Airborne Strip & 1st AB Division

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Thanks - the downloaded image from the iWM is better quality, but whatever I do to Brightness and Contrast the effect of a dark coloured backing is still there, uniquely on that one man's beret. Did the Pathfinder Coys accept volunteers from the Battalions? The soldier at the top left of the image is, unlike all the others in the picture, wearing a light coloured lanyard. Is that
unique to a Battalion? Mike

with another look at the original, perhaps you are correct mike.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

with another look at the original, perhaps you are correct mike.

Perhaps 7 LI) Bn Parachute Regiment wore a rifle green badge backing? If so, perhaps that is what we are looking at? Mike
.

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Perhaps 7 LI) Bn Parachute Regiment wore a rifle green badge backing? If so, perhaps that is what we are looking at? Mike
.

Mike, in Fisher & Lock's British Airborne Headdress (p44) they show a 7th Lgt Bn beret with a diamond shaped green badge backing to show their links to the Somerset LI. It could well be them that the trooper is from

They also show one with a circular green backing for members of the Ox & Bucks LI.

[grey_green_acorn]

The officer briefing is Lt Bob Midwood. There is more information and pictures on Paradata including one of him with three sergeants of 22 Independent Parachute Company. All are wearing the light coloured lanyard.
https://paradata.org.uk/media/34164?mediaSection=Photos

Tim

[tcrown]

Thanks for sharing, Tim.
Great group of photos! Paradata is definitely an invaluable source of info.
Incidentally, none of the Sergeants wear airbornes strips (photo taken in April 1944).

Pierre

[tcrown]

A very interesting photo of 2 NCOs from 1st AB Division both wearing Airborne strips.
https://paradata.org.uk/media/49566?...ediaItem=68331
They are W. Bailey MM and J. Mc Donnell DCM, both cited for their actions on Feb 26th, 1943 at Bou Arada (Tunisia).
McDonnell belonged to 3rd Bat. at the time whereas Bailey could have been with 2nd Bat. given the different color of his lanyard.
Both wear the red 'Parachute' shoulder titles which was the standard within 1st Brigade.
It is difficult to date the photo: the legend says circa 1944 but it could well be end of 1943 (it looks they were photographed shortly after receiving their awards).
It is one rare example of a document showing 1st AB Div paratroopers wearing AB strips. As already mentioned in this thread, multiple documents exist showing 6th AB Div. para members wearing AB strips in 1944 before their removal was ordered but this is the first example I found with 1st AB para members.

[fougasse1940]

In the book on the 10th Bn, 'Desert Rise - Arnhem Descent', on p. 135 is a photograph of Private George Taylor, B Company, wearing them.
Book on the 11th Bn. 'Arnhem their final Battle' p. 195 Private Italo Grumoli.
Book on 156th Bn 'From Delhi to Arnhem' p. 358 Private Jimmy Green
21st Indepedent Para Coy book 'Leading the way to Arnhem' 118 Private John Melford.

Rgds, Thomas.

[tcrown]

Originally Posted by fougasse1940

In the book on the 10th Bn, 'Desert Rise - Arnhem Descent', on p. 135 is a photograph of Private George Taylor, B Company, wearing them.
Book on the 11th Bn. 'Arnhem their final Battle' p. 195 Private Italo Grumoli.
Book on 156th Bn 'From Delhi to Arnhem' p. 358 Private Jimmy Green
21st Indepedent Para Coy book 'Leading the way to Arnhem' 118 Private John Melford.

Rgds, Thomas.

Thanks Thomas.
Sorry, I sould have mentioned 1st AB Div 1st Brigade. Would you be able to date some of the photos?
Cheers
Pierre

[fougasse1940]

I believe all date from after the return to the UK and before Arnhem.

Rgds, Thomas.

[elwe23]

Originally Posted by JerryBB

There are some good pics of 6th AB wearing the blue parachute regiment titles and airborne strips on the IWM from 1944 which include one with a paratrooper with the maroon parachute title and no airborne strip.

Were mostly wearing the printed parachute regiment shoulder title on the eve of dday right ?
On that photo it is difficult to discern if any were wearing the embroidered version.
Very interesting topic and read guys.