2nd Infantry Division smaller size
 

Hi friends

I have this woven FS.

The size is 3cm x 4cm

Would this be for shoulder or putting on puggaree?

Your thoughts and opinions please.

cheers

Phill

They are all normally intended for the shoulder, but some were apparently worn as a Pagri Flash as well with various modifications such as applied backings, poppers or hooks, which, to make matters confusing, were also for use on shirts for easy removal. There were none specifically intended as Pagri Flashes to my knowledge.

CB

Thanks CB

Here is a comparison with another I have in my collection. Hence why I thought the smaller one was used for puggaree.

Any thoughts are they theatre made examples?

Phill

Could the smaller badge be the post WWII 25th Infantry Brigade version of the old 2nd Infantry Division badge?

Thanks Leigh

Any more ideas is it WWII or post WWII?UK or theatre made?

Is size important!!

cheers

Phill

If you have to ask it probably is !!! :D

Having done a book check - "Army Badges and Insignia Since 1945" by Guido Rosignoli states on page 123 that in 1946 when 2nd Infantry Division (in the Far East) was reformed in Europe it's 4th, 5th and 6th Brigades still in the Far East were renumbered 24th, 25th, 26th Independent Infantry Brigades.
"The 5th Brigade had the same sign as the 2nd Division, but slightly smaller and, as 25th Independent Infantry Brigade, adopted a new formation sign which incorporated the divisional crossed keys and a "Torii" gate to commemorate it's service in Japan".

I should've suggested 5th Brigade not 25th Brigade.

My first recourse was to check "Badges on Battledress" vol II by Jon Mills but as I was checking 25th Bde and not 5th Bde I found the crossed keys and Torii sign but no reference to the crossed keys sign.
Page 789 mentions 5th Bde wearing the crossed keys sign but there's no mention of it being smaller than the 2nd Division one.

Thanks Leigh

I do have Johns tombs but could not find any reference to actual size and or variations.

I have Bruno Boulanger's book, WW2 British Formation signs and it does show variations and a small theatre made round bullion (35cmx35cm) made for officers with the crossed keys and a similar colour, sky blue to my one.

It mentions (round badge p 171) was worn under Occupation Force badge and that the 1945 pattern was worn after the war when 5th Infantry Bde left the division to be part of BCOF Japan.

Maybe the one I have was for OR?

You might be on the right track Leigh.

Mike, me thinks size might matter in this case :D

Phill

I rather think the size does not matter. Just one of the many variants encountered with this sign.

CB