IL-2

[Medvedya]

It feels a tiny bit on the small side, but I'm thinking that's just the military cut of the jacket. The ribbons and brevet were already there when I bought it - I would never have added them on myself.

Weird? Hmm, not really.

 

[Nonskimmer]

Just out of curiosity Med, what ribbons are on that tunic?

 

[Medvedya]

Just what my Grandad called 'fruit salad.'

39-45 Star, Atlantic Star, and the Burma Star - I guess he must have been in Coastal Command at one time.

 

[plan_D]

I think it's a bit weird, like they fought in the war...and wore that thing, a WAR HERO. Burma Star!?

My Grandad got the Burma Star, plus 4 other medals which I can't remember...

 

[Medvedya]

I can tell you straight away what three of them will be;

The Defence Medal (green orange ribbon)
The Victory Medal (Red, White Blue stripes)
and 39-45 Star (Red, Light Blue, Dark Blue stripes)

 

[plan_D]

Probably. He only fought in Burma, in the Chindits. Although he was stationed in Britain from 1940-'42, when he got shipped out to Burma...didn't get home 'til '46.

 

[Medvedya]

The ones above are those which he'll definitely have. Everyone who fought in the war got the three service medals, and anyone who spent more than 6 months in Burma got the star. Now that leaves one more - interesting. Maybe it's something a bit more special?

 

[Nonskimmer]

Cool, Med. Grandad's has the Aircrew Europe Star, the 1939-45 Star, the Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, the War Medal, the Victory Medal, and the King George VI Canadian Decoration (from his post-war years).

 

[Medvedya]

Okay, I think these are they... I think the Volunteer Service Medal must be the Canadian version of the Defence Medal.

 

[Medvedya]

Oh and yours I believe.....

 

[plan_D]

I'll ask my dad what the other medal is. My dad has 5 medals too, a long service medal, Northern Ireland service 1972 with bar (Served two tours out there)..and I think another three he got from the Gulf...I can't remember all those, I know one was from the Kuwati government.

 

[Medvedya]

This one!

and these;

General Service Medal and Northern Ireland Bar, South Atlantic Medal with Rosette (Falklands Conflict 1982), I remember things see!
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

 

[Nonskimmer]

Okay, I think these are they... I think the Volunteer Service Medal must be the Canadian version of the Defence Medal.

That's the one, with the addition of the clasp. Also, the last medal there is the current Canadian Forces Decoration. The King Geprge VI Canadian Decoration was almost identical, except the medallion showed King George VI facing to the left, and it was of the 'bar' type as opposed to the 'ring' type of medal.

Old type: (sorry for the poor quality!)

Current type:

 

[plan_D]

I recognise that, yes. He also has this really nice gold one from the Gulf.

 

[Medvedya]

Anyway back at the ranch...

I wear that RAF clobber at 1940's dance parties. Something which is immersive and 'real real' instead of foolish 'Ubi real' - as I'm sure that's exactly the sort of thing the orignal owner would do sixty years ago.

It's a big hit with the ladies as well!

 

[Nonskimmer]

I'll bet you get your fair share of 'cougars' (older women). RRRWWLLAAALLLRRRR!!

 

[Medvedya]

Funny you should say that, the last time we went, my mate's eighteen year old younger sister somehow didn't realise I was seeing my ex at the time, and asked her in the Ladies* if I was single! Huh huh huh!

I did the 'Cougar' thing several years ago - she was loaded - had a Porsche - was fun - didn't last!

*reported back to me the following day

 

[Nonskimmer]

They love a man in uniform! (except in Ontario, for some reason! )

 

[GermansRGeniuses]

Okay - I'm trying not to crack up in the pic...

Jeez, Med, I thought you were better than them!

 

[GermansRGeniuses]

You've gotta be kidding me - a check list?

For the last time -IT'S A GAME!!! NOT REAL LIFE!! Just take up flying lessons if you're that serious about it!!

Oy!


I agree whole heartedly!

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If you see this twice, it's because I am indeed the Wert...