Artillery Hat badge - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

fairlie63 · #1 28-03-15, 12:30 AM

Hello,

Just seeking some information on this South African artillery hat badge - Owen says it is SAA 1922-26, Cox puts it as Coast Garrison Force 1913 -. I'm a little surprised that there would be two separate SAA hat badges used within 4 years if Owen is correct.

It has South Africa - Zuid Africa in the scroll, apologies for the appalling photo, I'll have to practice!

Thanks, Keith

Alex Rice · #2 28-03-15, 05:50 AM

Hi Keith
I don't know which is correct but in South Africa in 1927, Afrikaans replaced Dutch as the official language and the 'Z' was dropped from Zuid Afrika and it became Suid Afrika. That's why it would have had such short usage if it was introdiced in 1922.
Cheers,
Alex

manchesters · #3 28-03-15, 12:00 PM

Keith,

Owen is wrong, it was worn from 1915-1922.

regards

fairlie63 · #4 28-03-15, 08:15 PM

Thanks Simon, that fills the gap. Keith

Milmed · #5 07-12-16, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manchesters

Keith,

Owen is wrong, it was worn from 1915-1922.

regards

Hi Simon,
I have been going through some old Nonquai Magazine and came across an example of this badge been worn by the commanding officer of the newly formed SAFA in 1922. I believe in this case Owen may be correct. The earlier SAFA badge (i.e. WWI) only displayed the title 'South Africa' and not the bilingual title.

There are two SAFA badges with the 'Zuid Afrika' title. This one and a later issued one with 'Ubique' added to the top scroll. So it is possible that both of these badges were worn in the 1920's

Steven