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Came across a few photos of those South Korean Soldiers that were assigned directly to British and British Commonwealth Units during the Korean War, an exact usage of ROK personnel like the U.S. Army's KATUSA program, ROKs were also integrated into Belgian and the Dutch Battalions apparently. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KATCOM First up from an unknown unit 1953.

Hello all, I would like some other opinions on this SAS beret badge I am interested in. It looks correct from the front compared to other examples and on the back it looks ok, while the paper initially raised some concern I have read that this pattern had a lot of variety and may indicate its older than others. That being said, I know it is impossible to determine when exactly this badge would have been used from late WW2 through the 1950s.

With the 6th Airborne Division May 1944. With the Queen, and the other with Brigadier General James Hill commander 3rd Parachute Brigade.

I don't have good photos on hand, but will try to get some later. It's 5 in the morning here and insomnia has kept me up all night. Anyway... I picked up a pair of ribbon bars still on their "Were Your Ribbons" cards at a show last year and finally sat down to have a good look yesterday. I knew it was the practice to issue the ribbon alone before the medal due to the rationing in place, but, when I got a good look, they were printed paper, grain lines and all! They're for the Italy Star and the France and Germany Star. Typical brass backer plate and pinback fittings, steel ribbon form (magnetic, I checked), but the ribbons are printed paper under a clear plastic or acetate, sort of like the wrapped bars Wolf-Brown made in the US. The card had the blue script "Wear your Ribbons" at the top and the striped border on the sides, like a pair of miniature ribbon bars for WW1 and WW1 plus Palestine that I also have. There is a block of description text on the back and "Wartime Economy Manufacture" on the back. I would put their age at the very beginning of the production for the ribbon, as that would be most likely when rationing would have brought it about. I love oddities and war time necessity items, steel US pennies, Canadian Tombac 5¢ pieces, et c., so this is very much a bonus for me. Can anybody shed more light of these paper ribbons or this series of ribbons on "Wear Your Medal Ribbons" cards? I'll include this one with the WWI bars and other things I picked up at the same show, as I do have that handy. It didn't post and it still won't take. I'll try later. Sorry.

Ok so I’ll start this by saying I have never collected British items. I had a Tommy helmet a few years ago but that’s it, my dads father served in Burma and his father served in Monty’s 8th Army at Al Alamein but never got into collecting Brit militaira. In fact I don’t know anyone who does, I’ve collects USMC for so long now I wouldn’t even know where to start. This story starts off with a phone call from a friend going to a House sale in Leicester. He regularly visits clearances and sales for jewelry etc and I have said if anything camouflage comes up please give me a call. So I receive 2 photos of him In the car with this helmet and he asks if I’m interested, the lady states her husband had died some years ago and the house was too big so she was downgrading, she was well in her 80s. She went to the garage and said her husband had kept this for years in there and here it is. No other Militaria whatsoever just this. I have absolutely no expletive whatsoever with British items but I know real Camo when I see it and that Orange colour I had seen before because it’s on a 6th armoured lid I have, and I know that it was used in the Italian campaign. Well her it is, when it arrived and peeled back the box and bubble wrap that musty smell of garage and 80 years of funk hit me with delight. WW2 British paratrooper helmet made by BMB 1943 and what looks to be camouflaged for the Sicily campaign in mid/late 1943 for No2 Commando. After researching Combines operations I learnt a lot about the history of combined operations and there landings. Compiled of Land sea and air forces branches of the British military, Combined Operations made a huge contribution to the successful outcome of the Second World War by undertaking dozens of Commando raids and landings, mostly against the Axis forces, from Norway in the north to Madagascar in the south and from North Africa and the Mediterranean in the west to the Far East, culminating in the D-Day Invasion on the 6th of June 1944. I never Knew anything about this subject unit until I received the helmet with the insignia. The helmet is a typical and classic WW2 camouflage helmet, I would go as far to say this is probably one of the best camouflaged helmets I have had the pleasure of holding and seeing in hand. The black and orange are beautifully done. The insignia is really something, the white paint has ages to a filthy off white but has been done also beautifully. Thick strokes of the brush with a thumb print also in the paint. I’ve added many pictures with 1000% macro shots of the paint and it’s many layers. It all shows correct ageing with rust penetrating through its layers, micro cracking and bleed through. The inside is filthy and heavily used with the leather liner having had the rear straps cut for comfort I’m guessing, the leather is still all there on the chin cup. I hope you enjoy seeing this one as much as I enjoyed receiving it. Ant info also would be greatly appreciated. - Dean My 6th armoured Helmet to show the same orange used for its camo. Some great info on Commando Paras and the end of combined operations late 1946 Finally the very first pics I received coming back from the house sale in Leicester Exciting day

Operation Bullshine a 1959 movie in WWII. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Bullshine

With The Brandenburg Gate in the distance A Soldier of the 2nd Green Jackets (The King's Royal Rifle Corps) stands watch in August 1961 when the Wall was coming up in Berlin. Good view of the British Troops Berlin Formation Sign, an interesting aspect is this unit in West Berlin did not wear nets on their helmets it seems.

WRENS Manhandle a Torpedo, I think in Southampton Navy Yard, WRENS undertook these replenishing duties at homes bases in the war, Supplies of all sorts as well as Ordnance.

Two Royal Artillerymen bundled up in their Greatcoats stand knee deep in snow at the Temple Wailing Wall, who would of thunk it.

c.1937 Royal Welch Fusiliers officers coloured fs cap made in India, 2nd bn I think were there at that date. Sadly it has some serious moth damage in the crown but it displays very well

a very rare cap, I don't know of another but I assume there will be some among collectors not online. it is a forage cap for other ranks from the late Edwardian period, with leather peak, it has its original badge and gs buttons, but sadly the chinstrap is somewhat damaged

A friend of mine picked this one and we are trying to get a positive ID on it. Britsh? Para? Thanks! Jerry

Established in 1854 by Queen Victoria, the Distinguished Conduct Medal is the oldest British gallantry award. For any rank below commissioned officer, it ranked second highest for gallantry awards, just under the Victoria Cross. For other ranks, it was the equivalent of the DSO (which was only awarded to commissioned officers). In 1993, it was discontinued, being replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (when gallantry awards distinguished by rank were reviewed and modified). Instituted during the Crimean War in Dec 1854 as an award to WOs, NCOs and men of the British Army for distinguished, gallant and good conduct in the field. Before this, there was no official medal recognizing individual acts of gallantry. Along with the DCM, the awardee was granted a gratuity that was given at discharge from the Army. During The Great War a high number of DCMs were awarded, raising concerns about the medal's meaning and prestige. The Military Medal was instituted as a lower award, with the DCM reserved for exceptional gallantry and acts of bravery. The DCM was an Army-only award until 1942, with a single exception - Beginning in Sept 1916 and continuing for the war's duration, it could be awarded to members of the Royal Naval Division. After the change in 1942, other ranks of the RAF, RN and the Air and Naval Forces of Dominions and British Colonies were also eligible for award of the DCM for distinguished conduct in action on the ground. In 1979, eligibility was extended to posthumous awards. DESCRIPTION The medal was struck in silver and is a 36 mm (1.4 inches) disk. The suspender of all versions is of an ornamented scroll pattern, although the attachment of the suspender to the medal varied between versions (early versions were suspended in a manner that allowed the planchet to swivel). The ribbon is crimson with a navy blue center band. All medals awarded had the recipient's number, rank, name and unit engraved on the rim. OBVERSE Pre-1902 version - A Trophy of Arms incorporating a central shield bearing the Royal Coat of Arms, no inscription. From 1902 and after, the effigy of the reigning monarch replaced the trophy of arms, with the respective titles of the monarch around the perimeter. King Edward VII – "EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR". King George V, bareheaded – "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:". King George V, crowned – "GEORGIVS•V•D•G•BRITT•OMN•REX•ET•INDIÆ•IMP•". Issued for awards in the 1930s. King George VI – "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP:" awarded during the Second World War and immediately after. King George VI - "GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF:" awarded from the late 1940s. (This second type was awarded, instead of the Elizabeth II version, to Canadians during the Korean War.) Queen Elizabeth II – "ELIZABETH II D:G:BR:OMN: REGINA F:D:" awarded in the mid-1950s Queen Elizabeth II - "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D" awarded thereafter until 1993. REVERSE Same for all versions, very simply designed featuring "FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD" underlined by two spears and a laurel wreath. BAR Introduced in 1881, a bar could be awarded to signify each subsequent award. Bars are straight and also struck in silver. Bars awarded between 1881 into 1916 bear the month and year of the subsequent award. Those awarded after mid-1916 bear no date but feature a laurel spray. When only ribbons are worn, a silver rosette for each bar is worn on the ribbon. Queen Victoria Version: Edward VII Version: King George V, Version 1: King George V (crowned), Version 2: King George VI, Version 1: King George VI, Version 2: Queen Elizabeth II, Version 1 (this picture is of a reproduction): Queen Elizabeth II, Version 2: If you have one of these medals to show, a picture of a soldier wearing it, or a story about this medal being awarded/earned . . . please feel free to share it here!

This topic is meant to serve as a sort of "Table of Contents" for various useful threads that discuss the basics/details of uniforms, insignia, equipment and medals issued by the UK, making it easier to find out where to learn and post about your great collection pieces or current subject of research. Every thread here is open and active, so please feel free to post your thoughts, questions and photos as often as you'd like to share. While they are meant to serve as good reference for those wanting to learn, they're also meant to be great discussions between members. Please, enjoy the discussions and add to these threads. Thanks! If you think a thread should be added to this directory, just message any Ground Crew Member or Moderator. MEDALS & AWARDS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Crimea Medal (1854-56) Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Military Cross (MC) Punjab Medal (1849) War Medal, 1939 to 1945 WWII Defense Medal UNIFORMS, HELMETS & HEADGEAR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Uniform Reference Books Bearskin Helmets: The Iconic Headdress of the Foot Guards South Wales Borderers, Officer's Field Service Caps British Army and RAF contract numbers Part 1:6/CLO... British Army and RAF contract numbers Part 2: A/78/CLO... used from 1961 to 1980 BADGES & INSIGNIA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Airborne Pegasus Patches Airborne WWII Cloth Insignia British Royal Cyphers on Buttons Glider Pilot Regiment Brevets The Kings Own Scottish Borderers RFC / RAF Cloth Wing Badges Robin Hood Formation Signs Patches WW2 Era British Paratrooper Wings

British built the Adrias served with the British Royal Navy when she struck a German mine that blew her Bow off in the Aegean in January 1944, but she made it back all way to Egypt.

Just found this one, the 36th Infantry Division Formation Sign on a Bush Hat, Tommy there having a light moment with a Nationalist Chinese Soldier in Burma 1944.

Eswyn Lister Engish was one of the first war brides to arrive in Canada, when she married Stu Lister of one of the Canadian Highland Regiments.

Hi I’ve been searching the web everywhere trying to find information on a Burberry officers greatcoat and I’ve found that the label is correct for a WWII time period. But just wanted some more advice before I obtain it and if real how much is it worth so I don’t get ripped off? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I have quite a few examples in my collection, including these three Mons 1914 Stars, one each for the Welsh, South Wales Borderers and Royal Welsh regiments

Officer's Field Service Cap, dating to the Edwardian period.

I have quite a few of these, I will post some at a time, starting with the great war; first the welsh fund great war post card collection, I believe this is the full set of 12 cards

My small collection of wartime Airborne Pegasus Patches.

this came from a very well respected Falklands War collector and it is a veterans bring back of his own MKIV. the shell is the rimless version only produced by BMB in 1952, retrofitted with the later liner pattern, dated 1980 and 1982, which these often have misdated parts. the sock is dated 1976, the cruciform is dated 1982 whilst the other part is dated 1980 and made by Compton Webb and the shell is named inside to CHAPPELL 6230 and also numbered 581 0n a yellow square

Are these WW2 issued RAF flying boots?

This one was a recent pickup and represents an interesting transitional helmet. The shell is a standard MK I rimless showing a heavy green paint over a lighter green paint. The heavy textured paint is consistent on the inside of the shell, and I am assuming factory applied. The liner is the early pattern tongued variety. Looking at the chinstrap configuration, it is the same as what's seen on later helmets with one piece leather band being riveted to the shell under the liner. As such, this helmet would have been produced at some point between April and July of 1916 - as the factories ran out remaining stock of earlier liners. The steel lot stamp is FS 152, and interestingly enough in doing my research I found similarly configured helmet on a dealers website - probably assembled within weeks if not days of each other! Anyway, an interesting helmet to document as it represents a point in time during the development and transition from War Office Pattern to Mk I and it's further improvements.