Some uncommon signs and titles
 

Time to give these another airing. Mike
Attachment 181544

VERY nice young sir , when time permits may we have a close up of the 5 commando please ?

Michael, I'll open the frame and get a decent quality close up (but not immediately). In the meantime....... Mike
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Thats fine pal , jst checking the ` 5` was a lighter color ?

Sublime

Jack

The "5" is in yellow - 5 Cdo's colour I believe. Thee other half of this pair went to the late, lamented Len Whittaker decades ago - so it's still out there somewhere. Mike

Hello Mike,

I can’t quite make out the information below the signs, as it’s not quite legible on my screen. Is that therefore then, what I think it could possibly be a (top left) 12th Div SDF slip-on? Sorry I’m not much of a “patch wallah” I’m afraid.

Kind regards,
Zob.

A rare and genuine example of the of the formation sign of HQ 12 Div. The sign of a white diamond was selected for the Second Line 12 (Eastern) Division, formed in September 1939 and disbanded in July 1940. It was then reformed as a deception formation under the title of 12 Div (Sudan Defence Force).

(It came with a letter from a British Sgt serving in 12 Div in, I think, 1944. When I next find it, I'll scan the letter and post it here. Mike)

A couple of mine like what you got.

Thank you for posting these titles.

Hello Mike,

I would love to see the letter if and when you get the opportunity and very many thanks for the clarification. It’s really wonderful to see that this stuff is actually out there. Simply made my day, week, month, year – outstanding!

Kind regards,
Zob.

Wonderful items, Mike -- thank you for the post. Why do the DCLI have two divisional signs, and what is the blue semicircle on the red bar?

Do these help? Mike
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Until I find the original, here's the text:

Mrs K Barraud, Norfolk House, 4 Glen Road, Boscombe, Hants, England

S/76524 Sgt Barraud P HQ 12 Div (SDF), MEF 4pm Friday 28 Jan 44

Dear Kay,

Thanks for your airgraph of 11 Jan 44 which arrived one day after the air mail letter card of the same date. I hope that this will reach you at your new address - if you are still there! (I agree that consequative looks as well as consecuctive!!)

I had a very nice night out on Wednesday. Went to one of the local cinemas and saw Cedric Hardwicke in “The Moon is Down” - it was a first rate film and I expect that you have seen it. As a sidelight I tell you that the house was not full by any means, but that another cinema nearby showing “Road to Morocco” with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour was packed!

No particular news here. It has been nice the last 2 days, but wind got up yesterday. Still we had our weekly hot sulphur bath. Ye Gods, it gets hotter and hotter, but it is a grand bath. Had a walk down to the sea a couple of days ago. This afternoon is very quiet because everyone is out at a football match and I don’t suppose I shall be working after 5.

I must agree we had a good Xmas from the physical point of view, but then I have always tried to impress upon you all at home that I am living in the lap of luxury - perhaps now you will believe it!

Au revoir. Love to J & you.

Yours, Philip.

Examples of the first BAOR's Southern Division sign worn.

Jon