26 INF BDE FORMATION SIGN FARELF

[Bala]

What was the background colour of 26 Infantry Brigade, FARELF assume with white cross kukris.

Thought to be in South Malaya 1950-1958 near Johore Bahru.

Thank you

[Mike Jackson]

From my notes:

26 Gurkha Bde: Oct 46 redesignation of 6 Inf Bde, 2 Inf Div. Jul 48 26 Gurkha Bde formed in Hong Kong. 26 Gurkha Bde joined 40 Inf Div when the Division was formed in Hong Kong in Jun 49. As at Dec 49 comprised 1 Buffs, 2/6 GR and 2/10 GR. From Hong Kong to Malaya 7 Apr 50 with 1 Cameronians, 2/6 GR, 2/10 GR. As at Dec 50 26 Gurkha Bde was in South Malaya District Seremban) with 13/18 H (-), 1 Green Howards, 1/6 GR, 1/7 GR, 1 Malay Regt and 26 Fd Regt RA. 26 Gurkha Bde moved to Hong Kong Apr 52 and returned to Malaya in Sep 52 as 26 Indep Gurkha Bde. As at Apr 53 26 Gurkha Bde was in 17 Gurkha Div with 1 Cameronians, 2/6 GR, 1 Malay Regt, 1 Fijian Regt. By Apr 57 was still in 17 Gurkha Div with Sqn KDG, 2/2 GR, 2/6 GR and 7 Malay Regt.(and lost without trace thereafter!) Comd as at Apr 52 was Brig (later Maj Gen) LHO Pugh.

I have no idea what sign was worn in the brief period it was 26 Indep Gurkha Bde.

[54Bty]

There was a light blue badge discussed some time ago.

Marc

[Mike Jackson]

Yes - that's an enduring mystery. Mike

[Bala]

Mike

Many thanks for your useful reply.

I have 12 Inf Wk Sp REME with 26 Inf Bde. 1957-58 at Ulu Pandan (JB) & Segamet. Disbanded 1 July 1958. BEME Capt. C.R Watson

I don't think the background colour is blue - which I had suggested to me as a Gurkha Helicopter Unit in Hong Kong (never confirmed) and also that it maybe a counterfit job.

I served in 63 Brigade, 17 Gurkha Division and wore a Green background. Eventually I realised that it was the 17 Div patch and not 63 Bde.

So the search for 26 Inf Bde colour goes on

Regards and thanks again.

[badjez]

I cannot add anything with regard to insignia, but this is my info on units under Bde command:

26 Gurkha Inf Bde
10.11.50. FARELF ORBAT: Mention of 26 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, located at Johor Bahru, South Malaya.
Units under command:
B Sqn, 13/18 Hussars (amended to Regt less two Sqn)
Tp, 1 Singapore Regt, RA. (transferred out later)
1 Green Howards (transferred out later)
1 Cameronians
1 Worcs Regt (01.06.51. transferred to 18 Inf Bde)
1/2 Gurkhas
2/2 Gurkhas (transferred out later)
2/6 Gurkhas
2/10 Gurkhas
3 Malay Regt
1 Malay Regt
24.08.53. QTD Secret 76976/SD2(D): Bde HQ to relocate to Hong Kong 5.54.
24.10.53. CRFE/30205/19/MP2(M): Reorganised from Est II/576/1(S) onto
Est FE/1236/1/53(3) w.e.f. 01.08.53.
01.11.55. FARELF ORBAT:
Units under command:
Sqn, 11 Husaars
2/6 Gurkha Rifles
1/10 Gurkha Rifles
2 RWF.
= = =

Stephen.