Avatars - What is the significance of yours?

My avatar is dedicated to the coastwatchers that were murdered on Betio, Tarawa, Kiribati (Gilbert Islands)

I have travelled to Kiribati many times on business over the past 16 years.

This is where the American Pacific forces learnt their first lesson in routing the Japanese from fortress like entrenchments in the pacific islands on their way to Japan.

While many may be aware of the famous Battle of Tarawa in which over 1,100 US Marines and nearly 4,700 Japanese died over three days between 20–22 November 1943....It is said that only 25 Japanese survived. (Wounded too badly to continue the fight one would believe)

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL:
BETIO, TARAWA, KIRIBATI — 11 NOVEMBER 2002

A memorial commemorating the execution of 22 British subjects, mostly coast watchers, by the Japanese military in October 1942 was unveiled by the President of the Republic of the Republic of Kiribati, HE Mr Teberoro Tito, in Tarawa on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2002. The imposing 2.4 metre high stainless steel memorial is located at the Temakin Cemetery on Betio, part of Tarawa atoll, and commemorates the murder of the men 60 years ago on 15 October 1942, by the Japanese who had occupied the Gilbert (Kiribati) and Ellice Islands (Tuvalu) Colony. Two Australians are listed as victims on the memorial in addition to three from Great Britain and 17 from New Zealand.

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Eyewitness accounts record that the men commemorated by the memorial were executed (beheaded) following an American air raid on Betio.

 

Mine is a "Vietnam Service Ribbon".

 

Mine is a just a generic American bomber nose art lady.

 

HMS Chaser, my grandfather served on her.

 

I find mine funny...

 

Churchill at his best...

 

Mine's my Dad taken during the war.

 

I did have CWGC headstone badge of the Wiltshire Regiment but then changed it to Sarge from CARS to be a bit more light-hearted.

Grow up!

 

A picture of my grandfather, which was sent to my mum (she was born after he was sent overseas in 1943).

 

My father after the Battle of Midway

Rich

 

mine is easy, its a RAF Steaming ensign

 

mine is my Grandad's Lanc crew. (he is bottem left)

 

Olive drab appeals to me.

 

A Cameron cap badge, the blue is to represent the Blue Hackle, awarded for the last Highland regiment to enter battle wearing the Kilt in France 1940.

 

Mine is a picture of the German General whose name I use as a username, Gotthard Heinrici, one of the finest and most capable Generals of the Wehrmacht

 

Mine is a picture of the Ox & Bucks L.I. cap badge on their regimental colours.

I chose this as my Grandfather joined them in 1942 and my father served with them in the 1960's (under the 1st Green Jacket Brigade - 43rd & 52nd and later as 1st Royal Green Jackets)

 

Mine's an Ox & Bucks LI cap badge too, and for much the same reason as 52nd Airborne - My granddad was an Old Contemptible, landing with 2/OBLI in 1914, having joined the army in 1901. My dad, and his two brothers all passed through the regiment during WW2, serving mainly in the far east.

Incidentally, I have a regimental history signed 'John Howard' and dated from 1977; I'm wondering if this is the John Howard who commanded the OBLI at Pegasus bridge. Would anyone know where I might find 'the' Major Howard's signature, for comparison purposes? (BTW, I've tried the regimental museum!)

 

Chindit,
Any chance you could scan the signature in so we could all see it.

I have a number of signed stamp covers with a militry theme(another time cosuming hobby!) and have at least 2 signed by John Howard.

It might be they are one and the same!!

Regards

Andy