Airborne RASC group photo
 

I have just acquired this photo, which looks to me to be a group of Airborne RASC in the Far East.

I believe that the uniform is 'Indian Pattern' jungle green. While I understand this came into service in the Far East during WW2, I do not know until when (and where) it was being used.

I wonder if the 'wings' of the CSM are Indian made, given distinctive downward-facing wings? His crown seems to be King's crown, but not 100% sure, due to clarity of this on the photo.

The Pegasus patches are not 44th Indian Airborne Division, so I assume that the group is likely post-1947. Until when was the Pegasus formation patch worn (before re-introduced more recently)?

Of course, the ranks and names of gents on the photo would be a big clue, in case anyone recognises them :)

Any insights appreciated!


PS: Depending on what comes to light, I may keep or sell the photo on.

There is no sign of the 1939-1945 War Medal ribbon on the medal ribbon bar so I doubt that the photo is post-1947.

Are the beret badges definitely REME, which pattern please?
One of the men has "Dag" as a nickname - any chance that they're Australian or NZ?

Also a 'Clipper' Scott and 'Tick' Parkins - good shout Leigh - sounds a bit Antipodean to me too.

Although 'Chufty' appears to be Mancunian slang : Chufty badge : Invisible badge of honour for doing something insignificant

No, the beret badges look like RASC to me. See the attached two close-ups. Quite a number are wearing a darker looking version of the badge, which could be either wartime plastic economy or blackened badge. Opinions welcome!

I think they are men of 716 (Airborne) Light Composite Company, RASC. The unit was in Java in 1945-46.

My mistake - you'd typed RASC, for some reason I went into REME mode.

The CSM has the clearest set of ribbons (see first photo attached). These seem to include the 1939-1945 Star, then what could be the Italy or France & Germany Star, then others.

The last medal ribbon on the other two could be the Defence Medal?

When was the War Medal 1939-1945 actually issued?

No worries!

I don't suppose you know where I can find more information on this company, ideally with record of some names? It would be great to find a positive match!

Seems to be a bit on t'web, eg

https://www.paradata.org.uk/media/667

https://www.paradata.org.uk/unit/716...e-company-rasc

Thank you. I was also just looking at these. Unfortunately, not finding any matches on the names yet. May need to locate the war diary...

Well done Leigh and Hoot for sharing your knowledge. Another example of this forum doing what it does best.

Indeed!

I agree, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star and Defence Medal. The 1939-1945 Star was introduced in July 1943, the France and Germany Star in May 1945 and the Defence Medal in August 1945. The War Medal 1939-1945 was also introduced in August 1945 so the ribbons had clearly not been issued at the time the photo was taken.