London District
 

I wondered when this patch was introduced, post war and probably 50's I think?

Thanks,

Jerry

It features in the Second Edition (Apr 47) of Heraldry in War, so may well have been introduced during the Second World War.

Thanks Mike,

Sadly I don't have the book you mention, though I have heard of it. I found copies on Amazon so will be buying a copy soon.

The patch is on a Canadian made Feb 1945 dated BD with RAMC shoulder titles.

Regards,

Jerry

Both Heraldry in War and the updated version Formation Badges of World War Two are offered by several booksellers on the AbeBooks website and neither are very expensive.

The London District sign was approved in May 1941 and worn after the war as well. When sample postwar London District signs were sent to the War Office by Eastern Command in February 1950 they recorded that the file on the original wartime application for a sign had been destroyed.

Postwarden

LONDIST
 

There appear to be two basic variations in this FS. One is the octagonal version as pictured, and the other is the same design but on an oblong. Somewhere I read that the oblong was the wartime version, and the octagonal one worn post-war.
Would anyone like to comment upon this?

Stephen.

Many thanks for the input on this.

Regards,

Jerry

London District
 

The attached photo clearly shows the octagonal version worn with a postwar rank badge. However I have also seen a 1949 pattern BD with the painted oblong version on - as per attached. Like many formation signs I don't think there are hard and fast ways of dating them if they are not fixed to uniforms or shown in photos

Postwarden

Thanks again Postwarden.

As I posted above, the thread starter is attached to a February 1945 dated BD. I have no problem with it being post war, as it can only have been very late war at the earliest.

I just bought a 2nd edition copy of Heraldry in War and await it's arrival.

Regards,

Jerry

Hi Stephen,

I copied this image from the uniforms of the world forum, where it had been posted and was adapted from H Coles' Formation Badges of WW2 Arms & Armour press 1973.

Regards,

Jerry

London District
 

Here are three examples - but I cannot positively date any of them:
Attachment 67981

And the current one.

I did have an London District badged ATS uniform but I sold it because it didn't fit me. :D Rob.

Thanks to all for contributing, it is much appreciated.

Love that BD. Way too small for me, I have a size 1 in my collection, but its not for wearing!

Regards,

Jerry

Mr Coles' explanation of the meaning of the red sword and mural crown is a bit dull, no? The mural crown denotes London's status as a royal city. The sword is that used to behead St Paul, patron saint of London.