Melsetter Recce Patch
 

Hi all. I have recently acquired this patch but know nothing about it. From some tentative research the style seems similar to some Rhodesian Guard Force patches that I have seen on the net. Other than that I have drawn a blank, apart from when I have googled Melsetter, I get hits relating to a small BSAP post. Any opinions on this patch would be most welcome. Many thanks.

Some kind of morale patch? The old mushroom - "kept in the dark and fed on horse "manure" joke?

Page 34 of this pdf, "The Outpost", a BSAP Association Newsletter explains about "The Mushroom", the logo as per the patch is shown on a coffee mug and it is mentioned that a patch was worn on camo uniform.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...nMNUFMJhGrjzlq

That was my first thought when I saw the mushroom Leigh. I think I have seen a similar phrase on a USMC patch or something.

Oh wow. Well that pretty much sums it up. Thank you ever so much for finding that for me. Now I just need to find out if its real. I didn't realise such a small number would have worn this (unless its talking about another patch).

I first came across the mushroom KITD/FOHS patches when they were mentioned in a book about the Son Tay PW rescue operation that I read back in the 70's.
Ever original I had T-shirts produced showing the logo addapted for use by my battalions Intelligence Cell.

This is a Melsetter Police Reserve patch which was worn on Camo only. They would have been members of the local PATU unit for that area.
City dwellers on call up and being sent to the sticks for their 6 week stint would have worn a standard PATU patch. The one you are showing, to all intents and purposes appears to be genuine. I have about 80 different patches from various PR/SB/GC/Stock theft units as well as some Station designed patches.