The Middle East Commando Badge - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Roy · #1 23-01-18, 07:08 PM

Hi Gents,

I was organizing old files on my computer and came across images of original Middle East Commando badges (and knives) I have owned in the past. As there seems to often be posts from collectors looking to see if their badge is real or not, I thought it may be helpful just to share these.

I have also included a couple of images of original knives from which the design was taken.

Just shared here for interest and reference.

Cheers,

Roy

WWIIBuff · #2 24-01-18, 02:47 AM

Thanks Roy, it is great to have the reference. I have one of the knives in my collection, but have still not found one of the badges that I like, so this post will come in useful.

By chance do you have a reverse shot of the badge you can post as well?

Roy · #3 24-01-18, 03:52 AM

You're most welome,

See attached photographs that show the reverse of the badges.

Cheerio,

Roy

Mike B · #4 24-01-18, 06:16 PM

Hi Roy
As you know the knife badge comes in a number of variant designs. It is good to have a close up of the lugs - the 'flattened, rolled over, set into the cast badge' features are all good. Many of the reproductions have rounded metal lugs, some with feet. Also a feature of fakes being lines towards the base of the lug, running up the shank - a bit like you find on some types of nail.
Good to see the design you have, it has more defined detail than some castings, and a more bulbous grip than some you see.
Mike

54Bty · #5 24-01-18, 06:55 PM

Thank you very much.

Marc

WWIIBuff · #6 25-01-18, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy

You're most welome,

See attached photographs that show the reverse of the badges.

Cheerio,

Roy

Thanks for the additional pictures Roy, and thanks for the details Mike.

WWIIBuff · #7 29-01-18, 11:43 PM

If I am correct, 50/52 M.E. Commando wore this badge on a slouch hat primarily. Does anyone know if it was just a standard British slouch hat without any other insignia, or was there any special type of pugaree or anything like that?

Does anyone have a M.E. Commando slouch hat in their collection?

Mike B · #8 30-01-18, 08:56 AM

See Commando Veterans Association for images
Here is an example
Mike

WWIIBuff · #9 30-01-18, 11:08 PM

Thanks Mike. Actually that is one of the pictures that generated my question. The pugaree on the cap on the left is a different shade than the hat itself, so it got me wondering if it was colored.

Also, although they do not appear to be wearing any type of badge on the outside of the folded-up brim like the Commonwealth Forces sunrise badge the Australian's had, it appear that something may be attached to the pugaree.

Belly · #10 31-01-18, 06:41 AM

I want to know what he's got on his slip ons!

Eddie Parks · #11 31-01-18, 10:17 AM

My understanding is that the three in the photo are former members of the 1st Palestinian company of the AMPC, also known as 601 Coy. It's a fair bet that the ship ons worn by the Sgt are "Palestine"
Eddi