Natal Mounted Rifles Shoulder Titles - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

ssr481 · #1 19-01-11, 04:19 PM

I was wondering if anyone has seen NMR shoulder titles like those used by, say the Grenadier Guards, Parachute Regiment, KRRC, etc. I'm also looking for khaki South Africa shoulder titles as well. (Putting together a collection of stuff as part of my research into Maj. Edwin Swales VC DFO)

Traist · #2 20-01-11, 08:43 AM

Are you looking at metal or cloth NMR titles? What time period? Regards Andrew

sabrigade · #3 20-01-11, 10:52 AM

Swales would be pre and World War 2 period, he first served as a sergeant major with the NMR before becoming a bomber pilot.

With the NMR he fought in Kenya, Abyssinia and in North Africa.

loupie1961 · #4 20-01-11, 03:45 PM

This is a pair of NMR metal titles mounted on a 1945 date BD in my collection... I hope this helps!

Traist · #5 20-01-11, 06:05 PM

That would be correct for WW2, on the orange tabs. Regards Andrew

ssr481 · #6 21-01-11, 01:53 AM

Thanks all.. am in contact with someone in SA for additional info.

ssr481 · #7 21-01-11, 01:57 AM

With regards to Major Swales, I was in Durban two and a half years ago.. spent time at Durban High School where my sister-in-law is a teacher. Met with the historian there who showed me the presentation Lancaster and miniature medals that Swales' relatives were given.. and his mother's scrapbook..

In November 2009, DHS unveiled a memorial to Swales.. if anyone is interested, contact me via PM here ... (it was a big to-do at DHS..)

sabrigade · #8 21-01-11, 11:36 AM

His official medal group is held at the SA National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg.

It may be interesting for you to request his personal records from the Defence Archives in Pretoria.

A very good source is the book "FOR VALOUR" by Ian S. Uys which deals with the South African recipients of the Victoria Cross.

ssr481 · #9 23-01-11, 01:46 AM

I'm working on getting a photocopy of Swales' logbook.. the archivist at DHS has one and I'm trying to get a photocopy.. there are some great photos in the scrapbook too that I'd love to get.. one of he and crew.

Also, what colour BD did the SAAF wear?? the khaki or RAF blue..

loupie1961 · #10 26-01-11, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssr481

I'm working on getting a photocopy of Swales' logbook.. the archivist at DHS has one and I'm trying to get a photocopy.. there are some great photos in the scrapbook too that I'd love to get.. one of he and crew.

Also, what colour BD did the SAAF wear?? the khaki or RAF blue..

as long as I know and from the BDs badged to the SAAF that I have seen, they wore khaki serge blouses, but I stand to be corrected....

loupie1961 · #11 03-02-11, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssr481

I was wondering if anyone has seen NMR shoulder titles like those used by, say the Grenadier Guards, Parachute Regiment, KRRC, etc. I'm also looking for khaki South Africa shoulder titles as well. (Putting together a collection of stuff as part of my research into Maj. Edwin Swales VC DFO)

SA khaki arc titles on ebay.co.uk and ebay.com on sale now....

ssr481 · #12 03-02-11, 07:20 PM

Loupie,

Thanks..just received a pair and a pair of SAAF wings.. am working on the NMR cap/beret badge and epaullette titles now.

The fabric backing behind the shoulder titles.. was that orange in colour or??

loupie1961 · #13 04-02-11, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssr481

Loupie,

Thanks..just received a pair and a pair of SAAF wings.. am working on the NMR cap/beret badge and epaullette titles now.

The fabric backing behind the shoulder titles.. was that orange in colour or??

usually described as "red" tabs, are in fact orange... not too difficult to be found on ebay, too....