Dating a desert rat patch
 

Picked this up recently, sold as WWII. I know it's not the recent issue, but I know these were still worn after 1945 and wondered if someone can narrow the dating down?

Thanks,

Jerry

7th Armd Div patch
 

Jerry, I am by no means an expert on cloth badges, but I would think this is late WWII period, 1944-45 era.

No doubt someone who specialises in cloth could be more specific.

Rob

Thanks Rob, my thoughts are that it is a late war version, one of a few different types from different manufacturers.

Regards,

Jerry

I have a BD blouse bearing identical 7 Armd Div signs and printed Greenjackets Group flashes worn in Germany in 1948 by an officer in 1 RB. I believe these signs, plus many others in the same style of manufacture, were made in Germany post-War.

That was my other thought, that it might be the immediately post war issue. So probably post war made and issued. Out of the two options, I would have preferred it to be pre may 45, but it is what it is.

Still a nice patch IMO.

Thanks Mike for your informative post.

Regards,

Jerry

What about these two, #2, the one with the backing is I think, the Dutch made late war version?

Thanks,

Jerry

I trhink you are right - #1 looks to me like the standard Ordnance issue 1944 and onwards pattern.

Thanks again Mike.

Regards,

Jerry

As asked in a message, the red Jerboa topee flash and the 1st issue red rat patch, from G. Forty's book 7th Armoured Division The Desert Rats, Ian Allan publishing 2003, pp66-67.

Jerry

Any thoughts on this example?

Regards,

Des

I have to admit I have not seen this version before, but I like it and think it has a good chance of being WWII issue, though I might be wrong and hopefully someone can give you a 100% certain answer. I look forward to finding out the truth of it's origins/date.

Regards,

Jerry

Posting this link to a website dedicated to the 7th Armoured division, showing some period items, including the red on khaki Jerboa, which I also noticed in an old thread on this forum. Anyone know where and when this type was used?

Regards and thanks,

Jerry

http://www.desertrats.org.btinternet...artefacts4.htm

Here are a few more variants, including one for those who only collect metal:

Attachment 57886 Attachment 57887 Attachment 57888 Attachment 57889 Attachment 57890Attachment 57891
The artistic licence is amazing - number 3 looks like a shrew giving a fascist salute and number 6 looks like an idea for an interim pattern - jerboa-like creature and NW Europe colours?

Great to see all these variations Mike, thanks very much for posting them.

Regards,

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the feedback. I also felt it is wartime but like you had never seen another example.

Regards,

Des