W A M I shoulder flash
 

I do not collect shoulder flashes per se but I have had a couple come my way occasionally.

One is this W A M I flash that I have pictured. I have noticed that the curve of the red border does not match the curve of the cut out yellow cloth of the flash. Likewise, to me, the curve of the printing does not appear to follow the curve of the red border.

Is someone out there able to tell me if this sort of thing common with these flashes or do I have cause for concern regarding this one's authenticity?.....Are they reproduced?

Any advice appreciated.

Donny B.

It's something that I have seen in many flashes of that period.

This one looks good. I have never seen any repros of the bordered RAAC flashes.

Mick

Thanks for your response and your reassurance, Mick.

I guess the flash is in keeping with the period W A M I badges.

Donny B.

Yes mate - the 10 WAMI hat badge would have been worn at the same time.

Mick

There you go! Teasing again! I don't have one of those post '53 WAMIs so for the time being the flash will have to sit with my earlier badges.....


I guess I was referring to "in keeping" in quality rather than period, but that is just my opinion.

Donny B.

I think I have a spare 10 WAMI QC hat badge.

Always open to trades. :)

Mick

WAMI S'titles
 

The top shoulder title in attached pic is embroidered on a sort of canvas material which frays at the edges unless sewn on with embroidery stitches. I cut this one off a shirt I wore in the 1950's.

The second one I bought on eBay about eight years ago and trimmed the border from the irregular shape.

Third badge is Western Command, (Right sleeve - Swan facing front), again from one of my uniforms of the 1950's, either B/D or greatcoat.

I still have my K/C WAMI cap badge and collar dogs, which I carried on wearing for long after the regiment changed its name back to 10th Light Horse in 1956 as the new 10LH badge was only finalised following ideas submitted by members of the regiment in 1957, and then took another two or three years before it became available to all ranks.


Cheers,
John

Hi John,

Any idea of what exact years the 10 WAMI/XLH badges came into use in the regiment?

I'm after the years for when these badges were first worn.

10 WAMI (King's Crown)
10 WAMI (Queen's Crown)
10th Light Horse

Mick

Hi Mick, I joined 10th Light Horse in January 1957 and was issued with K/C 10 WAMI cap badge and collar dogs as these were still being worn at that time. (I still have them as very treasured pieces in my small collection)

I never wore a Q/C WAMI badge and cannot remember ever having seen one in actual use, although it no doubt was, perhaps as a stop-gap badge until a new 10LH badge was finalised, the Queen having been on the throne for a few years by that time. I would guess at Q/C WAMI being introduced in 1959.

I was in London, attached British T.A. still wearing K/C WAMI when the new 10LH badge did become available and I was sent one in, I think it was 1962, but do not know how long it had been in use.

I hope this helps.

By the way, a couple of years ago there was talk of a new necktie for the RAAC Association, in the red and gold colours associated with Light Horse regiments. Do you know if it was ever produced. If it was then I will try to get one.

Best wishes,

John

Hi John,

Many thanks. Great info :)

And yes, I believe a tie is available from the RAAC Association.

If you send an email to the NSW Branch they can probably assist you with one:

raacansw@defence.gov.au

Regards,

Mick