Combination - 1st Middlesex, 15th (Scottish) Inf Div
 

Can anyone confirm if the attached combination patch is from the 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment? I understand that they joined 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division as the Support Battalion in Oct 1943, later becoming the Machine Gun Battalion in Mar 1944.

Also, how would the square patch with diagonal split, have been worn?

I am assuming these are from 1st Middlesex, given that were together with 'Middlesex' metal shoulder title.

Any insights appreciated!

I believe that the version - a square with a diagonal division was worn as a diamond - the division being vertical. This shape was worn - in various sizes - by 9 Middlesex converted to 60 SL Regt converted to 126 LAA Regt and post-War by 595 LAA Regt RA(TA) (size for the latter being 35mm x 35 mm). The diamond was also worn by some Battalions as a cap badge backing. The flash - as a rectangle - was worn by I Middlesex (15 (S) Inf Div) and 2/8 Middlesex (61 Inf Div). It was worn as a triangle by 1/8 Middlesex (38 Inf Div), 8 Middlesex (43 Inf Div), 2 Middlesex (3 Inf Div) and 2/7 Middlesex (1 Inf Div), Comments and corrections very welcome. Examples from 2 Middlesex, 3 Inf Div attached. Mike
Attachment 184400

Nice explanation. Did other regiments wear the diamond? I recall that the Militaria Magazine (Issue 107 pg 54) had a picture of the diamond used in the formation badge of the Cheshire MG battalion in the 50th Division.

Thank you very much Mike for the confirmation on the 1st Middlesex combination! Also, for the additional info.

The diamond measures 45mm x 45mm, so presumably 9th Middlesex / 60 SL Regt / 126 LAA Regt.

At that size more likely to be a cap badge backing (1.75 in x 1.75 in)?

https://www.bing.com/images/search?v...=33&ajaxhist=0

Hi Mike, do you think that a cap badge backing would have been sewn onto the khaki backing?

You'll have to ask an expert on cap badges - which I am not! I just think that it is a bit too large to be a battalion flash. Mike

Noted! ...and your knowledge of the battalion flashes is greatly appreciated!

If you can track down a copy of the French publication Militaria No 339 (published in 2016) you'll find an excellent article on a former SNCO in 1 Middlesex, 15 (S) Inf Div - copiously illustrated. Mike

Mike; Did you see my question above? Just curious. This question has me stumped for years. Any insight would be great. Thank you, Bill

I think that the diamond shaped flash worn by the Cheshires was distinctly different in size, shape and colour (cerise and buff?) from those worn by battalions of the Middlesex Regiment. These two illustrations are the best I can do. 5 Cheshire was the MG Bn of 53 (W) Inf Div. I'm afraid I don't know who owns the BD blouse illustrated. Apologies. Mike
Attachment 184458Attachment 184460

The 1st Middlesex in 15th Scottish Division were not "the" 1st Middlesex. They were captured at Hong Kong in December 1941. I believe that the army simply renamed a Middlesex TA battalion as 1st Middlesex, but I do not have Joslen to hand.

I found it interesting that the medal ribbon of the Burma Star you show would not have been worn by the 15th Scottish that fought in NW Europe.

Did the ribbon bar come with the cloth items? I stand to be corrected on this, but I believe that one of the original 1st Middlesex captured at Hong Kong would have been entitled to the Burma Star. Also, more likely to have been wearing metal titles.

My father was in 1st Middlesex in 15th Scottish and his effects included the triangular flash. I had assumed 1st wore it, but your item shows that not to be the case. So, either he wore it at 26 MGTC at Chester whilst waiting for demob, or he traded it with another Middlesex soldier.

The 1st Middlesex in 15th Scottish Division were not "the" 1st Middlesex. They were captured at Hong Kong in December 1941. I believe that the army simply renamed a Middlesex TA battalion as 1st Middlesex, but I do not have Joslen to hand.

The original 1 Middlesex went into Suspended Animation in early 1942. 2/8 Middlesex ( the Support Battalion of 61 Inf Div in Northern Ireland) was in due course redesignated 1 Middlesex and joined 15 (S) Inf Div. At that point the triangular flash (worn cerise to the front) was taken down and replaced by the rectangular flash.

Hong Kong personnel, if they met the criteria, would have been awarded the Pacific Star not the Burma Star.

regards

I found this link useful regarding the different Middlesex battalions:

https://vickersmg.wordpress.com/in-u...esex-regiment/