Hello .
I was wondering you anyone is able help identify these metals / medal ribbons for me.
I have recently acquired a number of items owned by the late Lt.Col James Dean RA DSO, MBE, DCM (74th Northumbria Field Artillery / 125th Anti-Tank Regiment 'Sunderland's Own'.. He was based in Sunderland during WW2 and was Officer Commanding of the 125th Anti-Tank Regiment that sailed from Bombay to Singapore around 1941/42. The ship was called the 'Empress of Asia' that famously got hit by Japanese air-raid some 6 miles from the shores of Singapore - Resulting in no equipment and little resources the regiment were soon within the hands of Japanese and sent to POW camps to be used as forced labour on projects such as the Siam–Burma Death Railwayi etc.
J.Dean lived to tell the tale and I have a number of books that include his name. Including 'A History of Sunderland's Own 125th Anti-Tank Regiment' By Alan Burns (Local Historian) - As well as a vast array of personal belongings such as uniform, hats, boots, trunk, suitcase, leather bag, buttons, dinner suits, photographs, boxing metals, insignia, framed family photographs & more. Sadly I've been unable to make any contact with family members post acquiring . I'm sure with a little more research I may be able to dig a little deeper.
Uniform / Metals.
I added an image of the uniform of Lt.Col Dean to Instagram and a young gentleman who worked at the Sunderland Museum contacted me asking if I was a relation - I explained my side of the story and he then went on to inform me that his metals were on show at the museum. (Image Below) On that note I feel obliged to find out as much as I can. I'm quite new to the 'militaria' game hence posting for advice. I suppose we all have to start somewhere.
I look forward to hearing back. Any information will be greatly appreciated. I do have another section of medal ribbons here that are loose and not fixed to the dress jacket - I will try and get an image uploaded of those as soon as I can.
All the best, Gillan.
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