Union Jack patches

[airtrooper]

Who exactly wears these ?

[engr9266]

Originally Posted by airtrooper

Who exactly wears these ?

They come in various size/make's/colours and are worn by ALL HM Forces.

[badjez]

AT,

Not something I've come across before. Usually the issue badges have an olive green backing, measuring not more than about 40mm x 35mm.

The earliest references I found to them is 1984 when they were issued to small units working outside of the UK and BAOR. Marc Sherriff's book dates them back to 1966, and I have seen mention of similar items being worn by Airborne Forces in Normandy. I haven't noticed them being worn in photos taken at/after Arnhem though.

The first wider use of the Union flasg was authorised on 04.05.94. at the 288th Meeting of the Army Dress Committee: the Committee decided to approve the wearing of a DPM Armlet, with Union Flag and MND (c) Formation Badge. The Armlet wass to be worn only when on exercises with other MND countries.

Post Bosnia the Union Flag is worn by all British Troops serving overseas.

Hope this starts a good thread off.
Stephen.

[engr9266]

British Forces with the United nations have worn the Union flag on the left arm for as long back as I can remember

[Alan O]

The patches shown are not issue Union flags but much larger ones made and sold commercially.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by badjez

AT,

Not something I've come across before. Usually the issue badges have an olive green backing, measuring not more than about 40mm x 35mm.

The earliest references I found to them is 1984 when they were issued to small units working outside of the UK and BAOR. Marc Sherriff's book dates them back to 1966, and I have seen mention of similar items being worn by Airborne Forces in Normandy. I haven't noticed them being worn in photos taken at/after Arnhem though.

The first wider use of the Union flasg was authorised on 04.05.94. at the 288th Meeting of the Army Dress Committee: the Committee decided to approve the wearing of a DPM Armlet, with Union Flag and MND (c) Formation Badge. The Armlet wass to be worn only when on exercises with other MND countries.

Post Bosnia the Union Flag is worn by all British Troops serving overseas.

Hope this starts a good thread off.
Stephen.

Worn on a brassard by 2 Indep Para Bde on Op Dragoon in Augst 1944. And worn on the left arm by British Indian Division (Brindiv) as part of British Commonwealth Occupation Force BCOF), Japan. This version was 2.5in x 1.5in. The Union Flag was also worn by members of Military Missions to the Balkans and to Russia.

[54Bty]

Also the main part of the badge for BRIXMIS.

[Mike Jackson]

Two World War 2 British Mission signs - to USSR (top) and to the Balkans:
British Missions to USSR and Balkans.01.jpg

[Mike Jackson]

And another, more recent, example c 1993:
JACIG.01.jpg

[54Bty]

Another c1998, and c2011.

[ORISKANY]

Another during Iraq war:

[ORISKANY]

Another, Iraq War:

[ORISKANY]

Two more I just remembered: JACIG and INTERFET.

[grey_green_acorn]

Here are a few more Union Flags on Brassards

[Mike Jackson]

And this is a genuine example of the BRINDIV sign referred to earlier. The printed black "angles" at each corner are the clue to a contemporary item:
BRINDIV.03.jpg