WWII Formation Signs

[dobw]

Hey gang,
I've posted an album of what I hope are genuine examples of British formation signs from the second world war. I'd appreciate it if you would take a look and post your comments, pro or con. Are there any clinkers? Any unusual pieces?

[Phill Lockett]

Gidday Dob

You have some real beauts there , I hope to add more in time that were involved in specific campaigns for my fledgling Brit WWII collection.

Nice one!!

Phill

[JerryBB]

From a quick glance the only one I might have concerns with was the Chindits patch. perhaps posting better pics of each patch on its own might be of use.

[dobw]

Thanks for looking. The Chindits patch is one of the badges from the blanket/lining collection that came out of the Peter Francis sale not too long ago. There was a fair amount of discussion on the Forum at the time. The consensus seemed to be that the badges were authentic. It certainly looks good to me...

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by dobw

Thanks for looking. The Chindits patch is one of the badges from the blanket/lining collection that came out of the Peter Francis sale not too long ago. There was a fair amount of discussion on the Forum at the time. The consensus seemed to be that the badges were authentic. It certainly looks good to me...

I would be happy with the 3 Indian Div/Special Force/Chindits sign (as well as all of the others). The vast majority of Chindits' signs made 1943-45 were hand embroidered and came in a countless number of variations. I would be happier if I could see the reverse, but given its provenance I believe that it's a contemporary piece. As is well known, probably 1000s of these sign were purchased by REMFs in the major garrisons and cities of India and worn in order to impress the female and/or gullible. Conversely at least one Chindit Bde Comd (16 Inf Bde) thought that it was "too gaudy, too American" and refused to wear it. Mike

[dobw]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

...at least one Chindit Bde Comd (16 Inf Bde) thought that it was "too gaudy, too American" and refused to wear it. Mike

Ain't it the truth!

[dobw]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

The vast majority of Chindits' signs made 1943-45 were hand embroidered and came in a countless number of variations. I would be happier if I could see the reverse, but given its provenance I believe that it's a contemporary piece. As is well known, probably 1000s of these sign were purchased by REMFs in the major garrisons and cities of India and worn in order to impress the female and/or gullible. Conversely at least one Chindit Bde Comd (16 Inf Bde) thought that it was "too gaudy, too American" and refused to wear it. Mike

Ironically, Merrill's Marauders, the American long-range penetration group in Burma, was so ignored by higher headquarters that no insignia for them was authorized until well after the fact. Even the patch that was produced after the unit was disbanded remains fairly hard to get...

[JerryBB]

Originally Posted by dobw

Thanks for looking. The Chindits patch is one of the badges from the blanket/lining collection that came out of the Peter Francis sale not too long ago. There was a fair amount of discussion on the Forum at the time. The consensus seemed to be that the badges were authentic. It certainly looks good to me...

Fair enough, though I still think better pics help if your asking for opinions.

[dobw]

Originally Posted by JBBOND

Fair enough, though I still think better pics help if your asking for opinions.

Jerry,
Here are some close-ups of the badge in question. Thanks for looking!