Not a problem, I will call you Tulip from now on, that's got a nice ring to it. :)

:):):):):)Boring old fart is a common phrase in our household, and my conduct has always been questionable.

BoF with a nice ring?

Naughty thoughts.

In my family I fear that I am the FMH.

Answers on a postcard ..............

JJ, tax deductible of course.

​A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of coloured ribbon.

--Napoleon Bonaparte

I was scratching my head trying to think of that quote, Rosevidney - thanks!

Uniform upkeep deductions are made at source, so I guess it depends if this is considered to be covered by that.

JJ - be grateful its only going to cost you £50.......

Does climbing the greasy pole count as a fight ;)

Melchett, to a point. I did an exercise some years ago, easily repeatable, based on the whole life cycle cost of replao your working clothing over 5 years. The cost was exactly equal to the annual tax relief at source at 20% tax relief - for simplicity £400 relief = £80 and 5 year cost equalled £400.

If you replaced any #1 items, hat, gloves, shoes, uniform, shirts or #5 these were on top of maintaining your working dress. Keep receipts, claim extra.

The same applies to the difference between PTR mileage alloiwance and 45p/mile. Some people reckon it's not worth the bother but if you have to file a tax return, why not?

True, but I doubt I'll repeat the 5k rebate I got for mileage with my medals, I'm not Kenny Everett or American you know!

Question.

One has a Certificate of Service that shows Decorations = 0

Half a century later HM Government decide to increment that to Decorations = 1

Does one need to have ones Certificate of Service annotated?

If so, by whom?

No need to worry Ian - the GSM (for Cyprus wasn't it?) is not a decoration, merely a medal ;). I have the GSM for South Arabia, but like you I am also in possession of no decorations.

TTN

I bow to your superior knowledge.

Just what are 'decorations' in this context? Gallantry medals and things such as MBE's?

Veterans badge is free!!Just apply.It comes in a neat little box as well!!!

I lost mine :E

Whilst perusing this thread having just viewed 'the unstoppable Derek Oldham' one covering his 50 years of service in the RAF, it occurred to me that as he transferred to the reserves 3 years ago after 'only' 47 years of regular time he probably won't be eligible for a LS medal. Somewhat ironic given that he's likely to be the longest serving RAF officer ever?

The MBE comes in the category of "Orders", ie everything from the Most Noble Order of the Garter to the The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Precedence among orders is basically in chronological order of the founding of the order (lots of "orders" in that sentence, but you get what I mean!).

"Decorations" are what we would understand as gallantry awards, such as the DFC, AFC etc.

Write in, they will send a second free (that valuable). I believe the third etc will cost you.

Thanks PN, i will save up for a stamp.