Thanks Postwarden,
Thank you for your knowledge. Its a little disappointing as I wont be able to adorn the outfit with badges, but, if that was the way it was, then I shall take your advice.
I am awaiting some details from the army personnel centre to get more information, because last night, after receiving a copy of Essex Regiment 1929 to 1950 - Col T.A. Martin,
I could track the movements of the 2/5th battalion.
Everyone remembers my grandfather talking about Syria, Damascus, Palestine and Baghdad. The Martin book clearly shows these tours did not come until after the capture date, so we are thinking that perhaps grandad wasn't captured on 1st July 1942 and when onto the 1/5th Bn which did go to Iraq, Mosul, Syria and Palestine.
So the plot thickens and once i can confirm his movements from July 42, I may be able to refer closer to your information.
Many thanks anyway. Ill keep you posted.