Clink-clank...another medal
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Clink-clank...another medal
Like many others in the twilight of their careers, I inhabit Linked-In in the vain hope that the Book of Faces for Grown-ups will generate an amazing job. Sadly, to date, this hasn't happened.
However, today I did receive an offer - for an RAF Medal. Here's the link:
http://www.awardmedals.com/raf-medal...paign=linkedin
It does stress that this should not be worn alongside operational/campaign medals, but who would buy this piece of tat? Cold War Warriors who spent their lives on Clutch Airfields?
OK, excuse my perjorative language, but is there anyone inhabiting this focum who would be tempted to buy one of these...be honest
However, today I did receive an offer - for an RAF Medal. Here's the link:
http://www.awardmedals.com/raf-medal...paign=linkedin
It does stress that this should not be worn alongside operational/campaign medals, but who would buy this piece of tat? Cold War Warriors who spent their lives on Clutch Airfields?
OK, excuse my perjorative language, but is there anyone inhabiting this focum who would be tempted to buy one of these...be honest
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A day out of uniform is a day wasted......no more ! Fit in with the 3 civilian friends you keep to show that you're not instituitionalised and still be loyal to your life long vocation by wearing this little beauty on your chest !!
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Oh course, I forgot about the niche market of ex National Servicemen who spent 2 years at Little Snoring on the Wold on 'fizzers'. Will look good on the blazer with RAF Pocket Badge, assorted memorabilia (including the Diamond-Jubilee-Medal-for-those-not-awarded-it). Think Russian General, complete with the bulbous nose and whiskery 'tache.
(Tongue in cheek of course...dare not offend those called up for NS. I might get sent a National Defence Medal with a white feather attached).
(Tongue in cheek of course...dare not offend those called up for NS. I might get sent a National Defence Medal with a white feather attached).
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I love the little touch that a miniature is available, presumably for those Black Tie events. Or perhaps for when you're wearing your old Mess Dress in the privacy of your own home during your twilight years - a bottle of wine, a good meal, baby oil and a mirror to view your purchased medallions while ... (I'll let your imagination do the rest).
WWI replacement medals can be supplied with your Service details.
I thought all of them had passed?
I think I'm more irritated at the MoD for authorising this.
Milo - since there were over 2 million in the RAF c1945, and they had something of a reputation for putting it about a bit, I should think almost everyone is a direct descendent. Norfolk excepted, of course.
I thought all of them had passed?
I think I'm more irritated at the MoD for authorising this.
Milo - since there were over 2 million in the RAF c1945, and they had something of a reputation for putting it about a bit, I should think almost everyone is a direct descendent. Norfolk excepted, of course.
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What about a natty baseball cap to show everyone you 'served'?
Air Force Baseball Caps | Embroidered RAF Veteran Baseball Cap
Air Force Baseball Caps | Embroidered RAF Veteran Baseball Cap
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It does stress that this should not be worn alongside operational/campaign medals, but who would buy this piece of tat? Cold War Warriors who spent their lives on Clutch Airfields
Tat maybe, and few would even contemplate it but don't link such a medal with a legitimate "campaign".
We all fought the fight we were given. Careers are not a personal choice. You take the posting and do your best. Some tours bring glory, some don't, but all are Service in the truest sense.
I for one, enjoyed RAFG. We trained hard, and played hard but never fought. If we had, we'd have given as much and, perhaps, inevitably, more than some of those who serve today. Some of my friends who arrived at RAF Wildenrath never left.
I supported current ops for years and still spend every day watching how they are progressing but don't take away the victory that was the Cold War and, ironically, through politics not conflict.
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Having started this thread, perhaps I am being a bit hard on some people. I am assuming - along with most of those posting here - that it will be RAF Veterans and wannabees who would buy this medal. I wouldn't be surprised that a lot of these are bought by relatives for Grand-dad who smells a bit of wee, as a keepsake.
If my young kids saw this, I wouldn't be surprised if they clubbed together and bought it as a birthday or Christmas prezzie for me. Thinking about it, if I unwrapped it on such an auspiscious occasion, I'd be really made up - (pause, dust in my eye...) not for the trinket itself, but for their very kind thoughts and enthusiasm. Although I now have 7 medals (presented - not purchased!), if the kids did did that, it would mean more than any of those 'proper' medals.
Not that I'd wear it of course...and I'd demand the receipt and get my money back! How dare they waste pocket money in these frugal times.
If my young kids saw this, I wouldn't be surprised if they clubbed together and bought it as a birthday or Christmas prezzie for me. Thinking about it, if I unwrapped it on such an auspiscious occasion, I'd be really made up - (pause, dust in my eye...) not for the trinket itself, but for their very kind thoughts and enthusiasm. Although I now have 7 medals (presented - not purchased!), if the kids did did that, it would mean more than any of those 'proper' medals.
Not that I'd wear it of course...and I'd demand the receipt and get my money back! How dare they waste pocket money in these frugal times.
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Gehovah - you make a very good point that the Cold War was a campaign and that complete victory was achieved - a point that we often forget. Ironically, perhaps, my recently awarded NZDSM was for service during the Cold War - and milled with my details as a mere Fg Off!
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Do you think they would sell me two, so I can put one on each side of my fleece to make them look balanced.. 
Geehovah
You have hit the nail firmly on the head there. It is something that has bothered me for a while and maybe it's time to air my view.
Let me begin by saying I have nothing but respect for the job that folks are doing on Ops day in, day out . However, the minute people start to crow about it and look down their noses at guys with less medals it makes them look like a prize tosser in my opinion.
I have been in the RAF for 12.5 years now and spent most of those flying FJs, for which I am very grateful. However, my particular jet was not deployed operationally during my stint. I had a blast but have not ticked that particular box and, trust me, it bugs the hell out of me.
I suppose I should think I'm lucky not to have been in harms way but I will be that loser stood at the Cenotaph in 50 years time with only a Diamond Jubilee Medal to show for my troubles (I will still not buy one of the above mentioned Medals regardless).
I was at an RAF funeral recently and several people I met, for the first time, introduced themselves by staring at the empty patch underneath my wings. I, in return, looked at their assembled Herrick and Telic medals and felt an enormous pang of jealousy but as Geehovah has correctly pointed out above. You play the hand you've been dealt.
The funny thing about the funeral (not that it was a particularly funny occasion) was that all those fellow FJ guys looking down their noses at me would have looked like REMFs in comparison to certain Rotary aircrew. There's a lesson there I guess. There's always someone with a bigger d1ck!
BV
Let me begin by saying I have nothing but respect for the job that folks are doing on Ops day in, day out . However, the minute people start to crow about it and look down their noses at guys with less medals it makes them look like a prize tosser in my opinion.
I have been in the RAF for 12.5 years now and spent most of those flying FJs, for which I am very grateful. However, my particular jet was not deployed operationally during my stint. I had a blast but have not ticked that particular box and, trust me, it bugs the hell out of me.
I suppose I should think I'm lucky not to have been in harms way but I will be that loser stood at the Cenotaph in 50 years time with only a Diamond Jubilee Medal to show for my troubles (I will still not buy one of the above mentioned Medals regardless).
I was at an RAF funeral recently and several people I met, for the first time, introduced themselves by staring at the empty patch underneath my wings. I, in return, looked at their assembled Herrick and Telic medals and felt an enormous pang of jealousy but as Geehovah has correctly pointed out above. You play the hand you've been dealt.
The funny thing about the funeral (not that it was a particularly funny occasion) was that all those fellow FJ guys looking down their noses at me would have looked like REMFs in comparison to certain Rotary aircrew. There's a lesson there I guess. There's always someone with a bigger d1ck!
BV