2024
Sept.
12th – Clive Hammond - Lt.Col. C.A. Nicholson: the convention desplay that never was!
Oct.
10th - Rick Carver - “The Reverse of the Medal - A Troublesome and Troubling Recipient”.
Nov.
14th – Members Own
Dec.
12th - Christmas meeting
2025
Jan.
9th - Jim Carver - tba
Feb.
13th - Rev. Paul Roberts - “A man of
many talents: cricketer, composer, interrogator and liaison officer to
the French Air Force 1940”
March
13th – Dave Seeney – Born in the Desert
April
10th – Paul Brewster - Commendations
May
8th
– Christoper Mellor-Hill - ‘African Nuggets from the Hill
Collection‘ Or 'The Gambia & Sierra Leone‘ (The expeditions
& medals)
June
12th
– Zak – France,
La Grande Guerre medals and the framed ‘diplomas’.
July
12th - Lt.Col. Nathan Smith – tba
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 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 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 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:
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 12th March 2020
Apologies
received
from T. Dowle, M. Atkinson, D.
Seeney, M. Keyte, M. Cox, M.
Mockridge, B. Hill and P. Brewster
The meeting
opened at 7.30pm and the secretary
informed the members that at the
request of the organizing
committee an e-mail has been
sent to all OMRS branches
informing them of our
forthcoming Mini Convention
being held on the 28 June here in
Swindon village hall. Several
branches have replied saying
they will be informing all of
their individual branch members
and some hope to attend. Steve
lewis took the floor to inform
the Gloucestershire Police Visit
to Q&C Militaria. The medals
were thought to have been stolen
as they were in the possession
of a well known local carrier
criminal. They were the Order of
Merit EVII and the Knight Grand
Cross Badge and Star being as
rare as these are we said that
they were stolen. Steve then
took to his iPad and discovered
that they were owned by Sir
Edward Elgar and had been stolen
the previous year from his
National Trust home in Malvern.
The stolen orders will be
restored to their rightful home.
John Scott informed members that
there will be a TV program on
the Yesterday Channel about
medals which is being hosted by
War & Son next Tuesday. On
Thursday 19 there is a talk
being held in Swindon Village
hall on the Gloucestershire
Regiment at Waterloo If
interested contact the village
hall for more information.
Richard Emsley informed the
branch that the OMRS Convention
was now live and rooms could be
booked on line at the Marriott Hotel Bristol. Zak then welcomed
our Branch
Member
Christopher
Mellor-Hill
who's lecture
was A Medal Collectors Nightmare
and sure
enough it was
just that. He
with the help
of Power point
unfolded this
dreadful
story. The
medals were
kept at his
late parents
home in
Pershaw where
they were in a
safe which was
under the hall
way floor and
had been for
some months
after his
father died.
On opening the
safe he
discovered
that water had
seeped in over
a period of
months and the
medals were
submerged in
this mix. He
then showed
the collection
before and as
they came out
of this and
what a mess
they were in.
However all
was not lost
as Christopher
discovered a
company,
Cleve&Co
who were able
to to bring
them back to
life. Sadly
the Bronze
medals had
lost their
lustre and the
silver medals
their patina
but they had
done a good
job. The
medals were
sent round the
room for all
to see , a
question and
answer session
was held after
which our
President
thanked
Christopher
the branch
responded in
the usual way.
The raffle
raised £14 for
branch funds
there were 16
members
present and
the meeting
closed at 10
pm
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of
the Orders & Medals Research Society
held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 9
January 2020 Apologies received from L. Evans.
The meeting opened at 7.30 pm and the
branch discussed the up coming
Convention/Display for 2020. We had the
dates from SWH Committee and it was
decided to hold an OMRS Branch Convention
on Sunday June 28 which will be open to
all OMRS members and their guests. A
committee is being set up with Paul
Brewster, Richard Emsley and Andrew
Derrick being part of it other members to
be appointed at a later date. Our
president informed the membership that 10
branch members had attended John Barkers
funeral held at the church in Malvern. He
also went on to ask if more could be done
on the research side of our hobby i.e. how
and where information can be found by
members of the society who have this
knowledge imparting this info to members
who are not as computer literate. It was
brought to our attention that there
are 4 seats available for the Branch
French visit in May please contact
the secretary if you want to go.
Richard Emsley our treasurer then
sent round the branch financial
report which shows we are in a good
position and that the £12 annual
subscription will remain the same.
He then made it known he was
prepared to take any subs this
evening as this was the start of the
new year. The president then
introduced our speaker Mike Atkinson
who spoke on The Chronicles of a Bow
Street Runner. As expected it was a
very entertaining, thoroughly
researched and well presented talk.
He explained how he was able to put
together the life story of David
Johnson largely using online
sources. Born in Malton North
Yorkshire he enlisted into the Life
Guards and served at Waterloo, his
regiment stated to have made 11
charges and in fierce hand-to-hand
fighting defeated a much largely
French cavalry force. He had three
horses shot under him and sustained
a wound, being discharged due to the
effects on his health. When the Bow
Street Runners were formed, the
first official police force in the
world, a small Horse Patrol was
raised from men who had served in
the cavalry. David Johnson was one
of the volunteers and Mike explained
his duties including a depiction of
his daily patrol route. He then
covered various cases that Johnson
was involved with, from court
reports. On the formation of the
Metropolitan Police he transferred
over but resigned soon after and
took up a job as a Railway Policeman
for a London railway company. After
retirement he took up work as a
gardener until he died having Lived
in London for 50 odd years. Mike
then explained that using the
records he could show that this
Waterloo Medal was the only one in
private hands to a Bow Street
Runner. Zak thanked Mike for his
talk and the branch showed their
appreciation in the usual way. The
raffle raised £22 for club funds.
There were 23 members present and
the meeting closed at 9.30 pm
Apologies received from S. Wilson, G. Pitchfork, T. Dowle and M. Cox.
The meeting opened at 7.30 pm with the A.G.M. All of the Branch officials were re-elected (for life!). Andrew asked if anyone else was interested in the trip to Arras next May to let him know by the next meeting. Clive then showed us a spectacular officer's busby of the 7th Hussars and told the story of how he bought it along with three full sets of uniforms (catalogued in auction as a busby with some other items). Dave Martin showed a WWII group to a soldier captured by the Greek communists during the civil war that happened after the Germans had left Greece. Dave Seeney showed a Canal Zone group to the Warwicks that filled a gap in his collection. John Scott showed a GV BEM group to the RAF. Paul Brewster showed a copy of the Military Medal Between the Wars book that has just been published. Mike Mockridge made an appeal for medals or items relating to the 17th Bn Tank Corps (armoured cars) and showed three lots of medals to men who served with the battalion. Richard Emsley showed a WW2 war medal named to a soldier with the Para Bn of the Kumaon Regiment.We then tucked into the food that members had brought along, while Zak organised the raffle, which raised £20 for club funds. There were 23 members present and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
Apologies received from S. Wilson, R. Emsley, J. Scott, D. Seeney, M. Atkinson, M. Mockridge, J. Barker, T. Dowle and R. Carver. The secretary informed the branch that SVH where we meet was to be the Polling Station for the General Election being held on the 12th of December 2019. It is hoped that we will be able to have our meeting by locking the door and have a notice saying that it a Private meeting/AGM of the Cotswold Branch OMRS, if there is a problem you will be informed. We were notified that our member and a Past President of the branch John Barker is in hospital and is not at all well more on his progress when I have it. Our President Zak Coombs asked me to read out and include in the minutes a section from The Merchant Navy Association National Council Meeting held on 6th July 2019. Section 7.6 World War II archives and I quote. D. Parsons reported that the MNA had been offered all the Ian Stockbridge World War II records of all British ship losses including survivors' reports. The records would need archiving as MNA records and be made available on our “Red Duster” website with a possible fee for non-members. It will be password protected when we have more information it will be passed on to all members. Zak then showed 5 photographs taken at the London Armistice Parade held on Sunday the 10th November 2019 on Horse Guards they were unique groups of medals and one with our President (Zak) being photographed shaking the hand of C/SGT Johnson Beharry VC. He then went on to introduce our speaker Nicola Nash who works for the Ministry of Defence Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre. She explained the work done by the department of only 6 persons. How they are responsible for all repatriations of Military Personnel who have died overseas or at home, doing all the compassionate work involved as well as identifying where possible from the bodies found in France, Belgium and Holland casualties of WWI and WWII. She talked us through the whole scenario from when and where the body was found, if it had any identifying items cap badge etc, taking DNA processing this to finding relatives of the dead. She did her presentation using power point and it was one of the most interesting lectures we have had. Not only did she bring the stories to life but had items which had been recovered at the time of the the body which lead the the name and face been recovered. She then told us that they hope to do the same with the British Military personnel who were buried in both the North and South of Korea at the time of the Korean war when the bodies are returned for burial. She then did a question and answer session after which she was thanked in the usual way and the membership where then able to look at the items found. A raffle was held and the money went to club funds. We had we had 8 guests and 16 members present and the meeting closed at 10 pm.
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 10th October 2019
Meeting of
Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at
Swindon Village Hall Thursday 13th
June 2019
Apologies received from
M. Atkinson,S. Wilson, R. Carver, M. Maisy and
D Rees
The meeting opened at 7.30 pm The secretary
had nothing new to impart to the membership so
our President Zak Coombs talked of the
Branches visit to Waterloo. He went on to
thank Len Evens for all his hard work both
driving and supplying a bound daily itinerary
of the events at no cost to the branch. He
then asked that as we have no meeting in
August members who would like to meet for an
informal chat do so on August the 15th in the
Exmouth Arms on Bath Road. The President of
the OMRS who is a member of this branch Graham
Pitchfork then brought to the attention of the
meeting an article which was in the Sunday
Supplement of the Sunday Telegraph. This was
honouring D Day Vets of the Royal Air Force.
One Mr Martin Grugden Who had a 2 page spread
was not who he said he was, turns out all the
things he claimed to have done were nothing
but a pack of lies. Graham brought this to the
attention of the newspaper who have taken
appropriate action and also our MP Alex Chalk
who is now the PPS to the Defence Secretary,
we eagerly await his comments. Our branch
president then introduced our speaker Paul
Brewster by first congratulating him on his
book The Special Constabulary Medal (which was
a complete sell out on its first day) who
spoke to us on the Rhodesia Police Reserve. He
covered the force from it inception through
the WW2 period up to and including UDI and to
the present day. It was as we have come to
expect of Paul a factual concise and
informative lecture covering the Medals that
were awarded to it through every era. He had
photographs, graphs etc using power
point and in his own way presented a very
informative lecture which lasted over an hour
using no notes whatsoever. He did a question
and answer session and invited our guest Mr
Tim Renalds who lived and farmed in Rhodesia
through the times of the civil war and was a
member of the Police Reserve. Tim gave the
branch a very impartial account of those times
and how he along with many other white farmers
were driven off their farms much to the horror
of their farm workers and staff. Then to be
deported from their homeland where their
families had lived for generations with
nothing. A sad and moving story of that time
and an incite to what is going on there now.
Paul was thanked by the branch in the usual
way, Zak did the raffle which resulted in £20
towards club funds 22 members and 1 Guest were
present and the meeting closed at 10 pm
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the
Orders & Medals Research Society
held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday
9th May 2019
Apologies received from
J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, M. Atkinson and S.
Wilson. The meeting opened at 7.30 pm and was
a member's own evening. These included a group
to S.F. Poulston, Grenadier Guards who later
served in the Shrewsbury Police; a Royal
Engineer captured at Anzio; a Baronet's Badge
(1st type); 2 modern RAF groups for service in
Afghanistan, one a woman who served as cabin
crew with 32 Royal Squadron and the other an
engineer with a Tornado squadron; an ROC medal
to a female Chief Observer from Bristol; a
Sutlej, Punjab, Mutiny group to an officer
with the 45th Native Infantry who saved his
regiment's colour at Chillianwalla and was
reunited with a fantastic portrait of the
officer; a BSAP group to an officer who
"officially" disappeared from the records when
he became an officer with the Rhodesian
Central Intelligence Organization; a WW2 group
with supporting documents and photographs; a
WW1, WW2 RAF group with the rarely-awarded
Czech Military Medal of Merit; a WW1, WW2
merchant navy group that after research
revealed a story of capture in WW1 and the
award of the OBE for his services; and finally
a detective story that put a name to a
portrait of an army officer in the uniform of
the 80th Foot. A wide-ranging and enjoyable
evening.
Report
of
Branch visit to Waterloo
May 2019
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village
Hall Thursday 11th April 2019
Apologies received from J.
Wright, T. Dowle and M. Thornley. The meeting opened
at 7.30 pm and our president introduced our speaker,
Mick Atkinson. His entertaining talk on Ernest Von
Althaus, Prince of Bentheim und Steinfurt told the
story of the young aristocrat who served in a cavalry
regiment before 1914 but was forced out for his bad
behaviour (drink, gambling and women) which was
influencing other young officers. When the war started
he rejoined a cavalry regiment and was decorated for
bravery behind enemy lines in August 1914. Further
acts of gallantry raised his profile in Germany and he
was offered his choice of career. He wanted to train
as a pilot and soon became an air ace, being awarded
the Iron Cross 1st class and the Blue Max. Mick
explained that the Iron Cross 1st class that he owns
must be the one the Prince wore on his uniform every
day. After being forced down in one engagement, he
crashed into trees and Mick explained that he must
have detached both retinas, which over the years sent
him blind. Being grounded he ran an air academy but
was court martialed for fraud and sent to join an
infantry regiment at Verdun. Just before the end of
the war his position was overrun by the Americans he
was taken prisoner of war. After the war he again got
involved in a fraud and was arrested and convicted. He
next took up law and qualified as a lawyer, eventually
becoming a judge in Berlin. He survived the Second
World War and died in 1946. A very interesting
character! The raffle raised £21 for club funds and
there were 24 members and four guests present. The
meeting ended at 10 pm.
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday
14th March 2019
Apologies received off T. Down. L. Evans and G. Pitchfork.
The meeting opened at 7.30pm and our president put it to
the branch with this meeting in March always falling when
the Cheltenham Festival (Gold Cup) is being held and
traffic is horrendous would the branch like to change this
meeting to the 3rd Thursday in the month. A show of hands
showed full agreement to the proposal and the secretary
will take it up with the Village hall committee. Richard
Hughs then passed round a site he had found Village
History – Chedworth Remembers the Great War, web site
chedworth.org.uk where full service history of all persons
on their War Memorial is available. Richard Emsley let it
be known that he was prepared to accept any outstanding
subscriptions, after which he informed the branch that
booking for the OMRS Convention is now open and on line.
Andrew Derrick to members who are going to Waterloo he
needs all API forms completed and returned to him as he
has to send them to the channel tunnel operators the week
before departure. John Scott let the branch know that the
Birmingham Medal Society will be holding their Mini
Convention on the 21st July 2019 in the Knowle RBL Club,
1611 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LF. The cost
including food and refreshments is £16. We were then
introduced to Karen Parsons who is a member of the village
hall new committee she is the person who we will be
dealing with regards the hall. Our President then
introduced our speaker David Seeney who is a long time
member of the OMRS and the Cotswold branch. His talk was
The Easter Rising 1916 to 1922 and what a story unfolded.
As only David can (using power point) to show what
happened day by day for the first six days of the
uprising. Then the main actions up to 1922. He had a full
list of honours and awards, casualties lists, photographs
etc which brought this chapter back to life with a few
surprises on the way the official history is portrayed He
did a question and answer session and with being on the
Committee of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment who have to
collect £65000 a year to keep the Museum running asked for
any donations to be put in to a box he had brought. The
president thanked David and the branch showed their
appreciation in the usual way. The secretary suggested
that the proceeds from this evenings raffle should be
given to David's charity, this was agreed by all. Zak then
did the raffle and the proceeds went in to David's box.
There were 27 members and three guests were present and
the meeting closed at 10 pm
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch, OMRS, held at Swindon
Village Hall, Thursday 14th February 2019
Apologies received from Graham
Pitchfork and Simon Wilson.
The meeting commenced at 7.30. Bill Bratty informed
members that there was a trip to RAF Cosford Museum on
Sunday 3rd March. There are eight seats available and
the cost is £10, leaving from Quedgeley. Clive Harmson
confirmed to the branch that he will be staying on as
barman and the Hall's future was now secured.
The secretary then introduced our first speaker, Tim
Dowle, who told the story of reuniting the miniature
MC and pair in a delivery enevelope, with a 1916 cased
compass. These told the story of an officer in the
Royal Welsh Fusiliers and how he won his MC. Next was
Dave Martin, who told the stories of four men who were
POW in WW2, one of them later escaping. Finally, Paul
Brewster demonstrated the problems with describing
medals as "unique", "rare" or "scarce" and used BSAP
groups from his collection to make people think about
these terms.
Zak then thanked the speakers, pointing out the
diversity of subjects in three short talks. Zak then
conducted the raffle. There were 27 members and 1
guest present and the meeting closed at 9.45pm.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on
Thursday 10th January 2019
Meeting of the Cotswold
Branch
Thursday 13
December 2018
Apologies
received from
M. Atkinson,
P. Roberts, L.
Evans and D.
Rees. A quick
AGM confirmed
all current
branch
officials in
their posts.
The branch
welcomed Pete
Mulready, a
Society member
visiting from
Dublin. Being
the Christmas
meeting an
informal
evening was
enjoyed by all
present and
several
members
briefly talked
about medals
that they had
brought along.
These included
a
1914/15 Star
to a Fleet
Paymaster who
died in 1914
when HMS
Cressy was
sunk; Turkish
and Italian
medals; an RFC
pilot's group
who rowed in
the Boat Race;
a WW1 pair to
Lovet's Scouts
with a Greek
medal; examples
of Queen
Anne
medallions
struck to
commemorate
battles; World
War 2 casualty
groups; 1914
Star trio with
MSM and temperance
medal; a
Lapland
Shield; photos
of officers of
the Garhwal
Rifles; and
lastly a
framed
certificate
presented to
an MM winner
who served
with the
Herefordshire
Regiment.
The
branch then
food and drink
and a raffle,
which raised
£23 for club
funds. There
were 23
members and 1
guest present
and the
meeting closed
at 9.30 pm
with wishes of
a Happy
Christmas and
New Year to
all.
Meeting
of the
Cotswold
Branch
Thursday 8
November 2018
Apologies
received from
J. Wright, M.
Atkinson, and
D. Rees.
Andrew
informed the
branch about
the trip to
Waterloo and
also to Brecon
2 December to
visit the
militaria show
and the
museum; £10
per person,
travelling by
car. Dave
Gibbons showed
a book
produced for
the men from
Bisley, near
Stroud who
fell in the
Great War. He
also read a
poem written
by a local
woman. Graham
Pitchfork
spoke about
visiting his
relatives
grave in
France on the
centenary of
his death, to
find the local
French
villagers had
turned out to
honour the men
who fell that
day liberating
their village.
Wayne
Finch then
talked about
his family
members from
Cheltenham. He
began with Pte
Edward Evans
who died in
the Crimean
War serving
with the 89th
Foot. He then
moved forward
the Great War
beginning with
Reg Kilmister
who was
wounded with
the Public
Schools
Battalion,
Royal
Fusiliers. His
brother Harry
served in
Gallipoli with
7th
Gloucesters
and after
illness
transferred to
the Royal
Defence Corps
in the UK.
Reginald
Wilfred Evans
served with
the
Gloucesters
and the day
before he was
due home on
leave to be
married, he
was killed. He
then spoke
about his
grandparents,
beginning with
Nellie, who
served in the
Women's
Forestry
Service and
was posted to
Cheltenham,
staying with
the parents of
Reginald
Evans. He was
serving in
France with
the Royal
Field
Artillery and
fought in an
action for
which 12 of 14
members of his
battery were
awarded
gallantry
medals, a VC,
an MC, 2 DCMs
and 8 MMs
(including
Reg). After
much research
and some luck,
a reunion was
held with many
of the
families
represented. A
great story of
a Cheltenham
family,
thoroughly
researched and
remembered
with great
pride.
Zak conducted
the raffle and
raised £20 for
club funds.
There were 21
members and 1
guest, plus
"Reg" the
uniformed
dummy.
Branch visit
to R.A.F.
Halton
Saturday 13
October 2018
A very
interesting
visit to RAF
Halton,
including a
look at the
WW1 trench
system being
restored by
RAF
volunteers.
The trenches
been dug in
1914/15 by
battalions
training to go
to France. We
were then
shown around
the Station
church, with
its stained
glass windows
representing
the RAF
Apprentice
intakes every
three years
since 1918.
There is also
a memorial to
the RAF men
who died in
India during
the Quetta
Earthquake.
After a very
good lunch in
the Station
Mess we
visited the
Trenchard
Museum that
tells the
story of the
Apprentices
and then the
Flight
Heritage
Museum that
includes
aircraft
engines and
examples of
the Link
Trainer and a
modern flight
simulator that
enables you to
"fly around"
the station
and
surrounding
area. A very
enjoyable
visit to an
historic RAF
base that is,
sadly, to be
closed down
and the land
sold for
development.
Our thanks to
Min Larkin for
showing us
around and to
Andrew and
Graham for
arranging the
visit.
Meeting of the Cotswold
Branch of the
Orders &
Medals
Research
Society held
at Swindon
Village Hall
on Thursday 11
October 2018
Apologies received from M.
Atkinson, G.
Pitchfork, J.
Wright, John
Scott and Tim
Dowle.
2018
Cheltenham
World War One
Exhibition
Sunday 7th
October
A very
successful day
was opened by
Alex Chalk,
MP. The
exhibits
covered
medals,
badges,
weapons,
uniforms and
much
information on
the men and
women of
Cheltenham who
served at home
and overseas
1914-1918.
There was a
good turnout
of local
people through
the day and it
was good to
see parents
with their
children
taking an
interest in
the exhibits.
Stafford Corps
of Drums gave
two
performances
of military
music which
went down
well. Many
asked for
advice on
researching
their family
members. It
was good to
see Mick
Kippin, Graham
Sacker and
Brian Ward
back at
Swindon
Village Hall!
Our thanks to
those members
and guests
who put a lot
of effort into
their exhibits
and took to
time to help
set up and
pack away
afterwards.
Meeting of the
Cotswold
Branch of the
Orders &
Medals
Research
Society held
at Swindon
Village Hall
on Thursday 13
September 2018
Apologies
received from
M. Atkinson,
A. Derrick G.
Pitchfork, D.
Reece, J.
Wright. The
meeting
commenced at
7.30 with news
that the
future of the
venue at
Swindon
Village Hall
is under discussion.
Zak and Andrew
will attend a
meeting to
find out what
is happening.
Our speaker
was then
introduced.
Christopher
began by
explaining
that the
collection
relating to
the Central
Africa Medal
had taken 40
years to put
together,
begun by his
late father,
Roland and
finally
completed by
Christopher.
Christopher
then explained
that the
initial
British
involvement in
Nyassaland,
Central Africa
was due to
missionaries
being sent
into the area
to preach to
the natives
and work
against the
continuing
Arab slave
trade. Muslim
Arab traders
practiced a
visious trade,
slaughtering
weak slaves
and any who
opposed them.
Constant
clashes with
the Atabs and
their native
allies who
assisted in
the slave
trade, led to
the creation
of a
constabulary
and the
arrival of an
Indiaqn
Contingent,
mostly Sikh
troops, to
behin to wipe
out the slave
trade.
Small but
difficult and
nasty
expiditions
finally
brought the
trade to and
end in the
area. He told
the stories of
the leading
figures and
then covered
the medals
awarded for
these actions.
The basis of
this
collection was
that every
medal type and
aspet of the
wars was
covered by a
medal otr
group. This
includes some
very rare
medals and
clasps.
Another
fascinating
talk on a
subject that
few of us had
much knowledge
about. After
some
questions, the
branch showed
their
appreciation
in the usual
way. Zak
conducted the
raffle, which
raised £23 for
club funds;
there 22
members and 1
guest present
and the
meeting closed
at 9.45
Meeting
of
Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at Swindon
Village Hall Thursday 10th
May 2018
Apologies received off M. Atkinson,
P. Roberts, R. Carver. The meeting
opened at 7.30pm. The branch welcomed 2 guests, Geoff
Blake and M. Watson. A branch visit to RAF Halton is being
arranged by Graham Pitchfork, details when available. A
meeting is being arranged to plan the October exhibition.
I remind members that during “member's own” meetings we
must observe the “10 minute” limit otherwise it deprives
some members of their chance to speak.
Our President then introduced Dave Seeney who spoke on the
sea gallantry medals awarded for the Caronia incident in
May 1917. He explained the introduction and development of
the Sea Gallantry Medal and then the story of the
transport ship Caronia which suffered a serious fire in
its coal bunkers. A party of soldiers volunteered to fight
the fires and eventually the bunkers had to be flooded
with seawater to save the ship. The incident resulted in
the award of 31 Sea Gallantry Medals, including a number
to soldiers. Dave showed the group to George Rhodes of the
Warwickshire Regiment. It was a fascinating talk and there
is more to discover, as the incident is not widely
reported. Zak thank David for his talk and the membership
showed appreciation in the usual way.
Zak did the raffle which raised money for club funds.
There were 23 members and 2 guests in attendance and the
meeting closed at 9.15
Meeting
of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall
Thursday 12th April 2018
Apologies received from P. Brewster, L. Evans, J.
Wright, S. Wilson, M. Atkinson and D. Rees.
The meeting opened at 7.30pm. We began with a
demonstration from David Drinkwater of the new
digital version of the Cheltenham WW1 maps. He
explained how the project begand and was shown in
2014 in a paper map format. The web site is at Know Your
Place. As usual, a "member's own" meeting
that resulted in a wide range of medals and
stories. Clive showed a uniform tunic and helmet
of an officer of the Shropshire Yeomanry, George
Ormesby Gore (later Baron Harlech). Richard told
the story of the Naval Expeditionary Force in
France 1940 which released mines to float along
rivers into Germany. He showed a DSM and a group
(missing a DSM) for this little known action.
Graham Hervin showed a CB, Punjab and Mutiny group
to Lt-Col Hicks of the Bombay Artillery. During an
action in the Mutiny Hicks led a charge of a
detachment of the 8th Hussars, during which the
Rani of Jhansi was killed. Graham Pitchfork,
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the R.A.F.,
showed two MSM groups. John Scott showed a group
to an officer of the Trans-Jordan Frontier Force.
Dave Seeney spoke about mounting a WWI trio to an
August 1914 POW, only to discover that there was a
medal missing. Mike Mockridge spoke about an MSM
to 20 Armoured Car Squadron RNAS and asked for any
leads as this secretive unit left very little
record. Christopher Hill spoke about a large
Gambia Chiefs Medal and then showed a recent
acquisition: the unique and glorious Victorian DCM
and 2 dated bars group to Thomas Healey, Cameron
Highlanders. This was followed by a new member,
Chris Hunt, with his great-uncle's unique naval
group to Admiral Sir Thomas Hunt. 2 Orders and 11
medals mostly for service around Africa. Brian
Hill showed a family grouping to the Pratt family.
Saddler-sergeant Joseph Pratt of the Worcester
Yeomanry was wounded at Qatia and later died back
at home. One son was a 1918 POW with the 2/8th
Worcesters. Lastly, Zak showed a New Zealand Fire
Brigade group which included World War One service
in the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company.
There were 23 members and 1 guest present and the
meeting closed at 9.45.
Branch trip to the Normandy Beaches 21-24
March 2018
Ten of us set off for France
early Wednesday morning and reached Caen, via the
Somme region (slight detour), later that night.
From a very comfortable hotel we visited Pegasus
Bridge, the Merville Battery, Juno Beach,
Arromanche, Longues-sur-Mer gun battery, Omaha
Beach and cemetery, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and
St. Mere Eglise. We packed a lot into two days and
left with a better understanding of the extent and
scale of operations. Our thanks to Andrew for
arranging the trip and to Len and Gus for driving
us safely to our destinations.
Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at Swindon
Village Hall Thursday 8th March 2018
Apologies received off M. Cox, P. Brewster
and L. Evans
The meeting opened at 7.30pm. The branch welcomed
a guest Dr Michael Watson, our treasurers father
in law. The secretary informed the branch by
e-mail that our speaker Mr Grant Healey due to
illness had to cancel. He is rebooked for October
2018. After a phone call to Mike Atkinson the
evening was saved, Mike agreed on Wednesday to
give his talk this evening. Then the format of the
exhibition being held by the branch on 7 October
was discussed. It was agreed that it should take
the format of that held 2014. Andrew Derrick is
the coordinator and asks members to contact him
via e-mail, telephone or John's shop. He gave
information on the Normandy visit any queries
contact him direct. He has arranged a visit to
REME museum Saturday 21 April please let him know
if you are interested. Richard Emsley asked any
members who had inadvertently forgot that subs
were due to contact him. David Seeney sent a
notice round the room showing talks and events for
2018 RRF Museum (Royal Warwickshire) St John's
House Warwick CV34 4NF. Also A Study Day being
hosted by the Midlands Group Waterloo Association
16 June for information on content contact
warwickfus@btinternet.co or telephone 07976485828.
Our President Zak Coombs introduced the speaker
Mike Atkinson who's talk “The Magnificent Seven”
which pertained to the 7 Heavy Cavalry
Regiments who fought at Waterloo. These were 1st
and 2nd Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards, Kings
Dragoon Guards, 1st Royal Regiment of Dragoons,
Royal North British Dragoons, 6th Inniskilling
Dragoons. He talked us through each unit, the man
who's medal he owns, his story prior to joining,
through his service and what happened to him after
his military service. Also a graph showing the
numbers of known medals to each unit that has been
compiled by him taken from records going back many
years. His presentation was as per usual direct to
the point a pleasure to listen to. He added a
medal which he had received on Tuesday in this
presentation. Mike is missing a medal to an
Officer who served in the Royal Dragoons, if you
see one please let him know. A question and answer
session then followed and the members were able to
view the 6 medals which were framed along with the
research. Mike was thanked by the President and
the membership showed appreciation in the usual
way. John Scott showed an MGS Waterloo Pair to a
chap in the 78th Foot. Zak did the raffle which
raised £20 for club funds. 25 Members and 1 guest
attended and the meeting closed 10 pm The raffle
raised £20 for club funds and there were 25
members and 4 guest in attendance.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders
& Medals Research Society held at Swindon
Village Hall on Thursday 8th
February 2018
Apologies
received from M. Atkinson, S. Wilson, M. Cox, M.
Mockridge and J. Wright.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th January 2018 Apologies received from M. Atkinson, S. Wilson, M. Cox, J. Scott, A. Derrick, C. Hammond, M. Mockridge and M. Maisy
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th December 2017
Apologies received from M. Atkinson, N. Smith, S.Wilson, M. Cox, J. Scott, M.Atkinson and D. Seeney. First of all let me wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful, Prosperous New Year The meeting commenced at 7.30 the secretary started by apologising to the branch for the non showing of the branch Annual Report appearing in the Journal. John wrote it up and he thought he had sent it but it turned out he sent the previous years. No one informed him of his mistake hence the no show. He read the report to the membership and informed them that it will be on the OMRS web site and published in the next journal. We were notified about a group of medals which had been stolen in Stroud MC, GSM Palestine, 39-45, Africa+bar, Def, WM +MID along with a Small portrait awarded to Captain M.D.H Wills Grenadier Guards. If you see or hear of them please let the secretary know and he will contact the correct authorities. Graham Pitchfork who mentioned this several weeks ago brought up the subject again. This is doing a display in conjunction with the Friends of Montpelier Gardens. They were wanting the branch to put on a display in 2018. He was going to contact them again to find out what date/s they wanted as we need to be able to get it sorted and time is the of essence. If for some reason this is not taking place we need to book Swindon Village Hall in November and the branch will put on display. Andrew Derrick then let it be known that the trip to Normandy is 21st to the 24th of March the cost will be to each person £275 which includes the travel B&B for three nights but he wants a deposit of £50 off each member who is going, (there are still 2 places). We then had a members own 6 branch members talked on subjects:- Boer War, RAF, BSAP, RN, New Zealand Fire Brigade and a medal from Bradfords past. We then partook of the food that had been brought in by the membership and had a convivial time celebrating the sprit of Christmas. Due to the inclement weather conditions 13 members attended and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.Meeting of Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall Thursday 9th November 2017
Apologies received off G. Pitchfork, D. Rees, M. Atkinson, D. Martin, M. Mockridge, N. Smith and M. Cox.Meeting of
Cotswold Branch of the Orders
& Medals Research Society held
at Swindon Village Hall Thursday
12th October 2017
Apologies
received
off G.
Pitchfork, R.
Emsley, L.
Evans, D. Rees
Meeting of the
Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on
Thursday14th September 2017
Apologies received from M.
Atkinson, R. Carver and N. Smith
The meeting commenced at 7.30 the
secretary asked the branch for any
thing they felt should be brought
up at the proposed meeting of the
Branch Secretaries being held at
this years convention. Richard
Emsley gave a incite to the
convention being held this weekend
at Stratford-upon-Avon. Letting us
know that it is the largest turn
out for a convention in members
displaying,attending the dinner
and more dealers will be there on
the Sunday, 60 tables. Graham
Pitchfork reiterated the
importance of all branch members
attending the convention with it
being only a 40 minute drive. Our
President Zak Coombs then
introduced our speaker Angus
Stevenson-Hamilton QPM, Colonial
Police LS&GC and Hong
Disbandment medal. Angus was the
Assistant Commissioner of the
Royal Hong Kong Police up to the
hand over to China in 1997. He
gave the complete history of Hong
Kong from its inception in 1840
through to the end in 1997. He
covered the significant incidents
in the history of HK including the
Japanese invasion and take over in
WW2 the riots in the late 50's and
60's. The make up of the RHKP
Europeans, Chinese, Indians and
White Russians (who came after the
Russian revolution). He also
covered the way the police force
evolved to the present day. He
showed the early medals and medals
up to and including these issued
by China. He sent round the room a
framed Defence of Legations Group
to a chap in the RMLI who was
wounded at the defence. This was
followed by a question and answer
session and he was thanked by our
President the branch showed their
appreciation in the usual way. Zak
also welcomed Greg Singer and Paul
Williams both from the USA who are
here for the convention. A raffle
was held and £28 were raised for
club funds 28 members and guests
attended and the meeting closed at
10 pm
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of
the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon
Village Hall on Thursday 8th June 2017
Apologies received from M. Atkinson, M. Coombs, G.
Pitchfork, J. Wright and P. Roberts.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 with details of proposed
branch trips and then the President Clive Hammond handed
over to our speaker, Paul Brewster. Paul began with
details of his own career in the army and Special
Constabulary. He then explained the original style of
temporary constables raised as needed, before the
establishment during the First World War of the Special
Constabulary as we know it today. The driving force behind
the concept was Colonel Sir Edward Ward. Understanding the
value of public recognition for service, he began to
campaign for a medal for service in the war. Local forces
had been awarding their own unofficial badges and so he
instituted a single badge and then a star badge for men
who served right through he war.
Eventually it was decided to create the Special
Constabulary Long Service Medal. He then explained the
award of the Great War clasp and the dated Long Service
clasps. He covered the various types of medal, the
problems with awarding the medal to the Ulster Special
Constabulary and how this was overcome. He talked about
the warrants for the medal and how the medal was awarded,
or at times withheld. He then talked about the awarding of
the medal to the Rhodesian Special Constabulary. Paul then
showed several very interesting medal groups from his own
collection that illustrated the points he had made. A very
interesting talk on a medal that most have had in groups
but never really appreciated the story behind its
creation. Clive thanked Paul for his talk and the branch
showed their appreciation in the usual way. 18 Members and
1 guest were present and the meeting closed at 10
pm.
Visit to Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, Sunday 21st May 2017
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th May 2017
Apologies received from D. Seeney, M. Atkinson, M. Coombs, G. Pitchfork and C. Harmson The meeting commenced at 7.30 the secretary had no communications from HQ OMRS, he welcomed our visitor MRS Cox and was ask to pass on the branches best wishes to Clive we hope he recovers quickly. Andrew Derrick then informed those present that there were still some vacancies for the visits to Fort Nelson and The Houses of Parliament. Also he is working on more visits later in the year. There being no more business our Honorary president Clive introduced our speaker Michael Mockeridge who's lecture was Army and RNAS Armoured Cars. He covered the period from the first attempted armoured car (it was a bicycle) their progression prior to WW1 on to the end of the conflict. It was a fantastic, well-researched project which covered the people who were responsible for the design and manufacture of these machines. He delivered by power point photographs of the variations of the vehicles, the places where they served and actions they took part in. The RNAS, it was shown, were the force behind the Armoured Car but towards the end of WW1 the army took over. The second part of the talk, covering the period 1939-45 will follow at a later date. President Clive Hammond and the branch showed their appreciation in the usual way. Richard Emsley accepted members membership fees which were outstanding, 22 Members and 1 guest were present, the raffle made £14 and the meeting closed at 10 pm.
Meeting of
the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research
Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th
April 2017
Apologies received off N. Smith, M.
Cox, M. Coombs, G. Pitchfork, S. Wilson, C. Hammond, J.
Barker, M. Keyte, M. Atkinson and S. Lewis
Meeting of the Cotswold
Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society
held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th March
2017
Apologies received from M. Cox, N.
Smith, M. Selby, C. Hill, M. Mockridge, L. Evans, R.
Emsley, M. Atkinson and M. Coombs.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 The secretary let the
membership know that the branch was well represented at
Roland Hills funeral also we have (at their request) had a
wreath made in the flowers the colours of Africa yellow,
green, black also included were the Protea flowers. The
list of service was sent round the room so members who
were unable to attend could get an idea of the service. He
also handed out the copies of the Chindit Society Journal
which our last speaker (Paul Shenton) left and Len Evans
kindly photocopied for branch members. Andrew Derrick
(Functions Officer) let it be known that two visits have
been planned (1.) 21st of May National Army Museum and if
possible the RHC. (2.) 7th August The House of Commons he
will let the membership know when all is finalized. Clive
Hammond then introduced our speaker (ex Cotswold branch
member) now In Pensioner Mike Kippin who was resplendent
in his Royal Hospital Scarlet's. His talk "Broken by Age
or War" was a fantastic insight in to the 300+ year
history of Royal Hospital Chelsea. He started with why it
was started by whom, who designed and was responsible for
the build. He went on to give an idea of the day to day
life of an in pensioner which can be as hectic as you like
or do things at your own pace. The military structure of
the hospital and the facilities which are for the in
pensioners both male and female. It was presented by power
point and as we all know it was immaculacy presented by
Mike in a way we who know him knew it would be. He then
did a question and answer session after which he was
thanked by our stand in President Clive Hammond and the
branch showed their appreciation in the usual way. 16
Members and one guest (Mrs Norma Radman) were present, no
raffle was drawn and the meeting closed at 10 pm.
On Thursday 23rd of February 2017 nine members of the branch attended the Funeral Service (which was a celebration of his life) held at The Church of St James the Great at Birlingham, Worcestershire of our late Life member Roland Aubrey Hill MBE. With Roland's connection with Africa, he was the last Senior District Commissioner of Northern Rhodesia prior to its Independence from Great Britain. The branch had a wreath made that consisted of the colours of Africa Yellow, Black and Green also with Protea flowers etc which was placed on his coffin. The service was conducted by Canon Michael Irving, LVO attended by Roland's Family, friends and colleagues from his time in the Colonial Service. Afterwards all were invited to the village hall where refreshments were provided by his family, our thoughts and prayers were with them at this tragic time.
Meeting of
the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research
Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th February 2017
The meeting opened at
7.30 Apologies received off N. Smith, A. Derrick, M.
Cox, M. Coombs, J. Carver, G. Pitchfork, S. Wilson, C.
Hill and C. Hammond
Meeting of
the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on
Thursday 12th
January 2017
The meeting opened at
7.30 Apologies received off N. Smith, J. Scott, D.
Seeney, M. Atkinson, A. Derrick, M. Cox, R. Hughs, M.
Coombs, L. Evans, R. Carver and S. Lewis.
Meeting
of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on
Thursday 8th December 2016
Apologies received from M. Cox,
C. Hammond, A. Derrick, N. Smith and C. Hill The
meeting commenced at 7.30 pm and as there was no
official business the floor was open to the
membership. John Barker mentioned a trip that was
being hosted by the Rotary Club of Worcester to the
Italian WW2 Battle Field in October 2017. Details
will be published when we have them but with the
cost being £650 per person and there only being 30
places there might be any spaces left. Graham
Pitchfork the asked for comments on where the OMRS
Convention could be held if and when the venue
changes after next year at Stratford. He went at
length into the logistical problems i.e motorway,
railway air port access parking etc. The membership
was then asked to come up with any ideas and submit
them to Graham or Richard. John Wright invited
members to attend the annual Q&C Christmas
Saturday on the 17th December.
We then had our members own and again it turned out
to be very interesting with the medals and the
stories that were shown and unfolded. David Martin
had a father and son WW1 & WW2 medal groups both
officers in the Gren Gds. Father an MC winner son
KIA in Italy these came with a lot of research. John
Scott had a WW1 MM group to the Cameron Highlanders
4th Bn and his research showed when the 4th Bn was
disbanded the 4 digit numbers were kept by the men
who went to the 1st Bn but not to other Btns. David
Seeney brought a medal issued by the Irish Republic
(Eire) for WW2. The obverse is in Gaelic and some
are quite scarce; one to the clergy sold for over
£800 pounds. Graham Pitchfork produced two WW2 RAF
groups both after research show them to be Japanese
POWs. The research graham had included the Japanese
POW cards etc. Steve Lewis then produced another one
of his gems. A group to French actress who worked
for the resistance after refusing to act for German
audiences and later received the Pro Finlandia Medal
to add to her French awards. Richard Hughes spoke
about a group with original documents to an airman
who was lost on his second mission. Zak spoke about
an engraved camera and engraved coffeepot presented
to two members of the New Zealand Fire brigade. He
showed that such items can be another avenue for
research when no medals are available. Zak leaves
for 6 months in New Zealand next week! Rev. Paul
Roberts spoke about a newly acquired MC group to an
officer in the 8th Worcesters. John Barker spoke
about the Near East clasp to the RAF and how many
people were involved, yet there is little research
available at the moment. Finally John Wright spoke
about a QSA to a private in the Rhodesia Regiment
who died in 1900, his medal being sent to his mother
in Shropshire. We then adjourned the meeting and
tucked into the fine array of food brought in by the
members. Zak did the raffle which raised £31 for
club funds and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm. There
were 20 members and two guests in attendance.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th November 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30. Apologies received from J. Wright, R. Hughs, S. Wilson. The meeting opened with Tim Dowle telling the story of a Welsh-born sailor, who was commissioned in WWI and served in the submarine service. Having commanded a submarine in the war he was offered the command of a German submarine on its tour of the coast. It was decided the man captured U-boats with a Royal Navy crews and sail them around for the public to see. He requested UB91, which would tour the south Wales coast. He later emigrated to Australia and in World War Two commanded HMAS Kookaburra. He retired in 1947. Tim had researched the story as Captain William Brookes was related to his wife.Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th October 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30. Apologies received from T. Dowle, Z. Coombs, M. Cox and S. Wilson. The secretary made it known that we have had the JSP which covers the issue of the LS&GC to Officers in the three services. If anyone would like a copy contact the secretary and we will send it electronically to you. David Seeney then told us of a Charity Band Concert being held on the 20th November 2016 for more information contact him on jdsunset@btinternet.com. Graham Pitchfork then talked on the recent OMRS Convention held at Stratford upon Avon. He said that it was a great success with more members than ever attending the Dinner, exhibiting, visiting as well as double the numbers of dealers for the Sunday. He then congratulated Steve Lewis for winning the Gold medal and cup for the first time exhibitor, also Michael Mockridge who was awarded a Gold and John Scott who was awarded a silver. Michael produced his medal and passed it round the room. Clive Hammond started the proceeding with Tshapska to an officer in the 21st Lancers with his full service history, Boer and WW1. He also had an Eton Collage OTC helmet with the owners full service history. Richard Hughes followed with a group that contained DSC as well as a French Meritorious Naval Medal. Again with full service history. Steve Lewis a group which included the Order of the Star of Romania. Graham Pitchfork produced two groups to men in the RAF with the Iraq Active Service Medal, one with and one without the bar. John Scott produced two groups, one with The Italian Order of the Crown and the 4th Class Japanese Order of the Rising Sun. His second group was for a member of the Royal Household who had previously served in the RAF who had 4 Foreign awards 2 from Denmark, Belgium and Sweden. David Seeney produced a WW1 group to a man in the Warwickshire Regt with the Serbian Cross of Karageorge 2nd class with Swords. John Barker produced two groups both to the RAF one who was awarded the Order of AL-Rafidan and the Iraqi Active Service medal with 3 Clasps. This chap is known as the founder of the Iraqi Air Force. His other group contained medals to a chap who was RNAS then RAF who had the Iraq Service medal. Michael Mockridge produced a group to a chap who served with the Scots Grays band later transferring to the RM band. He was awarded the Medal of Zeal by the Tsar of Russia along with all members of the Scots Grays band when they performed for him and his family. David Martin then talked of a recent purchase, a Welsh Guards Group. Mike Atkinson produced a miniature medal group to the SAS, started with a DCM ended with the Kuwaiti and Iraqi medals for the 1st Gulf War. Rick Carver produced 3 groups to members of the Army Vetinary Corps/Royal Army Vetinary Corps. The first group contained the Egyptian Order of the Nile (complete with original documents). His second group had the Belgium CdeG + palm and the French Medal of Gratitude (the only one awarded to an NCO/OR in the Corps in WW1). His final group included The French Order of Agricultural Merit. All the medal groups on shown were fully researched. A fantastic evening was had by all. There were 23 members in attendance and the meeting closed at 10 pm.Branch
visit to the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum Sunday 18
September 2016
Eleven intrepid explorers set out for the village of
Woodstock, where the museum is located, not far from the
entrance to Blenheim Palace. The museum has only been
open a couple of years and only a part of the medal
collection is on show at the moment. It covers the
various regiments that were based in Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire from the 19th Century up to the wars of
today.
Coffee and cake rounded off the visit and we arrived
back in Cheltenham safe and sound thanks to our debutant
driver, Len Evans, who passed the "Mick Kippin mini van
test" with flying colours.
Thanks to Andrew for arranging the visit, though I got a
shock when my wife put in an offer on Blenhiem Palace
.... now where is that mortgage application form?
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th September 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30 Apologies were received from J. Wright, N. Smith and T. Dowel. The members passed on best wishes to John Wright who is in hospital. Andrew gave details of the trip to the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum and asked that anyone interested contact Steve at Q&C Militaria to reserve a seat. Richard gave an update on the OMRS annual convention, which promises to be a very successful event in its first year outside of London. Anyone wishing to attend please book online on the OMRS website as soon as possible. Brian Hill informed the members about the forthcoming Western Front Association Conference. Clive then introduced our speaker, Mike Atkinson, who stepped in at the last minute to give his talk on The Battle of Waterloo. He covered the events that led up to the battle, the major actions of the day (including several stories of individuals), and how the battle ended. His very well reasoned argument showed that Wellington's brilliant defensive strategy and the brave determination of the British and King's German Legion regiments held the French throughout hours of bloody fighting while waiting for the planned arrival of the Prussians, under General Blucher. The sheer scale of the battle and its importance to European history must rank it as the single most important battle in history. Mike then covered the various medals issued by the Allied nations and even a French commemorative. He then showed three medals from his collection (British Heavy Cavalry at Waterloo), a Corporal of Horse, a Trumpeter and a Royal North British Dragoon trooper with a miniature portrait of the recipient. Clive then thanked Mike for his excellent talk and then Mike took questions from the members. Zak did the raffle, raising £23 for club funds. There were 25 people in attendance, including 3 guests from Hereford. The meeting closed at 10.00Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th July 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30 Apologies received off N. Smith, J. Scott , Z. Coombs and T. Dowel (who's wife has just had their baby, congratulations to the 3 of you from the branch). The Secretary welcomed our two guests Mr T. McVeigh and Mr D. Jones, also Richard Sneed a member of many years who had been absent for a couple of years due to other commitments. It was also good to see Christopher Hill who had been working in the Midlands and called in on his way back to London. The secretary informed the branch that the program for the next 12 months was on the branch web page and due to the demise of our printer (who has done all our printing work since the branch was formed) they would not be with us until our first meeting in September. Richard Emsley reminded the branch of the OMRS Convention in September. He said that bookings for accommodation was up also the number of exhibitors and dealers so if any one was wanting to exhibit or book accommodation they should do so asap via the web site. John Barker then let us know that there is an exhibition in the Worcester Museum covering the Somme which will be on till November. Andrew Derrick then addressed the meeting saying now he had a driver for the Mini Bus he is going to organize a trip to the Soldiers of Oxford Museum in September more later. Rev Paul Roberts let it be known that if and when anyone visits any Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery to please sign the book on site as this is used to see how many people have visited and also keeps the people who are doing the upkeep in work. Our President Clive Hammond introduced our speaker, a member of our branch and OMRS David Seeney who again gave a terrific lecture. David had 40 years ago taped a program which commemorated 60 years since the battle of the Somme. With a lot of hard work, time and patience he managed to edit it (including many changes maps photo's etc) so he could give a Power Point presentation. It was fantastic showing scenes from the 1st day and subsequent days, photo's of men who wrote letters and poetry and these were read out. Showed the total carnage of this event and made all of us think about what that generation suffered. He was thanked by our President and the branch in the usual way. Brian Hill then showed a DCM group and talked about the recipient “his Grand Father” what a story and what a man he must have been. He was given in the 1920's a silver rose bowl from all ranks of the Liverpool Irish Regiment as a token of esteem for what he had done throughout WW1. He fought on the Somme and besides his DCM he was awarded 2 MID's. This was followed by Rev Paul Roberts who brought a MM group to a Stretcher Bearer who's unit recovered and cleared 500+ casualties on that first day he also was wounded, another story which shows what brave men all of these were. This was followed by Steve Lewis who had some time ago transcribed a Diary of a Sergeant in the 2nd London Regiment. He was there on the first day and described what happened from the time the first whistle blew to the end. How the survivors of this day did not fully break down is beyond my comprehension. It shows the tenacity of the British Army and the men of the Four Nations which make up the United Kingdom. Also the strength of the Commonwealth and the old British Indian Army who's volunteers came in there thousands to help defeat the enemy. I wonder what they would think if they came back today! I know that their sacrifice and their descendants sacrifice has given me and every one else the chance of being able to live the life we have. We had 22 members and the two guests mentioned above we did not have the raffle due to time and the meeting closed at 10.20 pm
Meeting
of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders &
Medals Research Society held at Swindon
Village Hall on Thursday 14th April 2016
Apologies were
received from the Secretary, John Wright. Two guests,
Wayne Finch and Stuart Wright were welcomed by our
members.Andrew Derrick confirmed the Gurkha Museum visit
in Winchester, will take place on Sunday 22nd May,
meeting at Swindon Village Hall at 8.30 a.m. The visit
will cost £15.00 each, cash will be collected on the
coach. The Birmingham Medal Society are holding a
mini-convention on Saturday 4th June at the Knowle RBL
Club, 1611 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LW. Doors
open at 10.00. Wayne and Stuart, our guests would like
to inform members of a WW1 medal event to be held at St.
Bridget’s Community Centre in West Kirby on the Wirral,
on Saturday 14th May. This a commemoration and
celebration of the lives of the highly decorated members
of D/276 Battery, RFA. The President, Clive Hammond,
introduced the speaker, Dr Colin Chapman, for his talk
on WW1 POW Camps in Gloucestershire. From August 1914
enemy aliens of military age were rounded up, eventually
some 23,000 were moved to camps on the Isle of Man
guarded by the Royal Defence Corps. Captured German
combatants were initially held in France. As time passed
and the numbers grew, they were moved back to UK
Military Bases. This caused problems as the
accommodation was needed by the military to train
volunteers and conscripts. Additionally, all combatant
POWs were responsibility of the Home Office and not the
War Office! The POWs came to Britain via Southampton,
where they were held in two transit camps, before moving
by train to Dorchester for processing, before
distribution to purpose built POW camps all over the
country. Overcrowding and keeping the men occupied was a
problem. Many agricultural workers had volunteered or
were called up, so the POWs were put to work to help
bring in the harvest, being sent to smaller work camps
in the countryside. This solved the overcrowding and
provided work to occupy the men.
Inspections of all POW facilities were frequently
carried out by the Swiss Red Cross. Prisoner welfare was
looked after by the Quakers, a joint Christian CofE -RC
Church committee, the YMCA and by the philanthropic Dr.
Markel, a wealthy German émigré, who made a fortune in
soap manufacturing.
A few men did escape, 15 over the last three years of
the war, but no serious attempts were made to flee
Britain. Escapes were usually caused by a falling out
with other prisoners, or simply boredom. Those who
did make it outside the wire were swiftly captured in
the local area, and very few were a liberty for more
than a few days. Sadly in 1918 after the Armistice 17
prisoners died whilst still in captivity, from the
effects of great Flu Pandemic. They were all buried in
local church yards or grave yards, where many remain to
this day, some were later exhumed and re-buried with
their comrades in the main German Military cemetery.
This stimulating and very interesting talk on an area of
war history, often overlooked generated many questions
from the audience. The depth of knowledge and the level
of research exhibited by Dr. Chapman, who spoke for over
an hour without any notes, was remarkable and the
members present thoroughly enjoyed his talk.
22 members attended the meeting, with 2 guests.
Zak carried out the Raffle with 9 ‘prizes’, raising
£15.00 for Society Funds. Our visitors, Wayne and Stuart
made a £5.00 donation to our Society funds, for which
many thanks for their generosity.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch
of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at
Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th March 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30 Apologies received off M. Atkinson, L. Evans, N. Smith,
T. Dowell, R. Hugh's, P. Roberts and V. Carver. We had two
Guests Carol and Bill Bratty who were welcomed by the
members. The secretary brought to the attention of the
branch a letter (which he had previously sent to the
branch President and Treasurer) from the Committee of the
OMRS regarding Annual Branch Grants. Clive Hammond our
President then voiced his opinion on this subject which
was agreed unanimously by all branch members. Our speaker
OMRS President Graham Pitchfork then explained what was
taking place and the action being taken at committee
level. Richard Emsley also a member of the OMRS committee
then told the branch that a new policy was going to be
discussed at the next OMRS Committee meeting being held in
London in two weeks time. After this has taken place all
branches will be informed officially of this policy. The
secretary has been tasked to reply to this original letter
regarding grants directly to the committee member of OMRS
who sent it out to all branch secretaries. Andrew Derrick
informed the membership that the visit to the Gurkha
museum has been changed to the 22nd May there are 15 seats
so if you are interested please contact Andrew direct. Zak
Coombs let it be known that the Union Jack Club in London
was hosting a talk on Tobruk with dinner afterwards. If
anyone is interested contact Zak or the UJC direct. The
president then introduced our speaker Graham Pitchfork who's presentation was The
Southern Desert Iraq it campaign and medals. It turned out
to be a classic Graham presentation, well research from
the origins of the start of the conflict. How and why the
borders were drawn up the reasons for the UK,s
involvement. The numbers of troops, types of aircraft and
armoured cars and the reason that the RAF was primary
involved in this campaign. He used power point with this
lecture and was able to show photographs of the period.
Men and machines etc in the desert both in summer and
winter. Also the type of terrain where camps and air
strips were constructed. He talked on the main diplomatic
players both Arab and Brit's as well as the Pilots and
others who were heavily involved in the campaign.
He brought medals from his collection which the membership
viewed at the end of his presentation. He that did a
question and answer session was thanked by our president
and the branch in its usual way. John Barker then produced
two groups out of his collection one turned out to be the
chap who sorted out the use of compasses and methods for
mapping the desert etc and his calculations were found to
be only slightly adrift using modern methods of
calculating. John Scott also brought two groups for the
campaign one being to a chap who was in the RAF armoured
cars who took part in an action where an MC was awarded.
His other was one which started with a 3 bar GSM starting
with Southern Desert Iraq, South Kurdistan and ended with
Cyprus plus service in between. All the above were well
researched and documented. Zak did the raffle which raised
£14 for club funds 17 members and 2 visitors were
present and the meeting closed at 10 pm
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch
of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at
Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th February 2016
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals
Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday
14th January 2016
The meeting opened at 7.30 Apologies received off M. Atkinson, L. Evans, N. Smith and
J. Scott. We then proceeded with the AGM:- our President
Clive Hammond opened the meeting with his report, this was
followed by the Secretary's (which is on the web site). Our
Treasurer then gave his and handed round a copy of it to
each member present (these are in the minutes). He also put
forward a suggestion that visitors on their first visit
would be made welcome. However if they attended more than
one meeting a levy of £3 would be expected. If they
attending four they would be enrolled as a member having
paid £12 which is the membership fee. This was proposed,
seconded and carried by a majority of the membership.
Unfortunately our functions officer Andrew Derrick was not
present so we were unable to see his report and look forward
to seeing it in the not too distant future. A vote of thanks
was proposed by Zak Coombs to the committee for their work
over the past 12 months, this was seconded and passed by the
membership. Graham Pitchfork then talked of the 100 year
celebrations planned for 2018 being the 100th anniversary of
the formation of the RAF, more later. Now followed a Members
own "Recent Acquisitions'". Richard Hughes talked on an MM
group to a chap in the 14th Bn Worcs Regt where a DCM and 8
MM's were awarded for this one action which was well
documented. Zak Coombs followed with a NZ Fire Brigade item
which when he receives it he has a photograph of this
recipient that was given to him in 1997 and another group to
a member of this same fire brigade. Graham Pitchfork brought
in a RAF group to a chap who served from the formation
through to the end of WW2. The group was a WW1 pair,39-45
Star, F&G, Def, WM, MSM (for Russian in the 1920) GV
LS&GC. He then informed us as to how many MSM's were
awarded to the RAF for that period also the involvement of
the RAF, which was enlightening. Michael Mockerage talked on
a chap who was with the 7th Hussars China
1900 medal unique to the regiment) being batman to Capt
McSweeney who took part in the Great Game. This was when
they were mapping out and walking the borders between
Afghanistan, China etc it has to be unique and scarce. David
Seeney produced a framed group of French WW1medals bought at
an antiques fair only to discover the chap served in the
French Foreign Legion, and what a story David uncovered.
David Martin produced a WW1 MM group to a chap in the 4th
Gren Gds. It had been bought from the family and came with
all paperwork he was ever issued with. He served in the Police pre and post war all
paperwork photo's etc were part of the lot. He also brought
a SMLE 1915 deactivated rifle for all to see. Brian Hill
brought a group of medals to a Vetinary Surgeon who served
in the Boer war firstly as a Civilian Vet joined the Army
Vetinary Dept, then the Army Vetinary Corps finally ending
with the Royal Army Vetinary Corps, his medal group
QSA,KSA,1914-15 Trio, IGS08 Afgh 1919 and a French Medal.
Tim Dowle concluded the session with a WW1 trio bought at a
local Militaria Fair to chap in the Monmouthshire Regt with
no information. When he took it home he found that he had
letters wrote by the chap describing the action where he was
wounded and how he got back to their lines. This ended the
session our treasurer took subscriptions from the members
present. Zak did the raffle which raised £16 for club funds
17 members present and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm due to
bad weather warnings in the Gloucestershire/Hereford area.
Cotswold
Branch of the Orders & Medals research Society
Annual Report
The branch goes from strength to strength averaging 25
members per meeting as well as guests both local and
overseas. The committee were left in situ as it was
voted that they would be in post for two years, next
year all jobs will be up for grabs. We have had various
visits both here in the UK one being HMS Illustrious
when she was just decommissioned in Portsmouth. Then
members of the branch had 5 day visit to the Somme. 14
members and guests took part, it was organised by Bill
and Carol Bratty (who we can highly recommend to any
branch who is thinking of doing any WW1 battlefield
tours) contact the secretary for contact details etc.
Andrew Derrick functions officer has plans for more
visits later this year when the weather improves so
please look out for his notices which will be published
on the branch web site. Our
speakers came from far and wide and covered many
different aspects of our hobby. We
had some fantastic medals on display as well as
photographs etc all backed up with presentations mostly
using Power Point. The
branch has another member joining the Royal Hospital
Chelsea, Mike Kipping on the 11th January 2016 all
members wish him well and have told him to expect
visitors!! He will be joining David & Tom Lyall who
left Cheltenham some years ago. There might be a new
OMRS Branch The Royal Hospital Chelsea if
these ex Cotswold Branch
members go on a recruiting drive!!. The future of the
branch looks very bright with new members joining as
others leave. We have had a constant flow of visitors
and the club is in a good financial position. Zak Coombs
organises the raffle at the end of every meeting and all
monies collect go in to club funds. With the Reverend
Paul Roberts taking on the duties of branch Chaplin all aspects of the branch and
its members are fully covered!!. We continue to meet at
Swindon Village Hall on the second Thursday of the month
7pm for 7.30. We publish a full report of each and every
meeting also items of interest on web site
qcmilitaria@btconnect.com (Cotswold
Branch OMRS) found on the front page. There is an open
invitation to all members of OMRS or other medal
collectors who might be in the area. The secretary can
be contacted on the above web site or on 01242 519815
and a warm welcome will be extended to all.
Meeting
of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research
Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th
December 2015
Cotswold Branch would like to wish all a Very Merry
Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy and
Prosperous New Year.
The meeting opened at 7.30 Apologies received off S. Lewis,
G. Pitchfork and M. Atkinson. The secretary then welcomed
two guests Mrs N. Rodman and Mr G. Kirk-Spriggs. We were
delighted to welcome Paul Roberts (now) The Reverend Paul
who was in his new working dress. It was asked by the
secretary if Paul would take on the position of Branch
Chaplin he agreed. He was proposed and
seconded and the branch
unanimously voted in favour and we now have a branch chaplin who is also an OMRS member (is
this a first in the history of the OMRS!). Next year's
program was discussed with two speakers being put forward.
Meeting
of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research
Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th
October 2015
Apologies
received from J. Wright, L. Evans, N. Smith, M. Atkinson, M.
Selby, M. Mockridge, G. Pitchfork, M. Cox, R. Emsley.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm and Nike Kippin introduced
three guests from the Aden Veteran's Association: Norma
Rodman, Chris Blick and Denis
Sparrow.
Mike then spoke on medals for service in Aden, explaining
how it came to be a part of the British Empire, the threat
it faced from a Turkish attack in World War One and the
service their during the years of unrest. He showed groups
of medals from his collection and talked about the lives and
careers of the individuals, who served in the Indian Army,
the R.A.F., the 16th/5th Lancers (tanks operating in the
Radfan!) and the K.O.Y.L.I. His talk ensured that, at least
for those present, Aden is no longer one of the forgotten
wars.
Meeting
of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research
Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th
October 2015
Apologies received from N. Smith, M. Atkinson, J. Scott, M.
Selby, M. Mockridge, G. Pitchfork, B. Hill and P. McKenna.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm the secretary welcomed four
guests Peter James (visiting from Tasmania), Bert Beavis,
Tim Reeves and Norma Rodman.
Andrew Derrick asked the branch how many people would be
interested in doing visits which entail an overnight stop
i.e. Royal Armouries at Leeds, Royal Marines/HMS Victory
Portsmouth. Also he would like any ideas for other visits
and would like to know if anyone will volunteer to drive the
mini bus for these visits. Please contact Andrew direct by
e-mail akderrick@btinternet.com The
Treasurer Richard Emsley let it be known that he was
receiving subscriptions, yes it worked as he received some.
Mike Kippin informed the branch that on the 29th of October
the Field of Remembrance was being dedicated at 11am that
day, medals etc to be worn. The President then introduced
our first speaker of the evening David Martin who's
presentation was on 2nd Lt Frank Harvey Ennor Artist Rifles
5th and then 1st Btn Grenadier Guards. He gave an appraisal
of his service in WW1 also read extracts from his extensive
and detailed diary. He had some first class photographs of
him and members of the regiments he served with also his
medal group. Richard Emsley followed with a talk entitled
Dealers and their Descriptions. He produced a
GSM Palestine 1945-48 awarded to a chap said to have died in
Iraq after
the end of WW2 and buried in the Tripoli War Cemetery Libya
a distance of over 2000 miles where it was alleged he was
killed. After some research he discovered the chap had been
killed by an exploding mine he was working on in Libya and
he was trying to find out if he was entitled to the Bomb
& Mine Clearance clasp. He then
produced a group which he had bought at this year's OMRS
Convention again to do with Bomb and Mine Clearance but this
chap had a real interesting career. He served in Kenya
receiving the AGS clasp Kenya then later on in his service
he was awarded a medal by the Kenyan Government for services
on their North East Frontier this was after he had received
an MBE GSM for Bomb & Mine Clearance and others. Finally
our Secretary gave a lecture on His Father's Father's.
John's Dad's dad was KIA in WW1 with the 8th King's Royal
Irish Hussars when he was only 18 months old. His medals
memorial plaque photo's cap badge, lanyard and spurs on
display in a frame. His story was then told from when he
enlisted in 1912 and posted to the Cavalry Depot at the
Curragh Camp near Dublin. In 1914 he was medically
discharged as unfit for further military Service, he was
kicked by a horse his leg had been badly broken. However he
got himself fit and enlisted again in 1915. After his death
his widow married her brother in law Joseph A Wright who
served with the Royal Irish Rifles. He was awarded a DCM
with the 2nd Battalion in this action he was wounded in the
lung and leg. John talked on the four generations who served
in the army (including his service in the Royal Signals) as
well as his Dads family. Our President thanked the three
speakers and the branch responded the usual way. Zak did the
raffle which raised £25 for club funds 21 members and 4
guests attended and the meeting closed at 10.15 pm
Branch trip to the Somme area
6-11th September 2015
Another excellent trip under the guidance of Bill
and Carol Bratty. Visits included Thiepval, Ulster
Tower, Newfoundland Park, Albert, Delville Wood and Vimy
Ridge. We were lucky to have very good weather and no
crowds and so we had a good chance to look around the
places that we had all read about. Our thanks to Bill
and Carol for hard work in preparing and leading the
tour, to Andrew for his usual efficient arrangements and
to Dave Martin for handling the UK driving.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of
the Orders & Medals Research Society held at
Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th September 2015
Apologies from P. McKenna, D. Martin,
A.Derrick, M.Selby, S. Lewis, Z Coombs, M. Kippin, C.
Harmson all on a visit to the Somme, T. Dowle, N.Smith and
M. Atkinson
The secretary read out the letter he sent to the new Rev
Paul Roberts congratulating him on his new vocation. We were
then informed that on Saturday October 17th at the
University of Worcester the Western Front Association Autumn
Conference will be 1915 100 years on. There will be three
speakers a buffet lunch and the cost is £20 per person more
information is available on wnb.wfa@hotmaikl.co.uk.
Graham Pitchfork then covered the OMRS Convention which is
being held in London next month. He also let it be known
that next year the venue will be the Holiday Inn Stratford
upon Avon. Richard Emsley talked about the new OMRS web site
which will be going live in the not too distant future. The
membership welcomed Roland Hill a life member of the branch
who had come with his son Christopher our speaker for the
evening.
Due to extenuating circumstances Christopher had to change
his lecture to The Roland and Christopher Hill collection
“True Builders of Empire on the Continent of Africa”. He was welcomed and introduced by
our President Clive Hammond. He started with how the family
collection has evolved using powerpoint he brought up a map
of Africa going anti clockwise from Gambia, Gold Coast,
Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa (Cape Colony), Southern
Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland (exploration for the
start of the Nile), East Africa (Uganda). British East
Africa, (Kenya, Zanzibar (the coast), Horn of Africa, Sudan,
Abyssinia and Somaliland). WW1 covered Togoland, Cameroons,
German West and East Africa. There were medals covering all
these campaigns which were awarded to members of the
Military Officers, NCO’s and men British and African,
Administrators, Civil Servants and a host of others who
played their part as The Builders of Empire. I think it is
fair to say that one of the most complete collections of
Full Size and Miniature medals on this subject was on show
at this meeting. All were
backed up with a story photographs etc and put over with
real passion and feeling for the subject.Christopher was
thanked by Clive and the membership showed their
appreciation in the usual way.There then followed a viewing
of all the Honours Decorations and Medals which were on
display and our speaker answered any questions. We did not
have a raffle but a member gave £3 to the treasurer for one
of the books. Considering 8 members were on a visit to the
Somme we had 18 members and 4 guests, the meeting closed at
10 pm
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th July 2015
Apologies received from C. Hill, M. Mockridge and N. Smith, The meeting commenced at 7.30 the Secretary welcomed our 15 guests who names will be not be published in light of the contents of this evenings lecture. There being no OMRS correspondence the secretary opened the meeting to the branch. Mike Kippin informed us that he has been accepted for the Royal Hospital Chelsea and will become an In Pensioner in January 2016. This will make 3 ex-members of the Cotswold branch who are in the Royal Hospital; any more then they will start a branch of the OMRS. Every one at the meeting wished Mike all the very best for his future as a Scarlet Man. John Barker then let it be known that Paul Roberts a member of the branch has taken Holy Orders and now is Reverend Paul Roberts heartfelt congratulations were extended to him by all present. Steve Lewis suggested we should ask Paul to be the Cotswold Branch Chaplin !! Andrew Derrick then let us know of a visit he was organizing and also needed payment for the Somme visit in September. Our President Clive Hammond introduces our speaker Mike Atkinson and what a lecture it turned out to be. “10 Stories from the Province SAS, Para and Bomb Disposal” taken from the 30 years war in Northern Ireland. Mike covered the conflict by showing the number of Military, Civilian and IRA dead number of medals awarded and what the Military did to earn them. This was mainly from the Army point of view. He started with “Bloody Sunday” showing how and why it happened with photographs and first hand reports. The IRA wanted revenge against the Paras who they held responsible and it came 2 weeks later by the Bombing of the PARA's Officers Mess in Aldershot. All the casualties were civilians so they tried again. This was Warren Point where 18 soldiers both QOH and Paras lost their lives when two members of the IRA detonated 2 remote controlled bombs from over the Irish Border. He then went on to mention the undercover stories of the Military Reaction Force and The Force Research Unit (both new to most of us present). 14 Intelligence Unit their work and successes. The SAS and some of their more noticeable achievements like the one at Loughall when they killed an IRA unit of 8 men who were trying to blow up the RUC Police Station in the town. Next Bomb Disposal who lost 34 members over the period of 30 years. He covered several operations showing the type of bombs used and in most cases defused. Finally the Spring of 1988 the time when tit for tat killings took place the IRA lost three terrorists killed when they tried to plant a bomb in Gibraltar. 2 members of the Royal Signals were savagely kicked to within an inch of their lives then shot in the head when they were discovered at a funeral being held for IRA killers. All the above was substantiated by photos and research which Mike discovered whilst trawling the inter net. It was a terrific account well documented in this the recent history of Northern Ireland. He then conducted a question and answer session and was thanked by our President and all members and guests, another fantastic talk. Four members brought items relating to this conflict Graham Pitchfork a group to a Sgt in the RAF who was air crew on helicopters. David Martin Welch Gds in NI, David Seeney Photographs, papers and letters from the conflict and finally Rick Carver on the RAVC's work in the province during this troubled time. Zak Coombs did the raffle which raised £33 for club funds we had 23 members and 15 guests!!! the meeting closed at 10 pm.
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| Andrew, John, Clive and
Martin return from laying the wreaths |
John, Richard, Dave,
Martin and Mick with the Ieper Fire Brigade buglers |
