Shire Album S.
4 primary works
Book 4
For over two hundred years the British maintained a powerful military system in India. If it is recalled at all in the popular imagination of today, the Victorian Indian Army remembered as much for its use in the pomp and ceremony of grand imperial occasions as for anything else - as a colour adjunct to the parades, processions and rituals of British India. But although Britain is regarded as primarily a naval power in the heyday of Empire in the late Victorian era, possession of the Indian Army gave her a major land-power status east of Suez. This military might was vital to the protection of British interests in India itself and for the defence of its often turbulen frontiers. It was equally important as a tool of imperial expansion overseas: the Indian Army was deployed in China, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere to safeguard the flanks of the Indian Empire and it also contributed in a significant manner to the extension and maintenance of British rule in the tropics.
Book 39
Since ancient times soldiers have been honoured for gallantry in battle. Over the years and in different societies such honours have taken many forms byut since the 1850s specific acts of bravery 'in the face of the enemy' by British and Imperial forces have been recognised by the award of a range of wearable decorations. These provide a visible indication both of the bravery of the recipient and of its recognition by the government and nation.
Book 384
This book outlines the medals issued to British soldiers and sailors for military service across the globe. At a time of imperial expansion, British forces were almost constantly in action - against major powers (like Russia in 1854), in wars of conquest (as in West Africa in the 1880s), or in expeditions on the fringes of Empire, such as the North West Frontier, southern Africa or Burma. Their campaign medals have become a popular field for collectors since, apart from the artistic merit of some awards, most British medals were officially named, making it possible to research the military career of an individual. Collectors feel that they can hold in their hand a real link with the people and events of the past and with famous incidents in Britain's military history.
Book 393
This book surveys the medals awarded to British personnel for military service around the world and in two world wars. During the course of the twentieth century the role of Britain's forces changed considerably - from imperial conquest and peace-keeping to full-scale participation in two world wards, campaigns for the withdrawal from Empire and finally service as a prominent member of the United Nations and NATO. The campaign medals awarded for these military actions have become a popular field for collectors, since the majority of British awards were officially named, thus making it possible to research the military career of an individual or regiment. Collectors feel that the objects in their collection give them a vivid and personal link with the people and events of the past and with major incidents in Britain's military history.