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In Britain, after the Great War, there was a fear that the next war would involve the use of Mustard Gas and the like. To defend against such use British troops were issued with anti-gas equipment, including OINTMENT ANTI-GAS No. 2. This tin holds 8 tubes of anti-gas ointment (Chloramine-T and vanishing cream), which, as an alkali, was intended to neutralise Mustard Gas; they are made by UMP Co. The tin has instructions for use printed on the base. There are some ink stamps on the inside of the lid but I cannot fully discern what they state (??T4 in part); on the back edge of the tin, above the hinge for the lid, it is marked TPP. This belongs to a family friend who has kept it, unopened, since World War Two when it had been issued to a relative in the Army. There are at least 6 types of anti-gas ointment like this, Anti-Gas Ointment No3 has blue tin, Anti-Gas Ointment No6 has a green tin and is marked for tropical and temperate use; I am not sure of the other types' use.

This is a string vest, it is literally made of string. I believe these or a type like these were used by British troops in World War Two. I can find no markings nor a label. It's a small size chest fitting. The vest is 'knitted' loosely with fabric shoulder joins.

These silk “trapuntos” were popular with sailors and Marines of all navies operating along the China coast at the dawn of the 20th century. I believe the term trapunto comes from a Portuguese term for a quilted style of embroidery. The general design of the majority of these were likely inspired by English sailor-made “wooly art, but now they were crafted by artisans in both Japan and China. Sewn upon a silk background they usually had flags and national symbols associated with the sailors home country (i.e. lions, eagles etc). Many times they had a pocket that allowed the sailor to add his picture. This example, most likely dating from the end of the Victoria’s reign, or the beginning of the Edwardian era was sold as a pair, and this rating added his photo to one, and his wife’s photo to an identical copy…a lastly tribute to his Asiatic cruise. I believe his rate is leading stoker and the medal he wears is his long service award.

I was lucky enough to get this British Military Mission to Greece insignia on a buy it now option on eBay. I don't think the seller had any idea that this insignia had an association with the British SOE (Special Operations Executive) or the asking price would have been much higher. Another one with an attached button hole hanger (see photos) just sold on eBay for over three times what I paid for mine because SOE was mentioned in the description. This unit appears to have been helping the partisans fight the Nazis who had overrun Greece during WW2. However it would appear that after the end of the war the British abandoned these partisans because they were Communists and instead helped their opposition which lead to their bloody civil war. What a mess.

Like most American soldiers, I've always had a fascination with foreign camouflage. Other armies always seemed to have just a sharper look, whether the camo was effective or not. This item was given to my son by my trading partner from Hong Kong in the 1990's. It is a ridiculously small size, but it still provides a sample of the cloth and pattern.

A buddy in England sent this to me several years ago. He said they are not very common and some of his collector buddies didnt want him to send it to the states. Thanks for looking, BKW

I bought this RAF greatcoat right out of England about 20 years ago. It cost 9 dollars on eBay and 50 to ship to US. I realized early on that the chevrons were up side down. Is there any reason that would have been done? Can someone please help with dating, and advice on what to do about the chevrons

Raf Senior Aircraftman tropical shirt / jacket. Unfortunately the date tag has been removed. Please help me with the era of use, and anything else that you can add.

I purchased this recently which is sort of a headquarters type unit for a variety of special operation forces during WW2. The symbolism has Pegasus (airborne forces) swimming (seaborne forces) in the ocean. On another forum (The British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum) is a great description of this outfit which came out of the July 2015 edition of The Formation Sign Journal of the Military Heraldry Society: A DYING DUCK IN A THUNDERSTORM Formed in June 1944, LFA a planning and co-ordinating HQ ‘for trans-Adriatic special operations’ commanded all land and special raiding forces formerly part of Force 266, a Middle East offshoot of SOE formed as a result of the increased military commitment in the Adriatic. Based at Bari in Italy its primary task was to support the partisan forces of Marshal Tito in Bosnia and Montenegro. LFA was commanded by Brigadier GMO Davy, an officer of the 3rd Hussars, described by Donald Hamilton-Hill, an SOE officer serving with LFA as a man with ‘a penchant for publicity and ideas of desert leap-frogging in operations’. The white horse of Hannover within a blue garter taken from the officers’ cap badge of the 3rd Hussars were incorporated in the new formation’s badge, but as LFA operated across the Ionian and Adriatic seas, ‘carried sometimes by air but more often by sea’ the white horse was given wings to represent a swimming Pegasus climbing onto dry land. Drawn in watercolours by Brigadier Davy, a local Italian cloth maker produced ‘a somewhat inadequate stencil’ from which a two inch square was cut. Comments from other formations were not complimentary; ‘What the hell’s that on your shoulder? A dying duck in a thunderstorm?’ or ‘That duck was badly shot – where’s the Labrador?’. A 6th September message from HQ LFA noted that ‘a formation flash [sic] will be taken into use forthwith by all units under command’ - three pairs for officers, one pair for ORs - its distribution list recording LFA’s units: HQ Vis Brigade, HQ, Raiding Support Regiment, HQ, LRDG (A&B Squadrons) HQ, Special Boat Section, LRDG Signal Squadron plus C Coy, 2nd HLI and Rear HQs, 111 Field, 31 LAA and 64 HAA Regiments, RA and 579 A Field Coy RE. Interestingly 2nd Special Service Brigade, also under command was not to wear the sign. C Coy, 2 HLI wanted nine pairs for officers, 35pairs for ORS, the SBS 165 badges, as ‘this represents the requirements of those members of the unit at present in CMF’. Distributed on 16th September officers were to wear them on the arms two inches from the shoulder ‘attached to the shirt preferably by press buttons’, ORs ‘fastened to the shoulder straps by a piece of tape fastened to each side and looped underneath’… ‘the means of easy attachment and detachment is necessary as the flashes will not wash satisfactorily’.

RAF Officer, Navigator tunic. It is named to W. Jenkins. There are VRT insignia. The pocket buttons are in excellent condition, while the others are not. It is clear that some are not original to the jacket. Please help identify the ribbons, and date of use. Tom

This is a sample of a grouping I own identified to an American named George F Thomson who served with 74 Squadron. The cuff-rank tunic was the uniform he was wearing when he was shot down and captured June 12, 1918.

Hi, part of my military and collecting interest has been RAF and USMC Harrier stuff for many years, here is a selection of some of my 1970s RAF patches, some of these are extremely HTF, the winged 1 Squadron patch, the Snoopy 1978 Tactical Fighter Meet, the 20 Squadron All bitter & twisted and the 1453 Harrier flight (Falkland Islands) are very rare. The two Zippos, one had the 4 Squadron crest and on the other side HARRIER FORCE RAF GERMANY below the Queens 1977 Silver Jubilee crest. The other Zippo Has the crest of the British Forces Belize, Central America and the crest with a sailfish. I hope you enjoy these.... cheers, John

I recently purchased this WWII uniform belonging to Capt C.R. Arthur, Esq who served with the Loyal Regiment in Burma. Both the jacket and the trousers are named to him. Both are also dated 15 Aug 1941. The uniform is in absolutely fantastic shape with only a few minor nicks here and there. I've been trying to get a better ID on Capt Arthur, at the least a full name for him. So far I've had no luck so if anyone could provide any assistance on some additional information on him it would be greatly appreciated. Since he served in Burma I'm assuming he was with either the 5th or 6th Territorial Battalions. From what I've been able to find those were the only two battalions in the Loyal Regiment to serve in Burma. The 5th Battalion apparently surrendered to the Japanese in Singapore in early 1942 and spent the rest of the war as POWs. It would be interesting to see if he was with them. The 6th Battalion served in India in operation against the Japanese and then in the Burma campaign in 1944 to the end of the war. All I need to complete the uniform now is a cap and shirt (I've already got a spare tie). I know it's a slim chance but if anyone has an officer's visor cap with Loyal Regiment cap badge they'd be willing to sell please let me know! Even if you have a bare cap with no badges that would work too.

The Battle of Jutland is the most famous sea battles of World War One and perhaps one of the most famous battles of the whole war. However, for many years after the battle there was a great mystery. It was that of what truly happened to HMS Black Prince. For a long time the HMS Black Prince was assumed to be sunk by a German Submarine because the last wireless signal to the British fleet from the Black Prince was a report of a submarine sighting at about 20:45. However, historians now hold the German account of the ships sinking. During the night action of the battle the HMS Black Prince was separated from the HMS Defence, HMS Warrior, and HMS Duke of Edinburgh. While searching for her sister ships she ran into the entire German battle line and tired to turn away but it was too late. The German battleship Thürungen fixed her search lights on the Black Prince and opened fire. Many other German warships opened fire, these included the Nassau, Ostfiesland, and Friedrich de Grosse. The Black Prince returned fire but was ineffective. Most of these German warships were between 750 and 1500 yards away from the Black Prince which is effectively point-black range for naval gunnery of the time. The HMS Black Prince was hit by at least 20 large caliber shells and she sank within 15 minutes. She went down with all hands, all 857 men who sailed her were killed. During the battle the HMS Spitfire reported seeing a ship that was “a mass of fire from foremast to mainmast, on deck and between decks. Flames were issuing out of her from every corner.” this mystery ship blew up at about midnight. It is thought that the warship the Spitfire saw was the HMS Black Prince. In my opinion, this is an accurate assumption as the Black Prince was the only ship sunk at midnight during the Battle of Jutland. Here is the medal group to one of the 857 men who lost their lives while serving aboard the HMS Black Prince. Frederick Charles Wood was only 21 years old when he was killed. His medal entitlement was issued to his mother.

Ciao, I would like to show you my first MK6 helmet, i was looking for it since many years and finally i found my dream one for a good price. Shell is a early production smooth-finish of 1984 form National Plastic name and service number of first owner. Cover is a desert dpm of a early '90 contract with name/service number/ blood type and 6 square of glint tape in side/back and top. I think this helmet can be isert in Operation Granby (Gulf War) time frame. I have 2 question: - do you know if is possibile to identify the unit by service number? - this huge use of glint tape is a common procedure or can be connected ti some specific branch? RAF/Navy for visibility - Para or commando for fast identification Thanks

I thought it strange that there is no leather sweat band. Any input is greatly appreciated. .

This was a strange pickup at a local flea market last weekend. Nothing else military and the owner had no history of it. Unfortunately it is not named. Is there a specific pattern date to this style hat?

Hello all, hoping everyone is well and families well too. I just received a replacement case for my only British mini set and felt motivated to post and solicit any of your favorite attributed mini medal bars. Thanks for indulging me. Admiral Sir William Jock Whitworth (1884-1973): KCB - Birthday Honours, 1941 DSO - 1918 MiD - Great War MiD - Birthday Honours, 1940 Grand Cross, Order of St. Olav - London Gazette 13-1-1948

Painted pair worn by a Rhodesian Officer in the Northern Rhodesia Regiment. and his Number One dress badge which has been embroidered over the printed Rhino in navy blue cotton sewn into a disk with a brooch pin attachment.

Hi all, and Happy New year. I earlier posted a pic of the 1940 dated large pack I recently picked up. Earlymb mentioned that early war dated equipment is desirable due to Dunkirk. So here are my humble collection of early war equipment. 1939 medic bag 1940 dated basic pouch, patrol pouch and binocular case. Anyone else have some to share? Mikie

Here are 3 photos of England I got in a collection of 50 from a US soldier stationed at an American Air Base in England in WW2. The "tank busters" in one photo are interesting. How did they work? Paul

After early reports of the atrocities against Jews were made public by the Allied powers, the British Prime Minister sent a personal telegram to the F.D.R. suggesting that Jewish men of all races have the right to strike at the Germans. On July 3, 1944, the establishment of a Jewish Brigade with hand-picked Jewish and also non-Jewish senior officers was consented too by the British government. The Jewish Brigade Group of the British Army headquarters was established in Egypt in September of 1944. The Zionist flag was officially approved as the brigade standard. The brigade consisted of more than 5,000 Jewish volunteers from the Mandated Palestine region.. The units were as follows 1st Battalion, Palestine Regiment 2nd Battalion, Palestine Regiment 3rd Battalion, Palestine Regiment 200th Field Regiment R.A. The Jewish Brigade fought in Italy. Following the war, some of them would assist Holocaust survivors to emigrate into the Mandated Palestine region. Below are 2 examples of their insignia. The scroll being the typical embroidered example with a bullion and embroidered version of the patch.

Hello Gentlemen, I 'think' I may already know the answer to this query, but I always prefer to confirm via someone a bit more versed in the subject than myself. It is in reference to the my recent Query regarding 1st Lieutenant [ Later Captain ] Albert O. RAYMOND, M.C. formerly of the RAMC & later U.S. Army's Medical Corps. I've determined that he was awarded the BWM, but IIRC, his example would have been issued unnamed ? I seem to recall reading this somewhere along the way during my years of collecting. Although I have 'an idea' that this may be the case, I am not absolutely certain about it. Could anyone please advise on this issue ? As always, any & all replies will be most deeply appreciated. THANK YOU !! Dom P. / dpast32@aol.com

Thoughts on the age of this mothy beret and badge would be appreciated! I see a King's crown, not sure of the age of the beret.

Hello, I picked this medal up locally this weekend, but cannot decipher the engraving on the medal which reads to me as "12883 LCpl B. E. Orton C. 8 DS:" . Thanks in advance for any help with this. 77th. Inf. Div.