The military memorabilia.

[computedshorty]

The military memorabilia.

There must be many members who have saved some sort of Militaria, from old medals to pictures of family who served abroad during the war.

Kids saved shrapnel ( Jagged pieces of metal ) from the shells that exploded overhead or the unexploded Incendiary Bomb.

One of my mates has taken it a bit far, he collects Tanks and overhauls them at his Military Museum, Isle of Wight, there have been several programmes on television under the name Tank Overhaul, this first one is of particular interest called the Overhaul of the Comet Tank, I was an AFV ( Armoured Fighting Vehicle ) Driver on a Comet Tank.

An other has a Collection of Uniforms some the full Coloured Dress over a hundred years, all these now displayed in a Museum at the bottom of his garden.

A comrade was buried in a coffin shaped as a Tank complete with sand coloured camouflage and marking that were on the tank during his service.

I have a lot in my collection.

It would be of interest to see what you have saved.

Added a picture in front of my Comet tank thats me skinny one on the right.

[stacey-lyn]

Whatever happened to the military memorabilia shop on LL? We went in there once. On the same side as Franklins but located somewhere before that.

[Townleygreen]

Never heard of a Comet tank. What year was that??

[computedshorty]

When the Comet arrived in September 1944 the British had at last a British tank with decent armour, speed and a good gun, many regard it was the best British tank of the war and they are probably right. The Comet was extremely fast, reliable, was easy to drive and had excellent off road performance.

The 77mm gun was a slightly less powerful than the 17pdr but was still capable of penetrating thick armour especially when firing APDS ammunition. Armour was decent for a 33 ton tank but clearly inferior to the mammoth German tanks of the period but better than that of tanks such as the Sherman or Cromwell.

The Comet was essentially an enlarged version of the Cromwell, in 1943 attempts were made to mount Vickers' new high velocity 75mm gun in a Cromwell but despite many months and plans to have the tank in production shortly it was found that the gun would not fit into the Cromwell after all. This 75mm weapon was then modified to fire 17 Pounder ammunition and was known as 77mm so that there would not be confusion over ammunition supplies. The High Velocity 77mm was extremely accurate, more so than the regular 17 Pounder and was mounted on the Comet tank.

It had been planned to have the first crews equipped and trained with the Comet by December 1944 but due to the German offensive the crews did not have time to train until the new year, the Comet tank ultimately arrived too late but it's high speed was put to good use in Germany, this high speed also allowed to Comet to power its way through rough terrain that other tanks could not.

Interestingly the Comet tank was equipped with a relatively large amount of Amour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) ammunition with around 20% of the armour piercing type of ammunition produced for the Comet being APDS. Both the 17 Pounder and 77mm fired exactly the same projectiles but due to the different cartridge the 77mm had a lower muzzle velocity and thus lower penetration. The turret could also be transverse 360 degrees within 24 seconds.

The picture shows tank no 334901, mine was numbered 334964 you can just see it in my picture.

[Michael Palaeologus]

Interesting that the Centurion shares a similar shape and design details with the Comet, its just bigger. Same engine as well I think (Merlin derived?).

[Dulwichmudlark]

120mm HEAT anti tank round falklands 80mm anti aircraft round 20mm sabot round 20 mil valcon rounds training thunder flash grenade and alot lot more

[Salsaboy]

Tanks for that!

[Townleygreen]

dulwichbeekeeper inexpicably said:

120mm HEAT anti tank round falklands 80mm anti aircraft round 20mm sabot round 20 mil valcon rounds training thunder flash grenade and alot lot more

WTF?

Thanks for that info, Computedshortly

[computedshorty]

The mentioned 120mm HEAT anti tank round falklands 80mm anti aircraft round 20mm sabot round 20 mil valcon rounds training thunder flash grenade and alot lot more

These were Shells, most of these that were saved were only the Brass casing, without the projectile head, better known as the bullet.

These usually finished up on a matle shelf with flowers in them.

[Michael Palaeologus]

2 pounder shell casing. Shiny brass.

[computedshorty]

My Memorabilia has a personal connection with all the items.

I have for years been in the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, this is held the following Sunday after the Armistice Day Parade.

Whitehall is closed to traffic by permission of the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Tank Regiments H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.

We form up on Horseguard?s Parade Ground dressed in Regimental Blazer with Badge Tie and Medals, are inspected and marched through the Arch into Whitehall lead by the Regimental Band, in full dress Uniform, sometimes there is a Tank in Whitehall from Bovington Museum.

The large number of Visitors and people watching is surprising at the hour on a Sunday morning.

The march down Whitehall to halt facing the Cenotaph, two minuets silence, the Service by the Regimental Padre, we stand bare headed, (some times in pouring rain dripping from the trees, to remain wet for the rest of the day ).

Return to up Whitehall turning right into Whitehall Place, here is the statue of a Comet Tank Crew, where another Service is held.

When the Parade is dismissed we make our way to the Barley Mo. Public House in Horseferry Road for our Lunch, and meet up with old pals.

I was a little involved with the presentation of the Commemorative Enamel Snuff Boxes, that was produced,

H.M Queen Elizabeth II was presented with Box Number one, of the Two hundred made, my one is number 151.

See picture.

[bob]

Military shop on LL Target Arms now Daisy Lets.

Bob S

[Dulwichmudlark]

All complete but inert

[computedshorty]

Now is the time that the Chelsea Pensioners become more in the eye of the public.

Does the general public know what they are or what they do now?

You will see them at the Cenotaph, and Marching down the stairs of the Royal Albert Hall.

The scarlet Uniform is only worn on Parades whilst within the Hospital or outside the Hospital.

Their normal dress is more informal Blue with cap inside the boundaries of the Hospital.

I have over the years become familiar with many of the Pensioners, I have also through attending so many parades been offered to attend many more, so many that I cant go to them all.

There are frequent invitations to take part in Parades with the Royal Family present, and be seated on a close table at the Luncheon.

I had thought that as I was there, I would when I got home write a short report of the proceedings and send to those that could not be there I have done this and sent them to old comrades of my own Regiment, these seem to be well received, but now those men have nearly all passed to the Green fields so I do not do it now.

These might be of interest to members.

This is one of my reports;

Chelsea Founders Day 7th June 2002

The only official Parade of the In-Pensioners of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, is to commemorate the founding of the Royal Hospital, by King Charles 11. This year the salute was taken by His Royal Highness Prince Michael.

It had been raining , as we took our seats in the raised stands the seat had an inch of rainwater in the cupped seat, as it was fixed down the water had to be removed by hand, the rain stopped for the ceremony, the Trumpeters came out onto the balcony, six each side, one later collapsed and was taken away, the Band played the Pensioners came on Parade waiting for the Royal Party, unfortunately one of these also became unwell and was wheeled off in a wheelchair.

Prince Michael arrived onto the Parade Ground, having called into the Infirmary to see the less able Pensioners, The Fanfare by the Trumpeters, and the inspection of the Pensioners formed up in four Companies in the Figure Court, pausing to speak to those sitting behind who were unable to stand for the Parade.

I was particularly pleased that he spent some time talking to my Ex Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Major, Tom Parnell, who we had come to see.

I think that the most moving part of the Parade is the very slow March to the tune of "The Old Brigade" this brings a standing ovation from the assembly, it never ceases to bring a lump to my throat, it is now that an unusual salute is given by the left hand as they counter march past the saluting base, as they pass the Golden band on the pocket flap of their scarlet coat denoting that this person holds a post of responsibility within the Hospital.

Prince Michael, gave a well received speech, then unveiled the Statue of Charles the 11, that had been renovated and painted a brilliant gold, by the sculptor Andy Mitchell. Prince Michael left the Parade. The Pensioners were dismissed.

Now the time to meet your pensioner, and of course all those you have got to know while attending other Parades, get your Packed Lunch , Hot Dog , or Hamburger, now the beer tent, find enough seats in one of the Marquee's and settle to catch up on all that has passed since you last met, the band plays all the favourite Military Music.

My own observations are toward two men in Blazers who I must say were wearing the biggest display of Medals I have ever seen, on both sides, not just Medals but Badges of anything they had ever belonged to, some I suspect might bare a simulararity to the yearly clasp from Butlins from 1950 to 1972, I doubt that should they have been able to obtain a replica of Kenny Everett's four foot wide jacket there would have been room to put on the Golly Badge, these exhibitionists being only visitors did not.

I am glad to say get any attention from the ex servicemen there, as they retreated to a empty table and remained alone.

Looking at a very very old Pensioner standing in the heavy rain, who it turned out had come from the Infirmary wearing his pyjama trousers six inches short, in his scarlet coat and Blue Cap, he was waiting for his visitors (Who would never come) as he had probably outlived them, constantly smiled as he got soaked, he gave a glance in my direction the non seeing glance I had seen by my own brother with Dementia, this man is more important to me than a hundred exhibitionists!

The man was taken into the Marquee by some of the ladies on an other table and made a welcome to him and posed with him for a photo, I think it made his day.

The rain fell heavy keeping the visitors inside, now with a disco to replace the band, a visit to the Museum is a must, funny how many men bought the red apron with the Pensioners on it, I suspect they will be wearing it themselves, lots of god souvenirs, and books, and see a grand model of the Royal Hospital, when it was built in 1692.

The Chapel is also an interesting building, and the Dining Hall, and the Pensioners rooms these are called Berths, and what is The Chelsea Chest ? This is their stomach best when filled!

Reluctantly we had to leave, just then someone with a portable radio shouted "We have won " this was the Football Match against Argentina, perhaps I might be exaggerating when I say men jumped to their feet who had not stood for years and cheered, well it seemed to me anyway, what a high note to leave our friends, "See you next year" God Willing. I do hope our visit has given some pleasure to Our Old Comrades. I am looking forward to next year already.

"Smiler" aka ?Computedshorty?