Category: Militaria

This week we take a closer look at the Memorial Scrolls sent out to the families of those who died in war.

As per the example last week, this official record of gratitude was sent out during the Great War and as the Second World War began it was proposed (by the Merchant Marine) that this should be continued. The idea was quickly approved but the scrolls were not issued until 1946. It was estimated that it would have taken scribes two years to hand write the names of the nearly 400,000 soldiers killed in combat so again these were printed.

Items like this are commonly sold from £10 and upwards but care must be taken as there is an entirely legitimate trade in modern reprints by companies selling them to families who have lost the original.

Even though the ceremony proper is the following day, this Saturday the Market will pay its respects by having a two minutes of its own at 11am. We will be striking a bronze bell to mark the time. This was locally crafted from war debris and presented to a civilian, Mr N R Ground. He was one of the RAF medical personnel which transported prisoners of war from Burma and India.

Fittingly, today we’re focussing on some of the items which marked the passing of British soldiers. And the first of these is a condolence slip signed by Winston Churchill, then Secretary of State for War.

Next, a memorial scroll sent to the next of kin in both wars.

And a bronze memorial plaque grouping. Factors which decide their value include not just the action, rank and unit, but more recently the extent of any corroborative documentation or photographs. It’s worth bearing in mind that these are all unique and you would double the price for a casualty group – as you would officers’ medals. Complete medal groups with supporting documentation can increase the price by a factor of ten.

Rounding off our short series on Germany’s most iconic military decoration is this fine brass example. These were particularly popular among naval officers who liked its resistance to rust, preserving the decoration’s appearance.

What distinguishes this piece is its practical blade-like fitting on the reverse, intended for easy wear and removal. This is a departure from the conventional pin and hook found on most Iron Cross First Class decorations.

Also noteworthy is the screw-back design, featuring a circular securing disc — a variation that was quite popular among private purchasers. Owing to their appeal among collectors and their considerable value, these types have become the most frequently replicated.

Included with this item is the original LDO-marked box. The LDO, or “Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller” (Approved Community of German Medal Manufacturers), was established on 1 March 1941 to ensure the quality and prestige of military awards and decorations were upheld through controlled and licensed manufacturing. During this period, a numbering system was in place, with some makers adding an “L” prefix to their marks.

To purchase such an item, one would need to provide a certificate proving the award had been conferred, adding to the historical value of this distinctive Iron Cross.

Continuing our look at Germany’s iconic medal, today we have an example of the document explaining why one particular soldier on the Western Front was awarded the Iron Cross, second class.

A citation is a formal, official acknowledgment of a specific act of bravery, distinguished service, or exemplary performance by an individual or a unit. It’s provided in writing and often accompanies a medal or award. The citation gives details about the action or behavior that warranted the recognition. It serves as an enduring record of a person’s or unit’s exceptional service or valor in the face of danger or adversity.

In this particular instance, this one was awarded to musketeer  Heinrich Anhaus of the 4th company  Infantry Regiment 131. As was often the case, it was bestowed on him in the field on 5 October 1917 for his  action on 31 August 1917. Whenever these do turn up, they tend to be quite worn because the soldier would often fold them up and keep them in a pocket. And it’s always worth checking if you have  the commanding officers signature for good measure!

Vive indeed! Today we have some original FFI badges awarded for services rendered before June 6, 1944. Once France was liberated, localized groups were established. Individuals who provided evidence of their anti-Nazi or resistance activities could earn the wing/badge. The award was first given to prominent resistance figures to elevate its prestige.

Genuine badges were crafted by the renowned French jeweler, ARTHUS BERTRAND. All authentic badges bear raised markings “A BERTRAND” and “EDIT”, and they are sequentially numbered with small numerals. The “EDIT” mark signifies it was a unique batch of badges, hence “édition”. These badges were die-struck, lugs were then attached, followed by silver plating. The inscriptions were hand-painted in blue, white, and red.

Regrettably, unless a badge is accompanied by its original award receipt, there’s no way to ascertain its original owner or verify if it was ever bestowed. This is because boxes of badges were distributed across different regions. These weren’t issued in consecutive order, and unallocated badges were eventually sold.

Originally, they were affixed with an iron cotter pin. While secure, these pins are challenging to detach and can damage clothing.

If you’re interested in this period, what follows is some useful context for the situation at the time:

The French Resistance was a critical force in opposing German occupation during WWII. But it wasn’t the only one. British and American special forces, like the SAS, OSS, and the SOE, also played vital roles in France. Specifically, the SOE had 93 small teams in France, often comprising an American, a British, and a French operative. Their mission was to support and coordinate with the local Resistance groups.

One notable group was the Corps de Franc de la Montagne Noire (CFMN). They operated independently, getting orders from London. In 1943, under London’s instructions, the CFMN began to amass weapons and manpower in the Montagne Noire region. Henri Sevenet, an SOE agent, collaborated with Roger Mompezat to bolster these efforts. With their guidance, this unit became a potent force, boasting members from 21 different nationalities.

However, it’s essential to distinguish between various resistance fighters. The famed Marquis were guerrilla fighters who initially avoided forced labor for the German war effort. Over time, they transformed into more organized anti-German groups, supporting the Allies with their local knowledge.

Being in the Resistance was a dangerous commitment. Wearing recognizable badges was risky, as the Gestapo and French secret police were highly effective in tracking down and arresting members. Nevertheless, after the D-Day landings in June 1944, sabotage to the German railway system became one of the most successful resistance operations.

The Milice, a pro-German French militia, was particularly detested by the Resistance. They were targeted and eliminated, sometimes with the aid of British agents.

General De Gaul had a challenge on his hands. While many resistance groups were aiding the anti-German cause, not all were under his control. Some were led by the British, Americans, or even non-traditional groups like communists and foreign nationals.

As the tide of war turned in the Allies’ favor, the resistance efforts started to shift. The French Forces of the Interior (FFI) unified many resistance groups under one banner. But political challenges persisted. After the Germans were driven out, General De Gaul integrated many FFI soldiers into the regular French Army.

In the aftermath, the hunt for collaborators intensified. Many were tried and executed for their roles in supporting the German occupiers. As the war moved on and the Allies gained ground, badges, medals, and insignia became a source of pride for the resistance fighters and the French population.