Unknown Cloth patch

[Badger44]

Does anyone know who or what wore this. I'm not sure it is military, but if it is, the construction of it looks British - embroidered on white felt shield.
Any suggestions?

[irishhorse]

Looks similar to a 1st Army flash. Can you post a picture ot the back ?

[peter monahan]

Not my area of expertise, but were there not variations on the 1st Army flash used after the War by British units in Germany?

[Mike Jackson]

No. After the disbandment of First Army, the wearing of the sign was confined to 2 AGRA in Italy. With regards to BAOR shields, you are, I believe, thinking of variations on the theme of red cross on blue shield and vice versa "inherited" from HQ 21 Army Group, 21 Army Group and British Troops France etc. Mike

[Mike Jackson]

Here are some 2 AGRA signs. Mike
2 AGRA_Various incl 74 (Surrey and Sussex Yeo) Med Regt RA -at top.02.jpg

[Badger44]

Thanks for the comments gentlemen. I queried it as the sword is all in gold whereas the badges for 1st Army that I have seen are all with white blades to the sword.
There is also a possibility that it may be a Scout badge so I have also put it on a forum for that as well.
I would welcome any other suggestions, and will also put on this forum if it should turn out to be anything other than military.

[peter monahan]

"ith regards to BAOR shields, you are, I believe, thinking of variations on the theme of red cross on blue shield and vice versa "inherited" from HQ 21 Army Group...

I was. Thanks, Mike. All these different colours confuse me!

[Badger44]

I have now had it confirmed that this was a badge of 1st Army. My informant sent me a picture from the IWM badge site, as attached, no INS 5243 listed as 1st Army and 2nd AGRA.

Here is the link
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30071614

[leigh kitchen]

I've only just checked and noticed that I've had one of these for years, which I'd filed as 1st Army but with no reference re. the variation in sword colouring and cross.