OMRS Annual Convention 2015

The Orders & Medals Research Society Annual Convention is the highlight of the OMRS calendar for our members. This year’s attendance was strong again, with members coming together from across the UK, the EU and overseas for an intense two days of all things relating to the research of orders, medals and decorations.

Once again the Convention was held at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, London, on 26th to 27st September.

Saturday is the Members’ day at the OMRS Convention and there are two key parts to the programme: the Exhibition and the Presentations.

Exhibition

The Exhibition of Members’ Displays is arguably the most important part of the Convention, as this is where members have the greatest opportunity to learn from each other and to discuss research in depth and in detail. During the course of the day there were many animated discussions around the exhibition tables.

The following exhibits received awards:

Gold

Open Class

Waterloo in Miniatures – Andrew Dismore – Best in Show

They Served Together – Persian Gulf Shipmates – James Kemp - Member’s Choice Award

Click on the link to read the exhibit: Persian Gulf Shipmates James Kemp OMRS 2015

Research

A Study of the RAMC in the Great War – Howard Williamson

A study of the First Six Battalions of the Tank Corps in the Great War – Howard Williamson

The Annotations Found on the Reverse of the MM Cards – Howard Williamson

Military Medal Citations Collected & Researched between Jan 2014 & Sept 2015 – Howard Williamson

Silver

Open Class

They Fought From Armoured Cars – Michael Mockridge

“Bullock Boys” – The Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps Active Service Contingents, 1915 – 1919 – Nick Tucker

Single Subject

“Let every man die at his post” – David Doorne

Research

A Journey to Kamaran – Owain Raw-Rees

Bronze

Open

A Moment in Time – Andrew Pattison – Best 1st Time Exhibit

Twenty Years with Napoleon – Niels Stevnsborg

Blood & Gold – Medals of the three sides to the Jameson Raid – Ryan Darby

Single Subject

Richard Kniehl, Corporal RIR 240, WW1 – Joseph Hardman

Research

Prime Minister to Prime Minister – Roger Bragger

Presentation of Society Honours

Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork MBE, the Society’s President, announced the award of one Bar and two Awards of Merit. The members concerned are:

1530 Peter Helmore was presented with the award of a bar to the OMRS Award of Merit in Gold at the International Phaleristic Convention for his continued service to the Society and particularly for his conscientious organisation and enthusiastic promotion of the International Phaleristic Convention 2015.

1964 David Biggins was awarded with the Award of Merit for encouraging the collection and research of orders, decorations and medal, providing a free website to assist researchers, and publishing books. David continues to research and share his study with members and the general public.

6023 Christopher McCreery, MVO, was awarded with the Award of Merit for promoting the subject of honours and awards in the Canadian context. Christopher demonstrates his keenness in the subject by sharing his knowledge and assisting others in their research.