5 Bn DCLI 43rd Wessex Division Combo
 

Hi all

Here is another combo that I have added.

Again showing a typical British combo.

As you know this is a well known and famous unit of Hill 112 Normandy.

Phill

Very nice!

Agreed! ! !

I've often wondered where they got the backing material to make these combos, if each man had two BD blouses, over a battalion that would need quite a bit of material.

Rob

Cloth combinations
 

I have never been quite sure as well as to how these combinations were worn, I thought they were cut from BD and edged with stitches. Were they worn as "slip-ons" as some I have seen?

Rob

43 (Wx) Inf Div
 

Here's a couple more from he collection:
Attachment 190229Attachment 190230

Hi Rob

I wonder that so I found this image with and without the backing. So maybe it came down to individuals deciding would it be easier one way or the other?

Thanks for adding more images Mike.

Phill

Maybe when they were issued a new BD it was quicker to cut out the entire panel than to carefully remove each piece and sew it on again individually?

Rob

Mike was that double Formation signs authorized? Was that normal practice during or at wars end?


Phill

Here is my addition tho this thread.

I would say that it was unauthorised but accepted. it seems to have been prevalent amongst those who had served in 50 (N) Inf Div and were transferred to another formation when it reverted to a "Lower Establishment" in Dec 44. Some of the veterans of 50 (N) Inf Div could have served with the Division in the BEF (1940), North Africa, Iraq, Syria, Cyprus (1941-1943), Sicily (1943) and NW Europe (6 Jun 44 to Dec 44). No wonder they wanted to display the TT. Other instances of two formations signs being worn - AB Forces sign by elements of the Bedfordshire Yeomanry (for support given at Arnhem) and the 51 (H) Div sign worn by an Armd Bde for support given at Le Havre. There are probably many other examples.

Note the Captain's "low profile" shoulder title - a cut down black on khaki slip on title I think. This seemed be an uncommon practice in 43 (Wx) Inf Div.

Mike: Is that a black square in your Wiltshire combo?

Great looking combinations all. Cannot add to the discussion other than to say interesting and informative.
Jack

Friends

Thanks for all the input, learning as I go.

regards to all

Phill