United Kingdom. A Wooden Handled Wilkinson Third Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Knife consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac surrounded by a blue enamel

surrounded by a blue enamel surround inscribed FUR TREUE UND VERDIENST (For Faithful Service)

27 - The Volunteer Force of 1914 to 1919

the front had already collapsed

that his religion was Church of England

Footnote: Fritz Bleicher was born on 22 September 1907 in Gunzenhausen

United Kingdom. A Wooden Handled Wilkinson Third Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Knife consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac surrounded by a blue enamelA wooden handled variant of the third pattern variation of this famous fighting knife. Often thought to be post war, wooden handled versions of the F S were issued through the later years of the war both to Aircrew, Boatcrew and most branches of the forces. The wooden handled F~S is most commonly found in two basic styles with this particular version closely imitating a 3rd pattern metal handled type. Featuring a black wooden handle with blackened