Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal
What a good idea LJ. However, I think anything which 'smacks' (no pun intended) of a celebration of corporal punishment would not be appreciated by the powers that be.
I must say, however, I wish I could do it all again but this time, knowing what I know now.
Cpl P
I must say, however, I wish I could do it all again but this time, knowing what I know now.
Cpl P
There was a do at Brize recently to celebrate an individual's 50 years of Service.
His first encounter with Brize had been from AOITS South Cerney in 1961 when he and his colleagues were despatched to protect the USAF from CND protesters who'd arrived by train at Bampton station right next to the base. It had been decided that this was preferable to letting the American guards shoot them...
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Gander
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Guys;
Saw out of a window somewhere in Oxfordshire a Wg Cdr with his Golden Jubilee medal on...He'll be looking forward to his new one to stop it being lonely....
Later;
MOG
Saw out of a window somewhere in Oxfordshire a Wg Cdr with his Golden Jubilee medal on...He'll be looking forward to his new one to stop it being lonely....
Later;
MOG
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
MOG, now there's a thought. After 20 years of operations and only a QGJM to show one must ask where an individual fit in to our Expeditionary Air Force.
Sadly, I can think of quite a few serving Wing Commanders, Group Captains and Air Commodores who joined at roughly the same time as me who will feel a little less naked now they can wear the QDJM ribbon - although some of them have OBEs for building children's pay parks (I kid thee not!). By comparison, having adopted a less than mainstream career in a niche area, I almost completed my second row, albeit all 'round' medals. Not bad as a 'blunty' if I say so myself. Not that they mean anything outside of the Service...
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
WUH, ah, but 20-30 years down the line you will be able to wear them in a long bar unlike others that may be forced to wear vanity medals.
adly, I can think of quite a few serving Wing Commanders, Group Captains and Air Commodores who joined at roughly the same time as me who will feel a little less naked now they can wear the QDJM ribbon
WUH, ah, but 20-30 years down the line you will be able to wear them in a long bar unlike others that may be forced to wear vanity medals
In 20-30 years time it will be 'Granddad, why do you smell of wee?' along with 'how much can we get for your medals on ebay?'
On the last point, I do find it so sad that families continue to sell, indeed, throw away proper medals from parents/grandparents etc. My Grandfather, who served throughout WWI had just a couple of medals and when his widow died about 40 years ago, my mad aunt grabbed them and pawned then for a couple of dollars. Never to be seen again - the medals, that is. I've tried to track them down as it would be the only tangible thing that the family had to remember Granddad (he died when my father was very young, in the 1920s). We have no photos and his rather grand discharge certificate which was restored and framed and was pride of place in my brother's study - until he died 18 months ago and his second wife decided to add it to the skip.
Although I do not collect military or medals, I have picked up 2 medals in Charity shops and tracked down the service history of the individual. No point handing them back to his descedants - they've clearly got no use for them!
On the last point, I do find it so sad that families continue to sell, indeed, throw away proper medals from parents/grandparents etc. My Grandfather, who served throughout WWI had just a couple of medals and when his widow died about 40 years ago, my mad aunt grabbed them and pawned then for a couple of dollars. Never to be seen again - the medals, that is. I've tried to track them down as it would be the only tangible thing that the family had to remember Granddad (he died when my father was very young, in the 1920s). We have no photos and his rather grand discharge certificate which was restored and framed and was pride of place in my brother's study - until he died 18 months ago and his second wife decided to add it to the skip.
Although I do not collect military or medals, I have picked up 2 medals in Charity shops and tracked down the service history of the individual. No point handing them back to his descedants - they've clearly got no use for them!
Whenurhappy - Your post is rather contradictory. Your Grandad's medals were sold off against your wishes and you then tried to track them down to no avail.
Why then, when once you discover the history of the medals in your possession do you write off the descendants as "clearly got no use for them!"
Surely you would be overjoyed if some collector who obtained your Grandad's originals contacted you and offered their return?
Why then, when once you discover the history of the medals in your possession do you write off the descendants as "clearly got no use for them!"
Surely you would be overjoyed if some collector who obtained your Grandad's originals contacted you and offered their return?
Perhaps I should explain - they would have been sent to the charity shop by relatives when Granddad popped his clogs.
My father in law ran a business winding up deceased estates and he lost count of the number of times when medals were found (or similar items) and these were offered to the relatives who either showed no interest ('throw them away or see if Oxfam want them') or expected to make a fortune by selling them, based on grossly inflated Antiques Roadshow estimates. Very few seemed to want them. Sad.
I suppose in the case of the two WWI medals I picked up in Banardo's I should attempt to track down relatives. But I just can't be bothered knowing it was the next of kin who probably decided to get rid of them in the first place.
My father in law ran a business winding up deceased estates and he lost count of the number of times when medals were found (or similar items) and these were offered to the relatives who either showed no interest ('throw them away or see if Oxfam want them') or expected to make a fortune by selling them, based on grossly inflated Antiques Roadshow estimates. Very few seemed to want them. Sad.
I suppose in the case of the two WWI medals I picked up in Banardo's I should attempt to track down relatives. But I just can't be bothered knowing it was the next of kin who probably decided to get rid of them in the first place.
Last edited by Whenurhappy; 20th Feb 2012 at 13:39.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: North Yorkshire
Age: 82
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the old cold war days you got one ribbon, the GSM, and the various punch ups you were involved in were represented by bars. After 34 years in the teeth arms I have only two ribbons, of which the only campaign medal is the GSM. Quantity of ribbon doesn't necessarily reveal the full career history. And the other one is not a jubilee gong!
Gentleman Aviator
In the old cold war days you got one ribbon, the GSM, and the various punch ups you were involved in were represented by bars.
Funny old world - when I joined most stn cdrs seemed to have (at least) a DFC and a few campaign ribbons, if not a DSO - then came the relatively medal free cold war years when there were AOCs with nothing between their wings and their breast pocket button, if they'd managed to avoid MBE/OBE or maybe an AFC for being a display pilot.
And now - most stn cdrs seem to have (at least) a DFC and a few campaign ribbons, if not a DSO .......
plus ça change .....
Edited to add: and for O-D/Cpl P
, does that now make you "Jubilee Medal and bar"? 
Oh TTH,
Fancy rediculing me so publicly
Actually, besides the two 'jubilees' there are a couple of others; one with 'bars' and t'other from a foreign power, who seemed grateful for my modest contribution. I've left the various Independence gongs in the cupboard, however.
I've probably posted this story before but the Pathfinder; Hamish Mahaddie went to Buck House to collect a DSO, a DFC and an AFC from the King (all awarded within a 3 month period). He already had the ribbons sewn on and these were in addition to a Czech gallantry award. This was about 1943 and before most of the campaign and war service medals had been specified. After the investiture, Mahaddie and his mates repaired to the nearest hostelry for some refreshment, when he was approached by a lady who asked him what the medals ribbons were. Mahaddie replied: "Madam, I've not the slightest idea, they were on the uniform when I bought it".
O-D
Fancy rediculing me so publicly
Actually, besides the two 'jubilees' there are a couple of others; one with 'bars' and t'other from a foreign power, who seemed grateful for my modest contribution. I've left the various Independence gongs in the cupboard, however.
I've probably posted this story before but the Pathfinder; Hamish Mahaddie went to Buck House to collect a DSO, a DFC and an AFC from the King (all awarded within a 3 month period). He already had the ribbons sewn on and these were in addition to a Czech gallantry award. This was about 1943 and before most of the campaign and war service medals had been specified. After the investiture, Mahaddie and his mates repaired to the nearest hostelry for some refreshment, when he was approached by a lady who asked him what the medals ribbons were. Mahaddie replied: "Madam, I've not the slightest idea, they were on the uniform when I bought it".
O-D
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NOTTINGHAM
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Frankly, I can't be ar*ed to look through all 8 pages and so I apologise if this has already been covered but this:
Diamond Jubilee Medal | Commemorative Queens 2012 Medals for Sale
has to be a bloody joke! Surely?
If they don't want to give it to us retired wallas (and why should they - our need would compound the national debt a thousand-fold given that there are more of us on the outside than on the inside, these days!) then who in their right mind would buy one and when would you wear it?
Is it me or have we become a very shallow nation?
Foldie
PS. I'm bloody glad St John's Ambulance can't buy it, I wouldn't want to be thought of of having to share a medal with them (or prison officers; PCSOs; and 999 telephone operators!).
PPS. Bloody country has gone to the dogs!
Diamond Jubilee Medal | Commemorative Queens 2012 Medals for Sale
Eligibility
Available to all those who have served Queen and Country from 6th February 1952, the date Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, or those who are currently serving members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services personnel (paid, retained or voluntary), Prison Service, Police Community Support Officers, holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross and members of the Royal Household. Next of kin and direct descendants may also apply. The miniature medal and all other items are available without restriction. The Government of the United Kingdom will be striking an official medal which will be issued to eligible serving personnel only. Many deserving individuals will not be eligible to the official issue including all those who are no longer serving. As this is a commemorative and not official issue, it is to be worn with pride not alongside gallantry decorations, but separately and distinctively.
Please note that St John Ambulance volunteers are not authorised to wear this commemorative issue.
Available to all those who have served Queen and Country from 6th February 1952, the date Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, or those who are currently serving members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services personnel (paid, retained or voluntary), Prison Service, Police Community Support Officers, holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross and members of the Royal Household. Next of kin and direct descendants may also apply. The miniature medal and all other items are available without restriction. The Government of the United Kingdom will be striking an official medal which will be issued to eligible serving personnel only. Many deserving individuals will not be eligible to the official issue including all those who are no longer serving. As this is a commemorative and not official issue, it is to be worn with pride not alongside gallantry decorations, but separately and distinctively.
Please note that St John Ambulance volunteers are not authorised to wear this commemorative issue.
If they don't want to give it to us retired wallas (and why should they - our need would compound the national debt a thousand-fold given that there are more of us on the outside than on the inside, these days!) then who in their right mind would buy one and when would you wear it?
Is it me or have we become a very shallow nation?
Foldie
PS. I'm bloody glad St John's Ambulance can't buy it, I wouldn't want to be thought of of having to share a medal with them (or prison officers; PCSOs; and 999 telephone operators!).
PPS. Bloody country has gone to the dogs!
then who in their right mind would buy one and when would you wear it?
Where have you been for the last 20 odd years Foldie? Every Remembrance Day Service from the Cenotaph to Lesser Muckbury in the Mire is attended by veterans weighed down with rows of these things, which usually outnumber their "real" medals by a significant factor. When I was in the medal business I did a steady trade with chaps ordering themselves what might be called "vanity" medals. Didn't worry me, I just took their money, if they wanted to dress themselves up as Russian generals that was their affair. I must admit though, I'm starting to feel slightly conspicuous on Remembrance Sunday now with my single GSM!
Incidentally do you think if a SJAB volunteer orders one of these things they are going to send the cheque back? No chance!