Bill's Belgian Medals

Medal Groups - Page 4

    This superb collection was purchased from Greg Eigenfel, who had obtained them from the
    widow of Philip Thelis, an extraordinary individual, in that having survived the rigours of WW2,
    then served with the French Foreign Legion for 7 years. The collection includes some
    paperwork, including a tally of all his medals, various cap badges, embroidered blazer badges,
    button holes, berets and his miniatures, as well his medals and collar medals.

    This wonderful historical portrayal of Philip Trelis tells a vivid story and he was clearly proud of
    his military career, keeping the berets in mint condition and the badges in similar fashion. My
    task is to mount this collection in a way that will do it justice.
Badge and Motto Neo Pluribus Impar
Philip's miniature group
Premier Hussards
Brigade Piron

    Philip Thelis was quite the soldier. Not satisfied with having participated and
    surviving WWII, he also enlisted and served for 7 years in the French Foreign
    Legion in North Africa! (There is a medal on his medal bar which also confirms
    his Foreign Legion service.)

    The collection includes a dark green beret with silver metal Foreign Legion cap
    badge (post-war manufacture), an additional Foreign Legion cap badge (still in its
    original waxpaper packet), a numbered 50-year commemorative plaque or "table-
    medal" (also in its original award box), and 2 colored enamel buttonhole badges.
    The lot also comprises a striking metal cap badge and a small buttonhole pin -
    maker-marked "Fonson Bruxelles."

    Both items are associated with the "Premier Regiment Hussards," a well-known
    cavalry regiment which was actually an armoured/tank regiment during the
    Second World War.
    It is possible that these cap badges are related to the "Neo Pluribus Impar"
    badges - can anyone throw any light on this assumption? Esthetically speaking, a
    very nice cap badge!
Bill's Belgian Medals
Last Updated 17 November 2007