Hadhrami Bedouin Legion
 

This thread originated from that of the Trucial Oman Scouts, but it seemed that, to avoid confusion, it would be better for it to have its own thread.

The Hadhrami Bedouin Legion was formed in1940 foor service in the East Aden Protectorate and eventually absorbed into the forces of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.

I have two specimens of the badge, one cast, one die-struck. The cast badge is, at 47mm high, slightly larger than the die-struck version, which is 43mm high. Both should have brooch-pin fastenings, though this is missing from the cast badge. The scroll, on this badge, however, does bear signs of having had a red-painted background to the script. The cast badge was found in a small shop in Knaresborough market place.

The die-struck badge was donated by the(then) C.O. of the unit in 11965. and the inscription reads (in Arabic) Army of the Bedouin of the Hadramout. This badge has a bright chrome finish.

Thank you for posting those. Very nice badges indeed, and what a find!

I shall have to keep looking.

Incidentally have you seen The Armed Forces of Aden 1839-1967 by Lord and Birtles?

Not really on topic but I've just acquired a GSM to a TOS private soldier which has a Cyprus Clasp as well as the more usual but still not common Arabian Peninsula. So today's started for 10 is what was a TOS Jundi doing in Cyprus during the emergency???

Eddie

Yes, I've seen the Lord & Birtles book - you will note my two HBL badges are in there ( via the Military Historical Society). It is a very good refererence and the only one I know which lists the various Aden units and private armies. Unfortunately, illustrations of many of their badges are not available.

The HBL shoulder title is attached. I seem to recall that it was chromed, like the head-dress badge.

Brian

Thanks for posting that.

After I wrote my last I had realised the HBL badges in L&B must be yours since one had identical damage!!

Eddie

Lord Book
 

I know Cliff Lord well I lunch with him once a month. If anyone has any question I can pose them to him. Regards Shaun

Hbl
 

Further to your comments about the HBL badges, the first type were made in the local markets in Mukalla. David Birtles had both examples. I only have the newer one. I do have a nice pix of the title though. Never found out much about the HBL cloth underlays worn under the title. Signals was blue and white.

Since the book was published I have come across a few new titles and badges but mainly pix. However I do have a lot of new pictures of the troops for a pictorial suplement. Time is the problem.

Always keen to hear from people wishing to sell Aden badges and patches.
Cliff Lord

Hello Cliff - how nice to see you in here!!

Great book - for both historians and badge collectors!

Howe about posting your HBL ST picture?

Eddie

Eddie, will include the image and a few more badges in the pictorial book on Aden I am preparing. All depends on time though as have never been as busy.
BRgds

Cliff