RAC cap bade - unusual backing
 

Had to go for this on spec, it's almost too odd to be a fantasy item but sometimes you're not quite sure. Anyone any thoughts on the backing to this badge and also on the odd cutting out of the outer concentric arm just above the centre recess? I've taken some photos of the backing removed and it does look to have age, the red piece in particular but I am at a complete loss as to what it represents, all thoughts welcome, thanks.

John

I've seen a similar strange backing arrangement on a badge for sale on an auction site months ago, I can't remember what badge was involved though. Not very helpful......

May be way off but the backing material resembles Buccleuch Tartan.

Simon.

Is that the shepherds tartan worn by RRFs Northumbrian Piper? (also favoured by the Palestinians as per my old shemag).

That's the one Leigh, yes.

Simon.

Thanks, I'd noted the similarity to the RRF Piper's tartan but I did'nt think it sensible to suggest a 43 RTR Northumbrian Piper's badge backing (I'm not going to run with that one).

Leigh,

Agree that there would be no reason for it to be that tartan, just noted the similarity in design.:)

Simon.

I did wonder whether it might be related to an RAC training regiment rather than a 'fighting' regiment... (I do have a perhaps hat-stand idea based on the shape of the red backing but don't want to prompt thoughts at this stage;) )
John

You're thinking similar shape but different colour.......?

It says in All the Blue Bonnets,the history of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, that 'It happened that Colonel Sir R.J. Waldie-Griffith, Bart., of Hendersyde Park, Kelso, who became Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion, wanted a border design for the kilts of his pipers, and looked for something more distinctive than the universal check of the Border shepherds' plaid (as shown as the badge backing here). Hence, by a happy inspiration there was invented the blue overcheck, and the design was named after the great House of Buccleuch. The 'Buccleuch' tartan was worn exclusively by the pipers of the 4th (Border) Battalion. It was also worn by the pipers of the 6th (Border) Battalion during the Second World War.'

Rgds, Thomas

The check is shown as 'Shepherds' in a 1820 tartan sample book by W. Wilson jun., Bannockburn.
What is the difference between Shepherds and the fashionable 'pied de poule' or hound's-tooth pattern? Is it just a piece of cloth put there by an ignorant collector?
The shape of the red cloth suggests to me it was meant for another badge?

Rgds, Thomas

I had a thought along the lines of support services to regiments (i.e. not regimental per se), clue - I’ll name that song in one...

Both good points and both worries as to its correctness, it’s certainly an oddity or just plain junk!