19 Light Bde
I was on the disbandment parade yesterday. The order of service outlined its many forms, here's an abridged version:
Raised as a militia bde in 1892 and reorganised as a regular Bde in 1900 for the South African War, disbanded 1901.
Reformed in 1914, disbanded 1919.
Raised briefly in 1938 for duties in Palestine, disbanded 1939 apparently to avoid confusion with an Indian Bde with the same number.
Reformed 1950 renamed in 1978 to 7 Field Force.
Reverted in 1982 to 19 Infantry Bde.
Retitled 1992 to 19 Mechanised Bde.
Reroled in 2005 to 19 Light Bde.
In 1957, Major Fursdon RE designed the insignia based on the triangle of 3rd Inf Div and a black panther symbolising alertness, based on Kipling's Bageera. We've always called the "puking panther" and was sad to wear for the last time today. I wear the chain mail gauntlet next week when we join 20 Bde, lads are already calling it the wnaking fist!
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Arte et Marte
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