Notes For New Moths

 

Moths are members of the MOTH – Memorable Order of Tin Hats

1.     The moth was founded on the three ideals:

T.C. – True Comradeship. By practicing front line friendship in civilian life.

M.H. – Mutual Help. By acknowledging the personal and collective obligation to help each    other as in front line service.

S.M. – Sound Memory. By remembering the fallen as a living companionship and to serve their memory in practical actions which rise above divisions of social status, race, or politics

• FLAG – The Flag of the Order is composed of three equal perpendicular panels of dark blue, red and sky blue representing the three service from which the Order originates and carries the Tin Hat and Candle symbol in the centre.

2.    Badges

• Moth Badge
  

The inaugural meeting of Allan Wilson Shellhole was held at 7.45 pm on Tuesday, 27th March, 1928 in a storehouse at the back of John and Salter`s premises in Longmarket Street, Pietermaritzburg.

• Miniature Bronze Moth Badge.

Worn on your left side, on your shirt collar or on your blazer lapel.

(The Tin-Hat that saved so many lives in times of war) symbolizes the perpetuation of front line comradeship that transcends race rank and material worth in memory of our MOTH roots, rites, rituals and traditions in memory of our Elder Brethren who since have answered the sunset call, included symbolizing us being protected under an ‘umbrella covering’ by the tin-hat all in common pursuit and unity with one another and our -MOTH-Three Ideals - (TC-MH-SM)-

• Name Badge.

Worn on your right side.

• Moth Blazer Badge*

The badge is designed with a lit candle placed on a Tin-Hat at its centre, symbolizing a Light of Remembrance in respect to our fallen comrades.

3.    Moth salute

The salute of the Order is the “rest on arms reversed” position. An Open Right hand placed over an Open Left hand. (The right hands thumb is to be positioned in your belly button).               

4.    Conduct

All Moths shall dress and conduct themselves accordingly.

5.    Dress

Summer Dress

White shirt, smart grey flannels with belt, dark grey socks and black leather shoes and bronze tin hat badge.

Winter Dress

White shirt, smart grey flannels with belt, dark grey socks, black leather shoes, blue or black MOTH tie, black blazer with MOTH pocket badge and bronze tin hat badge. on left lapel of blazer .

MOTH Funeral Dress.

Same as winter dress. With medals. Sit in the MOTH group as a sign of support and strength for the family and strength.

MOTH Parade Dress. 

Same as winter dress BUT with medals [over the MOTH pocket badge on your left side) if you have medals. Should you have medals from your father they are to be worn if you wish on your right side below the lapel and in line with the left medals.

Casual Get Together 

Tin hat badge to be worn on left shirt lapel or collar, failing to do this could result in a fine by the Sergeant Major or Old Bill. At these occasions all Moths will wear the bronze tin hat badge.

Just a note, your bronze tin hat badge on the left lapel suffices any other part of the MOTH uniform, should you not be able to afford the complete uniform, but before this situation arises, speak to the Shellhole Old Bill who will always help those who are less fortunate, remember Mutual Help.

6.    Etiquette

When you arrive at your mother Shellhole for whatever reason, it is proper to salute the burning flame outside the entrance as a sign of respect to all fallen soldiers. EXCEPT at a meeting where it is correct to salute the vacant chair of the fallen soldier, before signing the register.

Once this is carried out it is correct to greet the Executive members at the Top Table and the Sergeant Major as well as all other Moths and FOM’s. When leaving the Shellhole it is polite to do the same. It is also important to talk to everyone and not create little cliques. There are good Moths out there and everyone needs friends.

• When you attend a parade and there are Moths from other Shellholes, it is not below us to approach another Moth and introduce yourself, don’t wait for them to come forward. This sets a good example for our Shellhole.

• Remember always be proud of your tin hat MOTH helmet, you have earned it. 

• RECRUITS INITIATION – MOTH OATH (NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLEY)

OC (to new recruit) – Friend, are you willing to serve this Order and this Shellhole?

NEW RECRUIT – YES

OC – Then repeat after me: I [My Name] give my comradeship to this Shellhole and my Zeal to this Order. I give my cheerful service as witness that we live to lighten each other’s burden. In the light of this Shellhole, I declare that he who fought by my side is my comrade still, wherever he may be, and in his name I solemnly acknowledge by this MOTH Salute (OC sets example) that we are here to work within the Three Ideals of (OC indicates TC., MH., SM. Symbols) True Comradeship, Mutual Help and Sound Memory, which require our practical expression and sincere endeavor, in the work of this Memorable Order.

Recruit drops Salute, and OC shakes hands and presents Tin Hat. At the same time a member in the meeting declares: 

“Be it known to all Moth Comrades” …………….,

Everyone sings - Old Soldiers……….

7.    Costs

When inducted you will be required to cover the following:

Annual Subs. R365 [2021]

(Due July every year)

Black Blazer – buy, beg, borrow or steal.

Bronze tin hat – R70

MOTH tie – R135 +vat

The Shellhole Quartermaster is Moth Derick Gordon. He can be contacted on 0833964179 to order stores.

8.     General Standing Orders

Should any member require any further detailed information re Standing Orders or more information of the MOTH, please contact the Old Bill for the MOTH Constitution and Standing Orders. [This is available from the Quarter Master at cost of printing]  

9.    Songs

Old Soldiers.

Old Soldiers never die, never die, never die, 

Old Soldiers never die, they simply fade away, and (in a hushed tone) they simply fade away.

Pack Up Your Troubles

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag

 And smile, smile, smile,

While you’ve a Lucifer to light your fag,

Smile, boys, that’s the style.

What’s the use of worrying?

It never was worthwhile

So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag 

And smile, smile, smile!

(1933)

 10.     Attendance

Once you become a Moth you are expected to be an active member. This means regular attendance at the monthly meetings, parades, a comrade’s funeral and social events. Should you however not be able to make a meeting etc. it is only good manners to tender your apologies prior to the event.

• You will get out of the MOTH what you put in and never be afraid to ask questions. That is how you learn about the MOTH. 

• Remember: “IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT THE MOTH CAN GIVE YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN GIVE TO THE MOTH”

MOTH COMEMORATIVE PARADE DATES

• July 16 - Delville Wood. (A WW1 battle in France) -(Parade)-

• October 23 - El Alamein (A WW2 battle in North Africa)-(Parade)-

• November 11 - Remembrance Day- Commemorating the End of both WW1 and World War 2 also wars that followed everywhere are commemorated.

• All MOTH parades are held on the Sunday closest to the dates listed above.

Welcome to Allan Wilson Shellhole.