat, Mick gave his usual informative and entertaining lecture, which was, of course, well researched. Zak thanked Mick on behalf of the branch for another fine talk.
Clive Hammond then produced a French helmet from the period and explained how it came into his possession. The helmet had been worn by an officer who served in Russia and had come from an ancestor.
There were 21 members and 2 guests present (Neal Gibson and Ken Beaden) and the meeting closed at 10pm.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 14 April 2022
Apologies received from Z. Coombes, D. Seeney, M. Atkinson, J. Scott, L. Evans., M. Cox, G. Hirvin.
The meeting was broadcast on zoom, a first for the branch, this being facilitated by Danny Rees and six people watching. Christopher then spoke on the institution of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, which was not as straight forward as you might think. The early awards included some for long service and for meritorious service. He also explained that the number of awards was sometimes limited by the payments that came with the medal, as the money came from the same pot as other qualifying medals. In the second part of the talk Christopher used examples from the collection formed by his father and himself over the years, of D.C.M.s awarded for the various African colonies. These included some spectacular and rare groups of medals. As always, Christopher delivered an entertaining and informative talk. Graham thanked Christopher on behalf of the branch and then we had the chance to take a closer look at the medals.
Watching on zoom were D. Seeney, Zak, J. Scott, N. Higton, and Zita Fletcher in the U.S.A.
There were 19 members and 1 guest (Martin Flook) and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 11 March 2022
Apologies received from Richard Emsley, Zak Coombes, Danny Rees.
Len Evans asked for volunteers to exhibit at the branch mini-convention and for anyone who wants to help with the organizing. Steve Lewis then spoke the very poignant words of Marshal Mannerheim of Finland at the end of the Winter War in 1940, which could easily be applied to the situation in Ukraine today.
Graham Pitchfork presented his brief history of Bomber Command during World War Two, using groups from his collection to bring the overview down to a personal story. He covered the many roles undertaken by this wholly volunteer force of young men, many with minimal training yet willing to face up to flying repeated missions knowing that each one could be their last.
As Graham pointed out, we remember “the few” of the Battle of Britain (in which Bomber Command played a largely unrecognised but vital role), but we should also remember “the many” of Bomber Command.
There were 23 members present and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 10th February 2022
Apologies received from Len Evans, John Scott, Andrew Derrick. Paul Brewster delivered his usual thoroughly researched look at another aspect of the British South Africa Police honours and awards system. Explaining the concept of a commendation, various types and how they were used by British police forces. He then covered the introduction of the Rhodesian insignia to denote the award of commendations to members of the BSAP and how they were worn. Using several examples of groups in his collection and representations of siginificant police officers he showed how the award was used to highlight work done by policemen and how it was awarded without prejudice.
Rev. Paul Roberts then answered a question posed to him at the last meeting regarding MiDs to members of the Army Chaplain's Department in World War Two, which led to wider discussion. There were 19 members and guests present and the meeting closed at 9.15pm.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 13th January 2022
Apologies received from R. Hughes, Z. Coombes, Len Evans, Graham Pitchfork, Andrew Derrick. An amazing members own meeting kicked off with Mick Atkinson telling the story of reduced-size Legion d'Honneur awarded to a French officer whose long career included service in Egypt. Steve Lewis spoke about the medals to Oiva Heikanen, a member of the Finnish Waffen-ss Regiment. He also explained how a poorly compiled report about the battalion in Russia resulted in false accusations of involvement in the Holocaust despite a total lack of any evidence. Paul Brewster spoke about a group to the BSAP and how analysis of the numbers of awards can reveal interesting details. John Rawlinson showed a group to a Royal Marine cook who received a unique MSM, the only medal ever awarded to his unit. Paul Roberts showed a GSM Palestine, WW2 group to a chaplain who was captured in 1940 but somehow has a France & Germany Star. Jim Carver showed a QSA to Lord Strathconas's Horse (raised dates) which he bought at auction only to find his WW1 pair for sale in the auction. Rick Carver showed to QSA, Coronation pairs to MPs. Dave Martin showed a very rare WW2 group to a POW in Greece at the end of the war, fighting the Greek communists and a group to another POW. Then Christopher shocked us all by showing the medals of Sir Colin Campbell, a 6-clasp Peninsula Gold Cross, Waterloo Medal, and various Orders. What a thrill to hold such an historic, rare and beautiful medal.
There were 14 members present and one guest at the meeting closed at 9.15pm.  

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 9th December 2021
Apologies received from R. Hughes, C. Mellor-Hill, Z. Coombes, S. Lewis. There only being 11 members present, there was no AGM held. Len Evans needs the names of anyone wishing to exhibit at the branch mini-convention next year and anyione willing to assist the organizing of the event. Richard to be contacted about the loan of the Society cabinets. Dave Seeney spoke about a new series of meetings for the Birmingham Medal Spciety, contact him for further details. Six members showed items from their collections. Mike Atkinson showed a Legion d'Honneur worn by Napoleon. He told the story of the provenance of the piece. David Martin showed a 2 bar GSM to a Grenadier Guard who also received an RVM. Brian Hill talked on a 5-clasp QSA to an 18th Hussar who changed his name 6 times. Graham Pitchfork showed a group to a WW2 and Korea squadron-leader who served with the USMC night fighter in Korea. He was later killed in a crash. Graham Irvin showed a Punjab Medal and Maharatta Star to Lt Ward, 56th Bengal N.I. and a medal to an officer in the Bengal Horse Artillery who was killed at Gujerat. Terry Mason talked about a Lt. George Miller who served in Burma 1853 and took the siege train to Delhi during the Mutiny. Len Evans talked about General Carton de Wiart, V.C. who served in the Boer war, WWI and WW2. Members then shared the Christmas feast and the meeting closed with Christmas and New Year wishes.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 11th November 2021
Apologies received from D. Edwards, J. Scott, Zak Coombs, S. Lewis
Zak will be keeping the branch laptop and projector so if you need it please contact him before the meeting. Paul Brewster asked for input on producing a book for medal collectors.
Len Evans informed the branch that he won't be arranging any trips until the New Year.
Clive Hammond kicked off the presentations with uniforms belonging to the first Baron Playfair, being a first class state coat of the Royal Household (he was equerry to Prince Albert. Then there was full dress uniform for a Colonel of the Wiltshire Yeomanry. Rev. Paul Roberts spoke about the life and career of William Thorpe, a Chief Fire Officer of Malvern.
Lastly David Martin spoke about a group to Sgt. P. Knight, Royal Artillery, who was killed in 1944.
There were 18 members and 1 guest present.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 14th October 2021
Apologies received from P. Roberts, S. Lewis, D. Edwards, T. Mason, M. Mockridge, D. Seeney, M. Atkinson, M. Cox, G. Pitchfork.
It was agreed to look at holding a branch mini-convention on Saturday 16th July 2022.
Paul Brewster informed the branch about the deal that OMRS has done with a military book publisher to handle OMRS book publications, more information will be announced shortly.
Brian Hill then spoke about a lady who worked with the Red Cross (French hopsital medals). Dave Martin talked about a group to a man in the Hampshire Regiment who served in Palestine before the war and was wounded, and a group to an 11th Hussar who a POW. Paul Brewster spoke about a 1911 Met. Police Coronation Medal to a PC who was sacked for joining the strike in 1919. Richard Hughes spoke about an MM trio to a chap in the 2/7th Worcesters. 

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 9th September 2021
Apologies received from S. Lewis, A. Derrick, J. Scott.
The branch were pleased to welcome a visit from ex-branch member In-Pensioner Mick Kippin; who now collects medals to Chelsea Pensioners. 
He showed a group to Col. Sgt. Ronald Wood who served with the Hampshires, Palestine Police and then the merchant navy (Cunard), before retiring to the Royal Hospital.
David Martin talked about a group to a WWII British POW who escaped and one to a POW in Korea.
Brian Hill: A 15 Star trio to  an RNVR CPO who went on to be a Major in the A.S.C.
Terry Mason talked about researching the NGS for 1st July 1794 to General Sir Andrew Pilkington.
Paul Brewster: BSAP Reserve WWII group to a chap who served in Eritrea.
Graham Pitchfork: Group to a Halton Apprentice who served with 11 Squadron and a prisoner of the Japanese, surviving the Hell Ships.
Richard Hughes: a DSM group to the merchant navy.
Dave Seeney:Mutiny, Zulu, LSGC and MSM group to Sgt Major T. Clark, 6th Foot.
Mick Atkinson: A rare medal for the Storming of the Bastille named to a French tailor. This example being one of only four known to have survived.
There were 16 members and 1 guest present and the meeting closed at 10pm.

Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 12th August 2021
Apologies received from G. Pitchfork, Z. Coombes, R. Carver, S. Lewis, Rev. P. Roberts.
The evening began with a presentation by Nicola Nash from the Ministry of Defence Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre. She spoke on their work recovering, identifying and burying the remains of British service personnel that are found around the world.
The meeting then followed with some branch news. Peter McKenna was remembered to the branch, having passed away in July. Andrew Derrick stood down as the Functions Secretary, with the thanks of the branch for his service in this position over the years. Len Evans was elected to take over.
The branch welcomes a new member, Terry Mason, an OMRS member who has moved into the area.
Five members then spoke in a mini-members own.
Mike Atkinson spoke about a Waterloo/MGS pair to Andrew Hartley of the Royal Horse Guards. Surviving the campaigns unscathed, he lost an arm in an artillery accident in 1831 while an officer with the East Kent Yeomanry. He became a Military Knight of Windsor and died in 1861.
Paul Brewster spoke about compiling a BSAP roll that included all officers.
Dave Martin spoke on an GVI MM group for Korea to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
Dave Seeney showed a DCM, MM and trio to the Warwicks; having owned the MM for some years, he was contacted by a dealer offering him the rest of the group. A superb re-unite.
Brian Hill spoke about a group to a member of the AVC in WW1 who went on to become a football referee in Columbia. So zealous were the local football fans that an armed guard had to be present at the games!
There were 20 members and 3 guests and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

Branch Trip to Ypres 2012