Dress Sporran

[bubba]

All things considered it would be a lovely gesture if it could be returned to the family, but I'm not sure how easy that would be. I know my Uncle did that with a Japanese sword he got on Guadalcanal and the hunt for the proper person cost him quite a bit of money and effort. Next best might be donate it to the Regimental museum where it would be cared for and displayed. Since there's no family connection to the original owner or the Regiment I wouldn't wear it. Just my opinion mind you.

[Moosehead]

Since there's no family connection to the original owner or the Regiment I wouldn't wear it.

Actually, I think that is the major factor in wearing it or not.

It isn't my right to say what can or cannot be done in this matter. All I know is what my personal sense of honour would demand in a similar circumstance. The sporran belonged to the first casualty of this fine Regiment of the British Army in WW1. Many, especially in North America, might not understand who and what the Territorials are. In essence, they are in all respects a family. Generations of the same family serve in the same Territorial Regiments. Not necessarily a good thing, but a fact.

Moosehead, thanks! You expressed the same feelings I had. Its not a simple black and white answer.

I can only speak for myself here, I want to make this clear. To me, and maybe me alone, it is black and white. The only thought that crosses my mind is how the original owner's family would feel. Yes, the family may be hard to track down...for an individual. But easy for the Regimental Association or the regimental Museum.

In Canada, there have been several cases in recent years of collectors selling the medals of Canadian Veterans, many of them VC winners. There is no Canadian law forbidding the selling of a real VC. My understanding of US Law, is that the sale of a real MOH is illegal. We need the same type of law.

Flight Lieutenant (Captain) S.P. Relton
CAF(ret'd), RAF (ret'd)
Sinai 86, Kuwait/Iraq 90-91, Former Yugoslavia 94 and 96(UNPROFOR & SFOR)