The Armourer October 2023

In case you’re slightly confused by this month’s cover, let me elaborate. It is, of course, the second part of Jarrod Cotter’s feature on collecting the flying gear of the iconic Red Arrows. However, this is not the cover feature, or, to put it another way, the main feature of the month. That is on the Battle of the Alma, the first clash of the Crimean War. The reason we put the Red Arrows on the cover was simply because it was a great photo, the Red Arrows are so recognisable, and it will draw casual attention to the magazine on the shelves. Which, at the end of the day, is the entire purpose of the cover image. So, I hope you enjoy the second part of Jarrod’s feature, but…

A fascinating collection of aerial photographs taken during World War II is being opened up to the public for the first time by Historic England. The pictures were taken by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Photographic Reconnaissance (PR) units stationed at bases around the country in 1943 and 1944. Over 3,600 black and white images showing England from the air are available to the public for the first time in an online, searchable map. The remarkable collection gives a bird’s-eye view of the impact of war on England, capturing a wide variety of locations and an astonishing level of detail. The pictures include USAAF airfields, with American bombers and troops playing baseball at a military camp in Devizes, radar equipment installed in the middle of quiet fields in…

A wreck some eight miles southeast of Lerwick has been identified as U-Boat SM UC-55 which was sunk by British destroyers in 1917. The U-Boat was engaged in laying mines on the fishing lanes between the Shetland Islands and the great naval base at Scapa Flow when it developed a fault with the trim and exceeded its dive depth. This caused it to spring various leaks and it started shipping water into the battery compartment. Chlorine gas was produced so the Captain ordered the U-boat to surface but discovered the helm was now unresponsive. While trying to vent the gas the submarine was spotted and Royal Navy ships were ordered to the area. HMS Tirade, HMS Sylvia and the armed trawler Moravia closed with the submarine and opened fire. As…

The Combined Military Services Museum has announced the unveiling of its latest World War I displays. The new displays offer an immersive and poignant experience that takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the Great War. Key highlights include Insights into Trench Life - delve into the unforgiving reality of trench warfare with an authentic depiction of kit arrangements in the trenches; A Glimpse into the Heartfelt Words of Major General P.S Wilkinson - a handwritten letter, dated 3 October, 1916, conveys his unwavering support, offering a touching testament to the camaraderie that sustained soldiers; Unveiling Personal Sacrifices - witness the heart-wrenching sacrifices made by soldiers during WWI; Connecting Across Enemy Lines -marvel at the WWI telegraph machine; Evolution of Uniform and Equipment - explore the evolution of military attire with a…

The next auction at European giants Ratisbon’s runs from 16-24 September and there are plenty of lots already consigned so let’s take a look at what you could be bidding for. If you have deep pockets then the first lot is worth a look, it’s an excellent Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, made by Klein & Quenzer AG, Idar-Oberstein. Featuring an original black-finished iron core with genuine silver frame with an ‘800’ silver hallmark on the back. The Knight’s Cross has all the features of Klein & Quenzer and comes with the original silver loop which is ‘800’ silver hallmarked and ‘65’ maker-marked. Includes an original case of issue and neck ribbon. The case opens and closes correctly. Bids start at £8,641 (hammer prices to add 24.5% BP). This…

If propaganda posters are your thing then take a look at Antikbar’s Vintage Posters auction on 9 September. As well as the usual range of vintage posters, there’s a large section of 76 propaganda ones from a variety of areas. Let’s start with one titled Ueb Aug und hand furs Vaterland, which means ‘Train eyes and hands for the Fatherland’. It features an illustration of a gentleman holding a rifle standing next to an oak tree with a black and white target and a golden vessel in front of him. There’s stylised German lettering, with a two cherubs holding an arrow pierced heart in a wreath below. Good condition, tears on edges, staining, browning, minor creasing. Country of issue: Germany, it measures 85cm x 65cm and was printed in the…