Ugly printed marksman badge
 

This is sewn to a 3rd Division WW2 BD blouse I picked up. It is so ugly it's neat, but I have never seen one like it. Are they common?

As you say, ugly but interesting. Is it possible to see an image of the complete BD Blouse please? Mike

Standard Ordnance issue printed version.

Marc

Will provide after work or tomorrow.

Thanks Marc, any more background on these?

and there was me thinking this was about an ugly marksman, of whom there were plenty.

Two more shots (poor, sorry) of the BD particulars.

I really like these printed trade patches, shading in the colours gives them a 3D effect. Is the 3rd Div printed too?
Lee

Yes, it is printed. The one on the right sleeve has faded somewhat from poor display protocol by the previous owner, but it actually adds character to the jacket.

Almost all the British Army's then current trade badges were produced as wartime printed versions, including the sniper's badge and the parachute wings.

In most cases they were ignored and replaced by embroidered badges bought from the shops in most military towns who seemed to be able to obtain what the Government could not. Printed trade badges on battle dress are not common.

Although introduced as a wartime expedient they do not seem to appear in print until the 1949 edition of the Catalogue of Clothing and Necessaries where they are listed as "Badges, Arm, Worsted or printed, SD".

If anyone has a copy of any amendments to the 1942 War Vocabulary of Clothing and Necessaries after No 3 dated 20th May 1944 they may appear in there. If anyone does have further amendments I'd be interested to obtain a copy.

Jon

Interesting point Jon , I have argued for years that there is a printed version of the parachute qualification wing but have been shouted down and laughed at many times over the years............he ho

Proof herewith

Jon

Truly superb Jon !
sore a set about twenty odd years ago as a kid before I understood their importance - you should have held the picture back mate and had a bit of fun with the `nay sayers` there are many on here who would have bet a kidney these printed types dont exist

Stunning and very rare I assume.

all printed insignia except glider