Peter Taylors book Allied Special Forces

[Tanker Mike]

I was wondering how accurate Peter Taylor's book on Allied Special Forces Insignia is. I was looking through it and some of the insignia especially the Canadian Parachute cloth insignia look like reproductions to me.
The Royal Marine Commando insignia like the dagger also look a little off to me.

Mike

[Bill A]

The general concensus is that the reference should be used with great caution.

[Arnhemjim]

AMEN! Would even say with extreme caution. But handy size and nice coloured photography.
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

[JerryBB]

Ditto.

[fougasse1940]

Starts with the fake LRDG badge on the front cover. See for instance here: http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ht=lrdg&page=2

Rgds, Thomas.

[Unknownsoldier]

Originally Posted by fougasse1940

Starts with the fake LRDG badge on the front cover. See for instance here: http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ht=lrdg&page=2

Rgds, Thomas.

The Sacred Squadron badge is duff on the cover too....

[Mike_2817]

I think all military reference books have the odd error or two, and that is part of the challenge, that all collectors needs to research their own area of interest and cross reference and confirm what is written or illustrated and I also include other collectors 'expert opinions' on this and other forums.

I apologise if I upset anyone with that statement, but I feel we all still have bits & pieces that need to be authenticated, I know I do.

[Eddie Parks]

I have to say i take all "expert" opinion with a dash of salt - especially those who simply say "fake" without explaining why.

That said I think this book is really not one to trust.

Eddie

[Tanker Mike]

The FSSF badges shown all look like known reproductions to me

[Mike B]

Peter filled a gap when compiling this book. However, I am sure he would acknowledge that things have moved on considerably. Among Commando units there are illustrations of titles for No.7, No.8 and No.11 Commandos - all three were part of ill-fated Layforce and had disappeared from the order of battle before standard Red on Black Commando titles were issued. The result of including such titles is that numerous collectors believe the titles are correct. I do not for a moment believe there was any intention to deceive ... quite the contrary but the moral of the story is 'research, research and more research'. There are other errors, eg the White Skull on Black Disc relating 2 US Inf Div Ranger trained personnel not No.3 Cdo ... but it is easier to criticise than make the effort to publish. Some very rare items are correctly illustrated eg 'Cracked Skull' badge of No.4 Cdo - often faked but the one illustrated is correct. In summary - useful but caution advised.
Mike

[Frank Kelley]

Did it cost £30.00 or $30.00?

Originally Posted by Tanker Mike

I was wondering how accurate Peter Taylor's book on Allied Special Forces Insignia is. I was looking through it and some of the insignia especially the Canadian Parachute cloth insignia look like reproductions to me.
The Royal Marine Commando insignia like the dagger also look a little off to me.

Mike

[3battalion]

A number of mistakes, as detailed, but still a handy little reference.

Paul