As previously mentioned, I will try to put these in chronological order. Due to emails being replied to “without” the original message or series of emails, it can be a bit disjointed. For some reason or another when I copied the emails there was a couple with a very odd date stamp for 2008. Not sure why it did that, but a few I have corrected to the original date, when certain, otherwise I have left them as they are.
From: James Morgan [mailto:morgan]
Sent: 05 January 2011 01:53 AM
To: 'Craig & xxxx Fourie'
Subject: RR-D's items
Hi Craig,
Throwing a question your way. With respect to RR-D’s items that are coming up for auction, are you planning on going after anything, or have seen the items? I’m interested in the wings and the SS insignia, some of which are in lots with mixed insignia. I figure that some of that cloth crap will be of interest to you. I’m not interested in much of that and don’t want to bid on anything that really isn’t of interest. I also don’t want to bidding against anyone I consider a friend. So, I was thinking that if the wings and SS insignia are something that is of interest to me, as in good numbered wings and silver insignia, then it might be an idea to pair up to get the lot. I think for some items there will be some very heavy hitters, so if some of us go together and get it for cheaper, then great. I’m just throwing the idea and question out there. I haven’t asked anyone else, mainly because I know Peter really won’t be interested in most or any of it and XXX XXXXX will be after the same things as you or I.
Cheers,
James
05 January 2011
To: 'James Morgan'
Hi James,
Thanx for your mail.
I too don’t want to bid against friends so well pleased to share as we can.
I was lucky enough to see all of his kit in his office,was all laid out for inspection advise when we visited him.
They asked me what to do,i said for starters give every single item provinence and have him sign every item as each collector will want to own a little piece of him.
I know the auction is at weltz but haven’t seen the listings yet,will check it out soon.
All i ever wanted of his was one of his SS rank epaulettes signed by him,he had one or two pairs from memory.
So lets look,debate and decide and see how we go.
Best wishes,
Craig.
Subject: Peter Garratt too...
Wed 05/01/2011 9:20 PM
To: 'Craig & xxxx Fourie'
Hi Craig,
Peter called me about Uncle Ron’s items, this evening. He is also on board if there happens to be something in a lot that we might all be interested in, but not the same item, and might be up for pooling together. I guess we have some time to figure out what we are interested in and how or if we want to go about it. I will definitely bid on a couple of things that are single items, but as mentioned am also interested in some items that are mixed in with a stupid sized group. We’ll talk later.
Cheers,
James
Sent: Thu 1/6/2011 3:43 PM
To: 'Craig & xxxx Fourie'; 'Peter Garratt'
Hi Guys,
A bit of an update. Although I asked for a different set of photos, the good lass sent more of the same. However, she answered part of my question. I asked that she tell me what the wing numbers are for the 3 wings. She answered about two of them, which are in the same lot. I made a mistake in saying that I thought one of the wings was a 09xx series, which isn't the case. It was a crap photo that made me ask for her to look herself and tell me what the numbers were. So we have two sets of issued wings and waiting to find out about the third set.
OTHER COLLECTOR might be interested in some of this crap as well and might be interested in a collaboration too.....Craig????
Cheers,
James
On Jan 6, 2011,
craig & xxxx fourie <rhodesia> wrote:
Hi guys,
Thanx for your hard work here James.
Ive asked OTHER COLLECTOR to reply here.
I wont be going for the wings but nice pair,not often you get wings to white
guys popping up.
Would like a pair of the slip ons if anyone keen to share the lot.
Would look superb on one of the shirts,imagine framed flat with good photo.
The shirts would get provenance by pattern as recognisable from the lots
photo so with the slips on make a nice souvenir.
Regards,
Craig.
Fri 07/01/2011 9:09 AM
To: craig & xxxx fourie; Peter Garratt; James Morgan
Hi Guys,
I don't think I will be going for any of the badge, insignia or uniform lots.
Best of luck.
Cheers,
OTHER COLLECTOR
Tue 07 January 2011 3:05 AM
To: morgan
CC: pcgarratt
Will send you guys all the RRD photos wearing cammo shirts i have.
Do the forensics and lets see what comes up,make a cracking display shirt and photo in one fram.
regards
Tue 29/07/2008 3:46 AM (not sure why it is displaying this date stamp)
To: pcgarratt
CC: morgan
Went thru all my SS photos,these all i have of him wearing cammo shirts,might even be repeats of those sent or in books etc but lets see how many we can link to actual shirts up for sale.
This our venture please,our eyes only,hate others to cotton on to this one and try for lot themselves.
Please do not send these photos on or use them elsewhere.
Best wishes and have fun
From: James Morgan [mailto:morgan]
Sent: 04 February 2011 03:05 AM
To: 'craig & xxx fourie'; Fourie, Craig
Subject: Auction
Hi Craig,
Just to let you know, I will be bidding on two lots in the auction. The lot of 10 shirt and the lot with RRD’s wings in it. I was thinking about the shoulder boards as well, as they would pair up with the shirts. I’m going to throw a big chunk of change at these item. I know you’re interested in a shirt and you had also mentioned the shoulder boards/slip ons. I will have to get a bid in by the 15th as I will be out of town from the 15th to the 21st. The one thing that has me concerned, if anything is won, is how the auction house ships things. It would show up complete with all the prices attached so that the customs people will have a ball tearing me a new one. I know Peter is interested in a shirt as well and I have a friend that would be interested in one as well. So, there are four of us that are interested in some of these items. What are your thoughts on things?
Cheers,
James
On Feb 3, 2011,
Fourie, Craig <Craig> wrote:
Hi James,
im keen on one of the identified shirts from photo plus a pair of slip ons.
no point in all of us bidding against each other.
how would we work which shirt to who?
I like the one from the photo I sent of RRD and Pat Armstrong together with the Padre.
if you would like them sent here welcome to do so,wouldn’t compromise your deal and only take what entitled to.
if not fully understood.
I think his wing will fly plus in a heavy lot so good luck,mortage your dog,might need to.
what was the number again as I see from an SA para photo we have for the SS there is a wing number similar or very close to his?
regards and thanx,
Craig.
From: morgan
Sent: 04 February 2011 04:50 PM
To: Fourie, Craig
Subject: Re: RE: Auction
Hi Craig,
I had a query in to the auction house to see if I have to pay the VAT, which I believe is just on the commission portion of the bid. They said that if they package it up and send it out, then there is no VAT charge as they need and will have proof of it leaving the country. Not sure how that will work if you pick it up. But, I don't want it sent to me, if I win anything, with any bills attached.
Have you heard anything about anyone bidding on the wings? I'll tell you this in confidence....I plan on bidding the equivalent of$7000.00 US for the wings. The wing number is 0527.
I plan on throwing a couple of grand at the shirts as well. I know the shirt you are talking about and I like that one as well, but you had mentioned it earlier on, so I have no issue if you would like that one. I think there was 4 of them that I could identify him wearing. No doubt there are a couple more in there that could be identified as well if there is more access to other photos that are likely out there some place.
I would like a set of slip ons that would match up with a shirt that he wore. I'd be happy with just one set. My buddy had mentioned the slip-ons, but as to go in on them, not to bid on the lot himself.
I'm concerned about missing some items by a couple of bucks and would love to know how much interest is on these items and what people are willing to pay, outside of us.
Cheers,
James
Fri 04/02/2011 7:59 AM
To: morgan
in haste as rushing out,will try reply this weekend.
wing I saw was 0528 funny enough.
your bid safe with me,wont say a word.
another collector mentioned going for it but putting money rather into one of the other items as his priority.
I have an SS slip on which I will sell to buy one of the pairs,halve my price if possible.
catch you later,thanx for this.
Craig Fourie
Wed 23/02/2011 6:37 PM
Hi Peter,
I won all of my items that I bid on. Now, to get it landed here and see what all is there to play with.
I also asked the auction house to take a look around for the wing backing. I doubt it’ll turn up, but there’s no harm in asking.
Cheers,
James
Wed 09/03/2011 9:14 PM
Hi Craig,
Just thought I’d let you know that I won the bids that I put in for on the RRD auction. Now, if I can get them to figure out everything in order for me to actually get the goods, I’ll be surprised. Do you know any of the Reid-Daly family? I’d like to see if they know where the cloth backing is for Uncle Ron’s Wings are.
Cheers,
James
From: Peter Garratt [mailto
cgarratt]
Sent: April-09-11 8:12 AM
To: James Morgan
Subject: Re: Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Hello James,
Well if you upset me or don't sell me the wings and ribbons at a cheap price, you will think you've
been hit by him when I get a hold of you. Thought I would pre warn you.
Has your stuff arrived yet? F**king Anton isn't posting my stuff off until the $39 postage has been cleared by my credit card.
Unbelievable! All week and I don't think he has posted it yet. Looks like another phone call shortly.
Now wonder they lost the war.
Cheers,
Peter
Sat 09/04/2011 8:22 AM
To: 'Peter Garratt'
Hi Peter,
It just keeps getting better and better. The package was supposed to have been sent a week ago last Thursday. It turns out it was sent on the Monday after. I received a phone message this past Thursday from FedEx, telling me that the package was in town, but I did not have a customs broker assigned. Therefore, I had to either come up with a broker agent, or sign off for FedEx to act as my broker. By the time that is done and the Customs a**hole rape me for their percentage, those wings and ribbon bars should work out to about $5000.00CDN, each. I may want you to hit me after all that.
Cheers,
James
From: Peter Garratt [mailto
cgarratt]
Sent: April-09-11 8:26 AM
To: James Morgan
Subject: Re: Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Hello James,
Then at $5,000 you won't mind me telling you to shove them.
How about a photo of the wings, just the obverse please. That's if you're still interested in selling them.
Cheers,
Peter
Sat 09/04/2011 8:38 AM
'Peter Garratt'
Hi Peter,
I don’t know when I’ll get them. When I finally get the lot, I’ll know more on what I want to do with them. I’ve had several people wanting his SAS wings, but if I do do anything with them, you’ll get first crack at them. That I promised and I hold to my word. I think the medals come with that lot. Are you suggesting they are his father’s?
Cheers,
James
From: James Morgan [mailto:morgan]
Sent: 09 April 2011 05:59 PM
To: 'Craig & xxxx Fourie'
Subject: Medal
Hi Craig,
I still do not have RRD’s items yet. Now they’re tied up in customs.
Cheers,
James
Tue 03/05/2011 6:00 AM
Hi James,
Sorry my comp at home has been down,only saw your mail last night.
No idea who this is but should be easy enough o get research on with a name and 3 initials as is?
How did you go with your RRD shirts and slip ons?
Forgot I have a nice large A4 original photo of him,as used in Contact,side view semi portrait which I got him to sign for me at 2009 SAS reunion.
Think you have this shirt in the lot bought.
Would make a stunning display with shirt and signed photo.
Regards,
Craig Fourie
On Jun 8, 2011,
Fourie, Craig <Craig.Fourie> wrote:
Hi James,
Hope well?
How did you do with the cammo shirts and slip ons from the auction?
Regards,
Craig Fourie
From: morganj
Sent: 08 June 2011 04:49 PM
To: Fourie, Craig
Subject: Re: RRD Shirts
Hi Craig,
I did get the shirts, slip ons, berets, and insignia including wing 0527. It was a bit of a nightmare to get the stuff over here. They wanted $1000.00 (approx. R7000) to ship the goods over here. Customs was another $1000.00. So all in all, it cost me one of my kids kidneys and my left nut.
I was expecting a note from you and honestly have been thinking of sending you one. I know you were intersted in a shirt and slipons. I have one shirt that I have set up with Ron's wings, and Lt. Col. slip ons. It's the same shirt that is pictured on the dust jacket of Pamwe Chete and was used at his memorial service. That one I will keep. There are three other shirts that have been identified, for lack of a better term, by photos of him wearing them. He has also signed the shirts. The slip ons are a hit and miss for him signing. Some are and some aren't.
What are you thinking you'd like to go shopping for?
Cheers,
James
From: Fourie, Craig [mailto:Craig.Fourie]
Sent: June-08-11 8:59 AM
To: morgan
Cc: Craig & xxxx Fourie
Subject: RE: RRD Shirts
Hi James,
Before you go for an organ transfer lets do something.
As per the photos I sent you would be happy with any of the identified shirts,hopefully the shirt on parade as per photo I sent you,color photo with the padre.
Have spare a original large size photo I got RRD to sign which I don’t think we tested for shirt he is wearing against auction collection,will scan and send to you asap,be nice to have this photo with the shirt all signed etc in a frame,don’t mind if you want this as part of the deal,would look excellent..
Lets see what you have and then thrash out what you want.
Most appreciated.
Craig Fourie
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Garratt [mailto
cgarratt]
Sent: July-07-11 4:38 PM
To: James Morgan
Subject: medal ribbons
Friday, July 08, 2011
Hello James,
Have you decided anything with the medal ribbons or para wing? If not could you please decide so that I can invest the money into some other items that I am interested in.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Peter
Thu 07/07/2011 7:39 PM
To: 'Peter Garratt'
Hi Peter,
I'm sure we can do something. Which wings was it that you were interested in again?
Cheers,
James
From: James Morgan [mailto:morgan]
Sent: August-25-11 7:22 PM
To: 'Fourie, Craig'
Subject: RE: RRD Shirts
Hi Craig,
I don’t think we ever revisited this. There have been some family health issues and that has been pretty consuming and everything has been put on the back burner until now.
Several of the shirts that were in the lot are shirts he was photographed in. The shirt you are referring to below seemed to be the most photographed shirt of all. That one I will keep, sorry, but the choice is open for the others.
I have a question for you. Sgt. Joseph Chidembo, SN# 646771, is listed in Pamwe Chete and on your website as being a BCR winner. He was not gazetted was he?
Cheers,
James
Thu 25/08/2011 7:31 PM
To: 'Peter Garratt'
Hi Peter,
I apologise for not getting back to you sooner on this, but we’ve had some health problems with my dad that has gone on for the last month or so, but have calmed down enough now that I have some free time.
I think, for now, that I would like to keep RRD’s Wings together. I don’t think it would be fair to the man to break them up. If and when I do decide what I will do with them you will have first refusal on them, that I promise. I know you’re going to be pissed at this decision as when I was first contemplating the whole auction deal, I asked you if you’d be interested in them if I went for them. Again, sorry for holding you up on all of this.
Cheers,
James
Thu 25/08/2011 11:31 PM
To: 'James Morgan'
CC: 'Peter Garratt'
I will make this very easy for you James.... you can keep them all.
We had a deal and months later as predicted you change the rules to suit yourself.
We stood down so you could bid for all of us without a war.
I supplied a few of the photos you now use as reference in making your decision.
Ive no doubt you will have done same to any others who colluded with you,ie Peter,i attach him here in case he wants to defend you again my remark here.
Do not try drag other collectors in to this to make yourself feel any better or worse,none of their business so have the dignity at least to feel some shame and let your actions speak for themselves.
Goes without saying do not reply here,i will not read your mail.
You have fallen in to the trap of many a collector,ie greed and have used us to improve your selfish drive to gain at the expense of others.
Good luck.