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Old 03-05-08, 02:28 AM
Brian_A Brian_A is offline
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Join Date: May 2008
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Default 4/7 DG Regimental Flash

Spence,

The 4/7 DG Regimental flash was not linked to Dettingen. Nor was it on the RDG cap badge. Flashes in Regimental colours were linked to regiments who were involved in WW2. The 4/7 DG first wore their flash in 1939 in Northern France in support of the British Expeditionary Force, one of the first armoured units to fight in the desperate but gallant withdrawal to Dunkirk and it is believed to be the first regiment to wear a Tactical Recognition Flash. The worsted material recognition flash came about following an order to remove badges of recognition from battle-dress to conceal regimental identity. The design was copied from the painted diamond flash in Regimental colours on the steel helmets. The order was later recinded so back on went the collar-dogs and numerals but the cloth badge remained. The 13/18H later followed suit in 1940 with a blue and white flash.

The 4/7 DG Regimental flash was worn by all ranks below Warrant Officer on BD/SDs upon the left arm 1" below the shoulder seam. (Or 1/8" below the formation badge when one was worn on BDs). After WW2 and up until 1960 the flash was machine made in silken thread then post-1960 it was machine made in worsted thread. The flash comprises one black diamond, a chevron in old gold and two maroon chevrons, the whole being surrounded by black thread edging, the entire embroidery being mounted upon a diamond shaped black cloth background.

(Source - 'The Dress Distinctions of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, 1961, Langridge's Military Publications of 13 Oxford Road, Cambridge'.)

Brian
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Last edited by Brian_A; 03-05-08 at 11:36 AM. Reason: See http://www.army.mod.uk/rdg/history/index.htm and http://www.creullyclub.freeuk.com/feb00.htm
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