What was EMU? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

fearnaught · #1 19-10-23, 02:24 PM

Hi, I picked up some Xmas cards recently and among them were these two. They may not be related but the flags look very similar. Does anyone know what EMU stands for or what it was? thanks in advance Mike

High Wood · #2 19-10-23, 02:39 PM

There is a little bit about them here.

https://www.britishmilitaryhistory.c...nts-Malaya.pdf

mike_vee · #3 19-10-23, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearnaught

Hi, I picked up some Xmas cards recently and among them were these two. They may not be related but the flags look very similar. Does anyone know what EMU stands for or what it was? thanks in advance Mike

Found this :

Quote:

In 1939, whilst still a member of the 1st Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, he was promoted to Colour Sergeant whilst Brigade Quarter Master Sergeant of the 12th Indian Infantry Brigade 2nd Echelon Emu Force and moved with them from India to Singapore.

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:...e_at_Singapore.

.

JON188 · #4 19-10-23, 06:50 PM

What great items!

54Bty · #5 20-10-23, 10:45 AM

It is Emu (as in the bird) name given to the Units (Force Emu) that was sent to Malaya in 1941-1942.

Marc

fearnaught · #6 21-10-23, 07:45 PM

Hi, thanks for all the replies. Was there any connection between the 23rd and EMU as their signs were very similar? best wishes Mike

54Bty · #7 21-10-23, 09:06 PM

The formation badge of the 23rd Indian Division was a Red Fighting Cock. Rather different to an Emu.

Marc

fearnaught · #8 21-10-23, 09:35 PM

Hi, sorry Marc, I was referring the HQ 23rd Inf. Bde. Xmas card sign, best wishes Mike

fairlie63 · #9 21-10-23, 11:53 PM

Interesting that the Australian element that went to Malaya was Elbow Force and used the emu in the vehicle sign for 8 Aust Div.

The Australian force that went to Port Moresby was if I recall correctly known as Emu Force. We had a lot of forces named after birds in that particular period.

Keith