A small correction to the details on the colours of the 9s on the IWM site.
The Brigade sign was first requested in December 1948 but refused. In January 1949 Southern Command’s GOC-in-C described the sign as ingenious as it represented dialling 999 for the fire brigade thus indicating the Brigade’s present role in the Strategic Reserve. Won over, the War Office authorised the sign in February 1949.
The yellow nines used in the original design were replaced by red in the Calico Printers’ version as it was cheaper to print in two colours although officers bought embroidered versions with the yellow nines, at least two versions of which are known.
It seems unlikely that the version shown was ever worn as the Brigade details on it would have been a security breach. It may be a souvenir item.
Jon
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