Can anyone tell me what this cloth badge is

[themedalcollector]

Had for years and never got round to finding out what it is

thanks for any advice

[Bill A]

Hi, SHAEF, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. This patch is often associated only with the US army, but it was actually worn by personnel of all nations who were attached to Eisenhower's HQ. The pattern in your post appears to be a British example by the construction. The American patterns were usually fully embroidered.

[John Mulcahy]

It is American I think, the patch of the US Army in Europe worn since at least 1945. The period of wear was quite long - it may even still be worn. I am afraid I nothing about construction techniques and cannot date it although it looks an older version.

John

Bill, we must have been responding at the same time, I bow to your superior knowledge.

[Bill A]

Hi John & themedalcollector, Coles Formation Badges of World War Two indicates the design was approved in March of 1944. I have an example from a Canadian officer, circa 1945, that is embroidered on wool, very similar to this example. He was attached to the HQ in 1945 through 1946.
As John indicates, this patch is usually thought of as American post war, but it was also worn during WW2.

[jubilationtcornpone]

Hi,

This example, with a black background, is SHAEF. After the war ended, about 1947, it was replaced by United States Forces, European Theater and the background was switched from black to blue. I believe the arc of colors on top represented the allies, and the flaming sword was bringing the light of liberation to occupied Europe. The black background represented the darkness of Nazi occupation. This looks to be an excellent example.

Don

[themedalcollector]

Sincere thanks to everyone, really appreciate your advice

best regards Michael

[Bill A]

Don's excellent description prompted me to do some more digging. In Richard W.Smith's Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the US Armed Forces 1941-1945, the dates for authorization differ from Cole's resource. Smith indicates the patch was approved December 20, 1944. This was the black patch. The blue patch that Don notes, was approved for wear by US Army European Headquarters on August 2, 1945. This became European Command on June 23, 1947.

[Bill A]

Where does this example fit? It appears to be gray, but may actually be the blue background as mentioned above. http://cgi.ebay.com/Orig-WW2-Formati...QQcmdZViewItem

[jubilationtcornpone]

Hi Bill,

Whatever else this is it is not SHAEF as advertised. Nor do I think it was originally a blue background. An educated guess - at one time in the 1950's the US Army summer uniform was tan. Possibly the background of this patch was made to match the uniform. It may also have belonged to an allied soldier assigned to a multi-national headquarters. Maybe the maker was color blind! Just a swag! I will be out of the loop for a few days but will keep looking.

Don

[Voltigeur]

Bill,here's the U.S. Forces European Command patch worn after WW2. IMO the other is a repro.
Jo
http://www.psywarrior.com/shaefblue.gif

A photo of a somewhat well-known US general wearing the SHAEF patch.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/i...01/ac02175.jpg