Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Church Road, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, GL51 9QS and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
Guests are welcome, please contact us for details. To join the Orders and Medals Research Society please visit - http://www.omrs.org.uk

Branch Programme 2025

2025

September 11 - Clive Montellier, OBE, FCIPD, FCMI of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and MOD Medal Office.
October 9 - Dave Martin: Prisoner of War Stories
November 13 - John Rawlinson: Blue, Khaki or Green; the battle for the future of the Royal Marines in World War Two. 
December 11 - Christmas meeting

2026

January 8
February 12
March 12 - Stephen Lewis: Three Butlers: Soldier, Pilot, Warden
April 9
May 14
June 11 - Paul Brewster: BSAP
July 9
August 13 - Exmouth Arms Meeting

Meeting Thursday 14th August 2025
Apologies received J. Wright, L. Evans, C. Mellor-Hill, Rev. P. Roberts.
7 members gathered at the Exmouth Arms on the Bath Road for our annual social evening. Malcolm was there first with his wife, Bridget, followed by Steve, Paul B., Ian, Zak, Julius and Richard E. After another lovely sunny day the pub garden was very busy, especially with young people celebrating or drowning their sorrows, after the release of ‘A’ Level results on the same day! For a change it was still warm after sunset, and a good time was had by all. Malcolm told a delightful story of two rather large Pub signs, Paul B. had a new CBE, OBE, ’35 Jubilee and ’37 Coronation group from Rhodesia to research for a future talk, and Richard E. had just received an RN Cadet Log Book, dating from 1902-1903, with interesting entries and many exquisitely detailed drawings of masts and rigging from the days of sail. The informal meeting was still going when Zak left after 9.30pm.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, 11 September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. The talk will be given by Clive Montellier, OBE, FCIPD, FCMI, in command of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and the MOD Medal Office at Innsworth Barracks, Gloucester.

Meeting 10 July 2025
Apologies received from J. Wright, J. Carver, J. Scott, Rev. P. Roberts, C. Mellor-Hill, R. Emsley, L. Evans.
Zak mentioned next month's annual evening at the Exmouth Arms 14 July. 
The Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture this evening was given by Lt-Col. Nathan Smith, R.L.C. He is curator of the RCT/RASC medal collection, an extensive collection that was housed in the officers mess at Deepcut Barracks. As the camp was closing, plans were put in place to move the collection to a newly-built museum (RLC Museum) at Worthy Down. With the time-scale for closure suddenly brought forward, the collection had to be quickly moved into secure storage in a WW2 bunker on a camp. Recruiting Stephen Lewis as an assistant, work began to prepare and mount the collection on new display boards for installation into the museum. Work was hindered by the "Lockdowns" and with a firm date for the opening of the museum by the Princess Royal, work presses ahead. After many hours of work in less than favourable conditions, the boards were completed and installed in time for the opening. Work then proceeded on preparing and installing the medals in the drawers. This was an interesting insight into handling a large medal collection that is now, largely, available for public viewing. 
There were 9 members present and the meeting closed at 9pm.

Meeting 12 June 2025
Apologies received from J. Wright, J. Carver, J. Scott, Rev. P. Roberts, C. Mellor-Hill, R. Emsley, J. Giles, L. Evans
Zak mentioned the exhibition of 22 original WW1 grave markers at Cheltenham Cemetery (Bouncers Lane).
Zak then gave his talk on French WW1 framed certificates and medals. He explained how he started to collect them and have them restored. He explained that French WW1 service records and war diaries are available, free online, so these can be researched. He showed examples from his collection and told their stories. He gave some background to the French Army at the outbreak of the war. It was a fascinating, well-researched and well presented talk. We have all seen these frames over the years, but will look at them with a new interest in future. Zak must be commended for buying these documents, often in poor condition, and paying to have them restored and doing the research to bring their stories back to life.
There were 11 members present.

Meeting 8 May 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Alan Macdonald and Jim Carver. 
Christopher gave us another interesting and entertaining talk in which he moved around the various parts of Africa which Britain was involved with, using a rare medal or group to illustrate the story. We were introduced to a range of determined and tough men who fought slavers and bandits, helped to shape their part of Africa and ended their lives far from home. Very rare medals included the Uganda Star and even a medal presented to one of the bearers who carried Dr Livingstone's body to the coast, and a rare trio of medals for service in the Boer War to a Civil Surgeon. Christopher included the story of how he acquired each one, which added to their interest. As much a personal tale of adventures in medal collecting as a story about the struggle to shape the future of Africa.
There were 16 members and 2 guests present and the meeting closed at 20.45 

We sadly have to report the death of Mick Atkinson, a member of our branch and the Birmingham Medal Society. Obituary

Meeting 10 April 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Clive Hammond, Alan Macdonald and Christopher Mellor-Hill.
Zak reported on responses from the IWM to members contact regarding the closure of the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. Len Evans mentioned possible trips to the National Archives (Spies exhibition), the IWM to see the Ashcroft Gallery before it closes, and to the National Arboretum.
Paul then gace his talk on commendations and other emblems that appear on British ribbons. He explained the use of "Mentions" and the lack of a visible distinction. The introduction of the card and emblem at the end of the war, but that it was then dropped again. He talked about the Commendation, originally only introduced for the merchant navy, its extension to civilians and the small badge that was introduced in WW2. He then went through the changes in emblems over time and how we eventually ended up with a very good system of emblems for gallantry and for good service. A very interesting talk on a largely overlooked subject.
There were 13 members present and the meeting closed at 2025.

Meeting 13 March 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Jim Carver, Alan Macdonald.
Len Evans received more for books for the Museum and brought a collection of RAF Royal Mint coins and medallions donated for selling in the Museum shop.
Richard Emsley gave his annual report to members on the branch accounts for the year.
Brian Hill raised the move to oust the Ashcroft VC/GC collection from the IWM – suggestion for everyone to contact the IWM individually, as numbers count
Dave Seeney advided members on the situation with Mike Atkinson, and also the support for Ukraine via the Ukraine Freedom Company and the Hereford Rotary club.
Dave Seeny then presented his talk, Born in the Desert, on the formation of the David Sterling and the S.A.S. He explained Stirling's career and how he got permission to form his new unit, L Detachment. He covered the early training process and the first raid, which was a disaster! He went through to the second raid on a German airfield, which was a great success and set a pattern for future raids. After Stirling's capture, Paddy Mayne assumed command and led the regiment on to legendary success.
David brought some incredible pieces from his collection, including two medal groups, badges, bombs, timers and even a complete original wartime uniform badge to the regiment.
A superb introduction to the story of the S.A.S.
There were 18 members and one guest, from the Western Front Association. The meeting ended at 9.45pm and £17 was collected in meeting subs.

Meeting 9 February 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Paul Brewster, Jim Carver, Richard Emsley, Dave Martin, Christopher Mellor Hill and Dave Seeney.
The pre-meeting reminder sent to members and to the Swindon Village Hall organisers ensured  someone was there to open the bar for the meeting! On Thursday morning, Zak Coombs and Len Evans had a brief meeting with the Secretary of the Tewkesbury and Breedon Hill Probus Club. They have recently increased membership, from about 20 to 65 attending their weekly meetings, we were asking how they achieved this rapid growth, to try and find new members for our Branch.

Rev. Paul Roberts then gave his talk, entitled "The Awkward Corner”. This began with Paul purchasing a WW1 pair to an officer in the Worcesters. Paul knew a little about his life but further research led to a very interesting story. Patrick Barrow also served with the MGC before becoming an intelligence officer, where his skills in French and German were used to interview German POWs. He briefly played first-class cricket and was a composer of orchestral music. In 1939 he got a commission with the RAFVR as an Intelligence Officer and was sent to France to lisaise with the French Air Force. Needing an interpreter for a visit of a French General and British officers to the Maginot Line, Barrow was asked to attend. On meeting an older officer, wearing a greatcoat, the General mistook Barrow for a senior RAF officer. To avoid any embarrasment, Barrow kept his overcoat on during the whole trip. A French film-crew captured the visit for posterity! And so, Barrow's group grew to five medals in total. Barrow also worked with the RAF Central Band and composed "Elegy" which was in the band's repertoire for years. He died in 1974. There were 13 members and two guests from the Western Front Association. The meeting ended at 9.40pm and £14 was collected.

 

Meeting 9 January 2025
Apologies received from John Wright, Andrew Derrick, Christopher Mellor Hill, Richard Huges, Alan MacDonald, Dave Martin, Dave Seeney. 
There being no bar staff, Zak will send a reminder to the hall organisers before each meeting. 
Jim Carver gave a moving and personal talk on a relative who served with a Pathfinder squadron. Despite having completed their tour, the crew, except for one man, volunteered to continue. They were shot down and killed. Jim used various letters that were exchanged between the families of the crew to show the tragedy of the loss. Included was one from the surviving member of the crew, who had tried to persuade them not to continue. The suffering of the families adds another aspect to an all too familiar story. 
Richard collected branch subscriptions, there were 12 members present and the meeting closed at 9 pm.
The next meeting will be Rev. Paul Roberts, called "A Man of Many Talents": cricketer, composer, Intelligence Officer, interrogator and Liaison Officer to the French Air Force in 1940.

Meeting 12 December 2024
Apologies received from John Wright, Christopher Mellor Hill, Richard Huges, Alan MacDonald, Danny Rees, Dave Seeney.
Meeting open with short talks on recent purchases
Dave Martin showed a IGS, clasp NWF 1936-37 to A.G. Lewis, and a second RA group, recently purchased on eBay, with WW2 medals, UN Korea, GSM Malaya, with Army LSGC and masses of documents and photographs.
Rev Paul Roberts, OBE and 1914 Star Trio with m.i.d trio Chaplin Winifrith again with lots of interesting documentation.
John Scott showed a group of 4 Australian medals, including an RAF LSGC, the first Australian issue in his collection.
Richard Emsley had a WW1 pair to a Midshipman who made a late entry as a Public Schoolboy with a BWM possibly to his sister.
Len Evans then gave a brief talk with display boards, covering the local U3A Military History groups, and a very interesting tour of the WW1 battlefields, and a visit to Winchester and the Gurkha’s Museum.
Members then split into teams for Len’s quiz on WW2 battles, Commonwealth flags, unit badges, commanders and Operational code names. This closely fought battle was won by John Scott and Rev. Paul Roberts Meeting ended at 2130, and 11 members attended.
Next meeting will take place at the usual venue, on 9th January when Jim Carver will be the speaker. 

Meeting 14 November 2024
Apologies from John Wright, Mick Atkinson, Andrew Derrick, Richard Emsley, Len Evans, Alan MacDonald , Christopher Mellor Hill,  David Seeney
Members Own Show and Tell
Clive Hammond showed a reprint of the 1891 Tancred Medal Collection and an NGS from the collection.
Richard Hughes, MC and bar WW2 to Major Cecil St. John Rodda, 1st Transvaal Scottish Rgt. – bar for first day of El Alamein.
Steve Lewis, bringing members up to speed on the recent addition of some WW2 Medal Application Cards and Service Papers, available on Ancestry
Paul Brewster, Silver Medal of Zimbabwe Independence, and a roll that became available, showing that many numbered medals are ‘in the safe’ and yet some now seem available to purchase.
Dave Martin,  1) Trio and m.i.d to Dvr. Dow for Salonika, with extensive research that shows he was one of the last Gaelic speakers in Strathtrummel, and his voice has been recorded.
2) GSM GVIR Malaya to S.A. W Prince Liverpool and Manchester Rgts. with later service in WW2, and from the new WW2 medal cards, an additional 5 medals!
Brian Hill, Egypt 1882 Gemaziah clasp, to Vivian Ernest Higham, 20th Hussars. Research shows service in WW1 – enlisted 3 times and each time, he was discharged as unfit!
John Scott, 1)Trio and TFWM to JA Potts, RFC. Only 114 issued, 13 to officers, 101 to OR’s. Overseas in 1917 and retired 1919. and  2) AFM and Pair to Sgt Observer Balls. BWM shows Boy Mechanic RNAS and the Victory Sgt RAF. AFM as Observer on Submarine patrols in Sopwith seaplanes.
Revd. Paul Roberts, 1) New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal to Frank Dunnage. Chaplin in the 10th Reinforcements aged 50 and served with the Canterbury Regiment on the Somme
and 2) Complete Chaplin’s Mess Dress Uniform to Reverend Capt. Juliette Hulme the first lady chaplin in the army. She served with 7 Signal Regiment, and with the Field Hospital in Iraq.11 members attended, and the meeting finished  at 2130.

Meeting 10 October 2024
Apologies from Christopher Mellor Hill, Mick Atkinson, Jamie Carver, John Scott, Dave Seeney, John Wright, Alan MacDonald
After a brief Update on post-op progress of Mick Atkinson, Len mentioned plans for future visits, possibly the Chaplin’s Museum and the Logistics Corps Museum, probably when the weather improves in the New Year? Steve showed pictures of a very rare gold medal that he had a chance to handle.
Rick Carver then presented his talk on the life and career of a very difficult man, Arnold Leese. He detailed Leese's career as a veterinary surgeon, who became recognised as the leading expert on diseases in camels in India. He accompanied the Graham Expedition in East Africa in 1913 and was responsible for the important camel corps that served in the campaign. During the war he was commissioned in the Army Veterinary Corps and served in France, mostly with horses. Throughout his career he had the knack of falling out with people in authority and was a very forthright and uncompromising man. On retiring he settled in England and was attracted to the small group of Fascists in Britain. Again, he fell out with the leading Fascists and so formed his own group. He wrote several books setting out his warped, racist and anti-semetic views, one of which led to a surprisingly short prison sentence. Although he did not admire Hitler, he did offer to help with the defence case at the Nuremburg trials, such was his paranoia. He died having achieved nothing, other than briefly being a local councillor.
This difficult story was told with skill, appropriate humour and tact. 
There were 15 present at the meeting, including two guests, Linda Carver and Fiona Watson.

OMRS Cotswold Branch Meeting 12 September 2024 Apologies from John Wright, Steve Lewis, Martin Keyte, and Zak Coombs.
Seven Members were present for this decidedly unusual evening, where the talk and display started with good evening weather in the Village Hall Car Park!! The hall remained firmly closed when our members assembled to look at the uniforms of Lt. Colonel Nicholson, owned by Clive Hammond. Clive originally intended to show these items on two display mannequins at the Branch Mini Convention in July, but a motor car malfunction saw him parked on the side of the road, rather than parked at the Convention!
This was his second attempt, and delayed access to the Hall was not going to defeat him twice, and he gave his brief talk on the Colonel’s military career with the uniforms on display in the back of his car! By the end of his talk, the main building had been opened by another group using the large hall, but frustratingly our members still could not gain access to the Bar Lounge, where our meetings were usually held. Chairs were borrowed from the main hall to set up in the spacious kitchen, and the Branch meeting continued with Clive showing a recently acquired Order of the Bath. This item was the final missing award, that he had been chasing for a long time, to complete a group of medals in his collection.
The meeting continued with lively and entertaining discussion, as several members showed their recent acquisitions, or favourite items with interesting stories.
The meeting ended just before 9.00 pm.

August gathering

The August meeting took place at 1930 hrs at the Exmouth Arms on the Bath Road, Cheltenham!
Apologies  from Christopher Mellor Hill and Alan MacDonald. The weather was against us this year,  and on a mild but rather wet and windy day  only four members turned up for an evening of convivial chat on lots of topics, and some medal talk too! The meeting closed with empty glasses at 10 pip-emma! The next Cotswold Branch of the OMRS will meet at 7.00 for 7.30 start at our regular venue, the Swindon Village Hall, on Thursday 12 September. A video link of some outstanding research work by our Treasurer, Richard Emsley and a  Stow on the Wold antique dealer is attached.  Hope the link works!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh_5mYQTBfk

 

Meeting 11 July 2024

Apologies received from J. Wright, M. Atkinson, C. Mellor-Hill.
Christopher was unable to give his talk this evening and so Jim Carver stepped in with a talk on how he started collecting and some items from his collection. These included family medals, a caterpillar badge to a Hurricane pilot who flew in the Battle of Britain, an East & West Africa Medal to an African soldier who was killed in World War One. He explained that the families of African soldiers killed in the war did not receive any medals. He also showed a WW1 star awarded to a naval VC winner, a wedding present from his wife! An interesting insight into one persons journey into collecting and the paths it can take you down.
There were 22 members present and the meeting closed at 9 pm 

Branch Mini-Convention 6 July 2024
Another successful event, well supported by visitors. A big thank you to Len and his wife for planning and running the event so well, also thank you to the exhibitors who gave up their time to prepare and put on their exhibits. Finally, thank you to the three speakers who gave us interesting presentations.

Meeting 13 June 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, M. Atkinson, D. Seeney, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, L. Evans.
Zak mentioned the email sent to all members with some final details of the branch mini-convention on 6th July. The new branch laptop was unveiled.
Graham then gave his talk on the Air Force Medal. He explained how the medal came about, the design and the various obverses and reverse designs. He then presented the stories of several men from his collection, who were awarded the A.F.M. A series of fascinating and very different stories and medal combinations. This included acts of gallantry and also distinguished service over a period of operations. Questions followed and then John Scott showed two interesting A.F.M. groups from his own collection.
Zak expressed the thanks of the members present for a very interesting talk. He then announced that Graham was to be made a life-member of the branch, on this, his last talk. After being a member for over 20 years, he will be moving away in the near future to be closer to his family. A loss for our branch but we all wish him well.
There were 13 members present and the meeting closed at 9.10pm

Meeting 9 May 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, P. Roberts, M. Atkinson
Len gave some details about the July Convention and will send an email around all members. Zak spoke about putting an ad in the Swindon Village magazine to try and attract new members.
The Friends of the Mercian Regiment will be having a talk about the real military careers of the original cast of Dad's Army, 21st June. Zak informed the branch that the National Arboretum will be refurbishing their "Shot At Dawn" memorial.
John Scott then gave his talk on the Cadet Force Medal. John covered its institution and the various ammendements to the conditions of award over the years. Interesting details, such as wartime service counting double and no entitlment to a Defence Medal was raised. John showed examples of groups from his own collection, to illustrate the sort of careers that these men had.
He also showed a sample striking of the new Charles III Cadet Force Medal. Graham showed two interesting groups, one with a DFM for Aden in the 1920s. Dave Seeney showed a rare WW2 group with an Efficiency Medal named to the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers and Cadet Force Medal. An interesting talk on a subject that members knew little about. John also discovered that as well Australia and New Zealand issuing the medal, there were also a handful of awards in Rhodesia.
15 members were present and the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Meeting 11 April 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, C. Mellor-Hill, P. Brewster, T. Mason, P. Roberts, M. Atkinson, J. Scott, A. MacDonald
Richard introuduced the new card payment device for payments of subs and meeting charge, which worked well.
Dave Martin spoke about two Welsh Guardsmen, one a prisoner of war in WW1 and the other in WW2, captured at Boulogne.
Jim Carver spoke about a surprising number of reunites that he has achieved, especially as they are medals to West African troops. Some rare medals on desplay and interesting tales of how the reunite came about.
Next should have been Rev. Paul Robert's presentation, in the form of a video that he sent, as he is currently away. Unfortunately, despite working or the previous presentation, the laptop "died" on trying to start the video. A link has been emailed to all members so they can watch the talk on You Tube.
John Scott asked that anyone who has an interesting group that includes a Cadet Force Medal, please bring it to the next meeting.
14 members were present and the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Meeting 14 March 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, A. Macdonald
Len Evans advised the members of a proposed visit the British Museum (Roman Army exhibition) £22 per ticket. Paul Brewster pointed out that members need to support Helion Books, who publish OMRS books, by buying publications. Dave Seeney informed the branch of a ‘D-Day 80’ exhibition at the Warwickshire Regimental Museum, and Len advised that the Glosters Museum will also be putting on an event, for ‘D-Day 80’ as well.
Following the discussion at last month’s meeting, Richard Emsley described a suitable card-payment system for the branch, and the members present approved going ahead with the implementation. He also called for anyone interesting in volunteering as an editor for the Society Journal, should get in touch with him.
Steve Lewis then gave a very interesting, comprehensive, and well researched talk on the history of the Finnish voluntary auxiliary para-military organisation for women, called the Lotta Svard. He covered the formation, uniform, the insignia, and medals of the Lotta Svard, then described the various voluntary branches open to members of the service, and finally, their disbandment, as part of the armistice with Stalin in 1944. Steve explained that a new women's volunteer organisation is now operating in Finland, in view of the increased levels of concern at events in recent years, involving Russian military actions. Richard asked for members to pay their subs (still £12). These can be paid at meetings or at Q&C Militaria.
14 members and one Lotta attended the meeting. £13.00 was collected in meetings subs, on the evening.
The next meeting will be Thursday, 11th April, 7pm for 7.30pm start. It will be three short talks and the speakers will be, Rev. Paul Roberts, on “Brushes with Royalty”, Jim Carver on an African topic, and finally Dave Martin on “The Welsh Guards”

Meeting 8 February 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, J. Carver, M. Atkinson, D. Seeney, R. Hughes, T. Dowle.
Len advised the members of possible trips, more details when available, including a trip to London to visit the Guards Museum and the British Museum (Roman Army exhibition).
Richard presented the branch accounts and updated members on plans to move to an online account.
Paul Brewster then spoke on the B.S.A.P. in the First World War. He explained their involvement in Africa and how the history of the regiment fails to mention the contribution of part-time, reservists and non-white members. He explained how the published works have understated the awards of medals for this service and how he will put this right in a planned publication. An interesting look at an unusual unit that volunteered to serve outside their usual sphere of operations.
Paul Roberts then presented a family grouping of medals that was offered for sale in separate lots. By securing all the lots he was able to prove the links and keep the story alive. Had the lots been split up it would have been impossible to prove who some of the recipients were.
Richard asks for members to pay their subs (still £12). These can be paid at meetings or at Q&C Militaria. The facility to pay by card is being looked into by Richard and Zak.
12 members and one guest attended.

Meeting 11 January 2024
Apologies received from J. Wright, A. Derrick, J. Carver, J. Scott, M. Atkinson, A. MacDonald, R. Hughes, R. Emsley.
Mini-Convention: Len asked for anyone wishing to put on an exhibit in July to let him know. We were sorry to hear the Clive Harmson, for many years the volunteer barman at our meetings, died recently. It was pointed out that the OMRS branch page was still showing last year's programme.
John Ralwinson then gave an overview of the history of the Royal Marines, covering its changing roles over the centuries and presenting medals and artifacts that illustrated apsects of the story. These included a presentation sword to a Royal Marine officer for an engagement with a French ship. The medals covered the Crimean and Baltic campaigns through to Afghanistan and Iraq, inlcuding an officer decorated for the Zeebrugge Raid. A fascinating story and everyone learned something new about the Royal Marines.
15 members attended.

Meeting Thursday 14 December 2023 
8 members attended our Christmas meeting at the Village Hall. Apologies were received from several members unable to attend.
We had the Hall to ourselves, Zumba and the Art Class, have finished for the year. It was a good meeting, held in the ‘round’ with members sitting in a circle around two tables, for the Christmas food and drinks members had brought with them. It was an excellent arrangement to discuss items members had brought, and any other topic of general interest, without the formality of audience style seating. It has been suggested that we adopt a similar, less formal approach to all future “show and tell” meetings.
Our next meeting will be on 11 January 2024.

Minutes of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Meeting on 9 November 2023. 
Any “Errors and Omissions” are the fault of the President, who has never done the minutes before !
13 Members attended the Members Own meeting. £12.00 subs were collected during the evening.
Apologies from Steve Lewis, John Wright, Alan MacDonald, James Carver, Andrew Derrick
AOB. Proposal to move Club funds to an interest earning account was discussed, and the matter was voted on by the members present. Unanimous decision, to leave the situation unchanged with the funds in a non-interest earning account in the Club name. Suggestion has been made to the President, that the amount raised in the monthly raffle used to be recorded in the minutes. But since the introduction of a free-book swap, and the payment of a monthly sub of £1.00 , the amount collected has not been noted in the meeting minutes. This will now be done following each meeting.
Len Evans offered to arrange for the Soldiers of Gloucester Museum to host the club at the Christmas Meeting, as happened last year. This was gratefully received and accepted by all members present at the meeting. 7.00 pm on 14th December at Gloucester Docks, bring your own party food to share, as we would do for similar meetings at the Village Hall. Details to be circulated shortly.
Meeting opened and seven members brought items to share :
Paul Brewster, a WW1 DCM with TFWM and TFEM group to the Brewster family name. On researching, Paul discovered he had the WW1 pair to the brother of this man.
Dave Martin showed a GSM 1918 Palestine to Pte. John George Davison, 1st Worcesters, who died of wounds in Jerusalem. Also, the MM, Star trio, LSGC and MSM to Grenadier and later Welsh Guards. Pte. to RSM. GM Holme who was present in a very clear photo with King George V and Queen Mary.
Brian Hill had an interesting Yeomanry group of WW1 pair, Defence, 1935 Jubilee, 1953 Coronation, and a Belgian CdeG, to A/Sgt. RC Chambers, Hamps Yeomanry, who later became long time Mayor of Romsey, and was in office at just the right time, to get his Jubilee and Coronation medals !
Rick Carver brought a 5-clasp QSA, WW1 Trio to Cpl. WJ Judd, a 6th Dragoons Rough Rider who later became Riding Master. Judd rescued a fellow trooper from a river earning a Bronze Royal Humane Soc’y medal – sadly not with the group. If you have Judd’s Bronze RHS medal, please contact Rick!
Clive Hammond had a sad tale to tell. He showed an immaculate well-made red jacket worn by Lt. Col. Anson Guise of the Gloucester Rgt. Sadly, when having it cleaned, they snipped the maker’s label, with the Colonel’s name on it, out of the jacket, destroying the provenance.
Graham Pitchfork shared the story of his WW1 trio, Defence and War Medals with Navy LSGC and Russian Order of St. Stanislav to Flt Lt JT Gibson who saw service as an Engineer Officer with the RN, the RNAS and finally the RAF.
Richard Hughes closed this entertaining and informative evening, with the MC, WW1 Trio, m.i.d and Army LSGC to RSM George Grover 1st Worcesters, who had several interesting newspaper articles in the local papers about his military service.
Sincere thanks to all members who shared their items and research with the club. A request was made for members to be on the look out for a book The Guinea Pigs of HMS Dianah, they were detailed to steam through a Nuclear Fallout Cloud, during the early nuclear testing programmes. Not many of this ship’s company reached old age !! Any sighting or info to Paul Brewster please!

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 12 October 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Seeney, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, T. Dowle, M. Atkinson
Zak informed the branch that John Wright had resigned as secretary, due to his wife's ill health. The branch thanks John for his many years serving the branch and look forward to seeing him at meetings in the future. Steve Lewis was appointed as the new branch secretary. Len gave the first details of next year's branch mini-convention. A buffet lunch must be pre-ordered (£7). Richard proposed a change to the branch bank account and Zak will canvas the members shortly. Reb. Paul Roberts then spoke about the formation of his collection of "between the wars" medals to Army Chaplains. Using the GSM as his basis, he explained each of the clasps, the number of clasps issued to Chaplains and then showed examples from his collection. Paul showed that a lot of information can be found about a chaplain's career and one group revealed a chaplain that appears to have been present on the Dieppe Raid. An interesting look at a different type of service. There were 14 members and 3 guests in attendance. The meeting closed at 9.20pm.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 14 September 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, D. Seeney, R. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, P.BASP Brewster, R. Emsley
Len reported that the branch mini-convention will be Saturday 6 July 2024, more details as they become available. Mick Atkinson, on his birthday and accompanied by his wife Chris, spoke about am extremey rare medal that he acquired, the French Royal and Military Order of St. Louis. His research proved that the example he has is one of the original examples from 1693. There is provenance that the medal was later presented to General Alexandre D'Alton, a French officer of Irish descen (Dalton)t. He spoke about the Irish volunteers in Napoleon's army and about D'Alton's career, which included many famous campaigns and battles. These included the Russian campaign and the Slave Rebellion on Haiti. Another interesting talk from Mick, who has more research to uncover on this man.
There were 12 members and 2 guests in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 July 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Martin, M. Atkinson, L. Evans, T. Dowle
Ian Roberts explained the creation of the Orders and medals of the Soviet Union from 1918 to 1945. Taking each award in turn, he covered its creation and gave approximate numbers of awards made. He gave the basic criteria for making the awards and pointed out the unfairness of some of them. He then showed some examples from his own collection. He explained that there was no collecting in Russia as it was illegal to sell or export Orders and Medals in Russia. There were a lot of questions, which he covered. We look forward to part two of his talk at a later date.
There were 14 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 June 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, D. Martin, A. MacDonald, T. Dowle, R. Emsley, M. Atkinson, L. Evans
Zak informed the branch of the beginning of planning for our mini-convention next year. Len will lead the planning but would welcome any assistance. Paul kicked off with a presentation of his medal collection to his family name. He explained the cluster of medal around certain parts of the country and how he had produced databases to show how many potential medals are out there. The collection covered from the Indian Mutiny to Northern Ireland. Graham then presented an overview of the Air Force Medal, there being fewer than a thousand ever issued. He then showed examples from his fine collection. Steve then spoke about a group of medals to an Indian Civil Servant who served in Burma, apart from time with the Khyber Rifles during WW1. He then explained that the officer was a school-friend of J.R.R. Tolkien and a member of Tolkien's secret society at school. The fate of the nine members was then covered and how it affected Tolkien.
There were 16 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 13 April 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, D. Martin, A. MacDonald
Paul informed the branch about upcoming OMRS publications, keep an eye on the OMRS website for details. Dave Gibbons raised the fact that several leading medal collectors have passed away in recent months.
Mike then presented the story of how he purchased a Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur at a small auction company. Following a trail of clues, over the space of a year, he built a chain of provenance that strongly suggests that this was the personal Grand Cross of the Emperor Napoleon. It has passed from the British officer who was appointed as ADC to the Emperor-in-exile, who then gifted it to a family friend. When that family eventually died out, the Cross was purchased from the estate by an antiques dealer. After his death, it was put into auction. A geat piece of research and well-presented.
There were 18 people in attendance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday13 April 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, T. Dowle, J. Carver and Zak.
Len informed the branch of a visit being planned to the Imperial War Museum Duxford and the Combined Operations Museum. This will be a 2-day trip, details to follow. Dave mentioned the recent changes to obtaining military service records from the MOD. The process is now free and MOD are currently transferring 10 million service records to the National Archives, who have contracted ancestry to the digitise the records. John Scott then advised the branch of the Birmingham Medal Society Mini-Convention on Sunday 4 June, at Knowle British Legion Club Solihull, B93 9LE. The day will cost £17, which includes a buffet lunch. Forms can be obtained from Q&C Militaria.
Paul Brewster then delivered his talk, explaining the opportunities and problems he faces as the historian of the British South Africa Police. He then showed some rare items from their collection and linked them into medals that he has in his collection. These were: the silver head of the bandmasters mace, the last British South Africa Company flag that was flying over the BSAP HQ, and a selection of files saved from Rhodesia. These report on actions fought in the war against terrorists in Rhodesia, including the shooting down of a comet airliner, atfer which the terrorists shot all the survivors. A thought-provoking talk that took a different approach to a difficult subject.
There were 13 members and one guest in attendance and £10 was raised for club funds. 

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 February 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, M. Mockridge, P. Brewster
Richard is collecting subscriptions, which is £12 for the year. 
A member's own covering a wide range of subjects. It began with Mick Atkinson talking about some items from his French Napoleonic collection and ended with Zak's story about buying fire volunteers medals from a New Zealand auction.
There were 22 members present and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 12 January 2023 
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, R. Emsley, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Hughes, M. Mockridge, A. MacDonald
Zak proposed that instead of holding raffles, people pay £1 at the meeting for club funds and books be put out for people to take. The problem with the club laptop was also raised, Steve will continue to bring his to meetings until this is resolved. Len informed the branch of a trip at end of this month, details to follow. Our speaker, Ian Binnie, then gave an overview of the Gallipoli campaign that led up to the Imperial Yeomanry being ordered to walk, in formation, across a salt flat in clear view of the Turkish artillery. The advance, which was pointless, resulted in no advantage but the loss of many Yeoman. It was suggested that the operation was ordered, to draw Turkish artillery fire away from another attack which began at the same time. An interesting and thought-provoking presentation. The meeting closed at 9pm and there were ten members and one guest present.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 December 2022
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Carver, R. Hughes, B. Hill, M. Mockridge, D. Seeney, P. Brewster
Our Christmas meeting this year was as guests of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, with Len and Matthew Holden welcoming 13 members and guests on a freezing Gloucester night. Gathering in the boardroom, a selection of weapons was laid for us to inspect, including a rare Georgian officers sword with 28 on the blade (28th Foot) and a sword carried by Colonel Carne, V.C. Then Matthew brought out the four genuine VCs held by the museum, again including Colonel Carne's for the stand at Gloster Hill on the Imjin River in Korea. We were then free to walk around the museum, where Len talked about various exhibits. A very enjoyable evening and thank you to Len and Matthew for hosting us. I would urge anyone who has not visited the museum to do, if they have the chance.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 10 November 2022
Apologies received from J. Wright, G. Pitchfork, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Carver, R. Emsley, Z. Coombes, L. Evans
Our speaker, Neela Man, told the story of how Cheltenham reacted to the outbreak of war in 1914 and the effect the war had on the town. She talk about the recruiting efforts, the women war workers, local hospitals, etc and ended with the process by which a suitable war memorial was built in the town. The war had a lasting effect on the town and its people, but much of this has faded from memory of most people living in Cheltenham today. Neela has done her part in preserving this past by writing a book on the subject and by giving talks when asked.
There were 15 members and guests present and the meeting closed at 9.30.

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 13 October 2022
Apologies received from C. Mellor-Hill, and J. Wright. Richard gave a brief report on the annual convention and then Len proposed that the Christmas meeting be held at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, which has offered to host us for the evening. More details to follow. Jim Carver then told the story of the British administration of the Gold Coast colony (Ghana) and the creation of its first military unit, known as Glover's Hausas. Recruits included freed slaves and one of their roles was to supress the slave trade that was still being run by tribal chiefs. The force then became the Gold Coast Constabulary and the main problem was with the Ashanti tribe, who ruled by oppression, raids, enslaving and selling captured enemies and employing human sacrifice. In the 1890s a Muslim slave army of Sofas was taking from slaves in the area. 1897 Chief Commissioner Francis Henderson and an African Surveyor named George Fergusson, along with 41 men of the Gold Coast Constabulary proceeded to Dawkita, where they were attacked by an army of 7,000 Sofas. For four days and nights they fought off waves of Sofa attacks but were eventually forced to attempt to withdraw. The party had lost 2 killed and 9 wounded, Sofa causlties were put at around 400 killed. Fergusson was captured and shot dead, then beheaded by the Sofas. Henderson was awarded the D.S.O. for his services and the very rare clasp DAWKITA 1897 was awarded for the East and West Africa Medal. Jim then showed some relevant medals, including an extremely rare pair of medals, Ashanti Star and E&W Africa Medal with 3 clasps (including Dawkita 1897) to a member of the G.C. Constabulary who took part in the defence. Although unknown to the general public, the defence of Dawkita is even more remarkable than the Defence of Rorke's Drift. The British anti-slavery actions are, of course, ignored by by certain sections today. There were 19 members and 1 guest present and the meeting closed at 9.15. 

Meeting of the Cotswold Branch OMRS Thursday 8 September 2022
Apologies received from P. Roberts, G. Pitchfork, J. Carver, C. Mellor-Hill, J. Scott, A. Derrick and G. Hervin. The evening began with two minutes silence as the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen was announced. Zak thanked Len for arranging the successful mini-convention. Len is arranging a private evening at the Glosters Museum, details to be announced. Steve then began his talk with a short presentation about his wife's great uncle who was awarded Hero of the Soviet Union during the Second World War. Ironically he was a Ukrainian and his posthumous award was for an action in the Ukrainian coast. He then spoke about the first repatriation of prisoners of war in February 1915, using the group to Pte F.C. Day, 1st Gloucesters, to tell the story. The British and German prisoners were all deemed unfit for further service, though some went on to win gallantry medals later in the war! The meeting closed at 9.15 and there were 12 members present.