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At the weekend I paid a visit to the NAM with my son, my first visit since it was refurbished. I had very positive memories of my earlier visit and the museum has been through a transformation to focus more now on broader aspects and the experiences of those involved in conflict.

That said, there are still many interesting items from the ABW and I am thankful to Clare at the NAM for permission to reproduce these images.

I remember Charles Lusted talking about 'top-heavy' groups is they came with a multitude of orders and few medals. I wonder what he would think of this temperance group to J Smith of the Muster Fusiliers?








Pictures courtesy of the NAM

The medals to Lord Roberts. His overcoat prevents his later campaign medals from being seen.


Picture courtesy of the NAM

With the sale at Spink yesterday of Sanna's Post medals, a picture of the VC to Isaac Lodge is very timely.


Picture courtesy of the NAM

Superb photography, it is very nice to see such good medals that have not been messed around with and have been left relatively untouched, since they were actually worn by their recipients.
Sadly, so very many have not.

From a VC recipient to a mule called Jimson, the mascot of the Middlesex Regiment. The information accompanying the medals suggest he was the only mule to be honoured with medals by the Army.



His QSA is either unnamed or erased:



He died in 1912. Here is one of his hooves.


Pictures courtesy of the NAM

Three food-related pictures; some siege bread from Ladysmith and two ration biscuits sent home from South Africa.





From Fred. April 30/16 (?)
Part (?) of his ?



The war is ended. No more biscuits required.
Q ? ?