Kenya Independent Sqn
 

Hello All,

Just acquired this and was wondering if another forumite possessed an example?

Hi Mark,

Nice badge.

I don't own a KIS badge, but your example looks similar in construction to others I have seen.

Paul

The badge looks fine. Same as one I have owned for many years.

Keith

Thanks gentlemen! There’s definitely a lack of visual references online (apart from one slightly grainy auction photo from a few years back... and with that only the obverse was shown).

This was from a auction several years ago. Bottom left.

There was a short article on them in MHS bulletin No56 May 1964 by Capt JCM Kirk he notes they were also known as Drought's Scouts after Major Drought who formed and commanded them in 1940, he shows a picture of the cap badge and shoulder title.
Regards
Sean

Thanks Jerry... that’s the pic I referenced earlier and the only one I can find! Thanks for the reference Sean! Anyone have a copy?

IWM also describes a "cap badge backing" :

" an irregular pentagon cut to make a 'house' shape, sides vertical, point uppermost, divided evenly vertically from the point to the centre of the opposite long side, maroon left, yellow right. Two holes in the cloth indicate a missing element."

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30078828

Article from the The South African Military History Society (March 1967) :

" The unit had a badge of which only one hundred were struck. It was not worn while on patrol. It was made up of a laurel wreath surmounted by the letter "D" - for Droughts' - enclosing a diagrammatic representation of the cardinal points of the compass, with the motto of the unit below it; "Quod Age Agis"' - "Do what has to be done."

Due to the small number of badges that were struck,this is surely a great prize for collectors of regimental insignia. "

http://samilitaryhistory.org/archiv11.html

Found a photo online ..... only to discover it was the listing for your badge ! :o

But , then found another set of photos for one that was previously sold.

Kenya Independent Squadron : Code: 51337

http://www.mindenmilitaria.com/shop.php

.

thanks Mike... interesting stuff! The badge sold by Minden has flat lugs. Hmmmm....