B.E.F. - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

boots and saddles · #1 11-02-10, 10:43 PM

Is this what they wore before they left the continent? http://cgi.ebay.ca/British-B-E-F-Clo...63597393443351

BWEF · #2 12-02-10, 05:29 AM

I have seen these before.

There are variations because they were "private purchase" items.

I even have a home made one, someone has unpicked the lettering from a khaki slip on title and added a crude "BEF" instead.

Back in the 1970s an old soldier, who had been evacuated from Dunkirk, told me that these were worn after the troops got back to the UK.

In his unit "BEF" titles were worn for "about five minutes" - until the RSM saw them.

boots and saddles · #3 12-02-10, 05:25 PM

That figures, the same with the Hong Kong patch, worn after they got home. Thanks.

Peter Brydon · #4 12-02-10, 06:15 PM

B & S,
There is a picture in" British Army Uniforms and Insignia Of WW2" by Brian Davies on page 64 showing the Hong Kong patch ( a great photo which also shows the Chindit patch and paratrooper wings )which I think may be the one you are referring to, being worn by Lance Corporal A.J. Zavier a Chindit who took part in the Victory Parade held in London at the end of the war.

I wonder if he went home prior to going to London for the parade ?

P.B.

Bill A · #5 12-02-10, 06:33 PM

Hi P.B. Ray (B & S) was referencing a Canadian patch, given to the Hong Kong vets when they arrived at Gordon Head British Columbia. An illustration on this thread: http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...ight=hong+kong

Peter Brydon · #6 12-02-10, 06:37 PM

Thanks Bill.
I had thought it was the title worn by Hong Kong personel which actually said " Hong Kong "

Peter

BWEF · #7 12-02-10, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWEF

I have seen these before.

There are variations because they were "private purchase" items.

I even have a home made one, someone has unpicked the lettering from a khaki slip on title and added a crude "BEF" instead.

Back in the 1970s an old soldier, who had been evacuated from Dunkirk, told me that these were worn after the troops got back to the UK.

In his unit "BEF" titles were worn for "about five minutes" - until the RSM saw them.

Thinking some more about the bold section.

The late John Bailey told me of the Royal Marine who "feet didn't touch the ground" when he put up a "BLAV" flash.

BLAV = British Latin American Volunteer.

I wonder how many "minty" flashes became keepsakes when the men were not allowed to wear them?

matti467 · #8 12-02-10, 07:55 PM

Apparently Monty was not happy about his men wearing such patches and the practice stopped forthwith as mentioned in the book 'Pillar of Fire'