40 Signal Regiment (V) Tara (Plaid) Brooch

[servicepub]

Mods,

Shouldn't this be moved to the equivalent British section? (not that I have an aversion to my British cousins posting here...)

Clive

[signalman]

Thanks for the 85 Sqn info, had a few good times with them in the early 70's.Phil.

[Chris Walker]

Dear People of similar Mentality.

Delighted that this little thread has resulted in such a wonderful responce in such a short time.

Even more delighted that Cliff Lord my guru has produced an excellent entry.

But has any one got a Photograph of the Tara??????

Many thanks

Chris Walker

[Mike_2817]

Originally Posted by blackie131

There's is a picture of the brooch in British Army Badges, by Lieutenant Colonel Robin Hodges, Page 382.

Here is a scan from Robins book

[Chris Walker]

Dear Blackie

Many thanks for the photo of the Plaid brooch.

This is the brooch that 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment (V) wear and I have made detail of this on my little site.

The two from Cliff Lords photographs in his book look very different to this.

I am sure they are Tara (Plaid) brooch. The name comes from the Tara Hills I believe.

Still hoping some one may come up with one. Could they be the Tara the the Royal Irish Regiment wear???????

Please keep this thread going. Some one will I am absolutely sure knowing the forum come up with the answer

Kind regards

Chris Walker

[Mike_2817]

Its Mike actually!

The above is the 'approved' R Sig's Plaid Brooch!

Can you describe the other brooch in more detail or post one of your 'poor' pictures to give us a better idea what you are looking for.

There is another brooch in Robin's book which has a 'Jewel' in the centre!



Below is the other brooch illustrated in Robin's book and is a Civilian obtained version.

Mike

[Chris Walker]

Dear Mike

I apologise for getting the name wrong.

I do not have my camera here at the moment as my son has borrowed it. However, I will have it back by the weekend and even through it may be a couple of pretty poor pictures I will take what is in Cliffs book.

I really am appreciative of all the posts so far and as it is the end of the Regiment I think it is in March of this year, there may not be another chance.

The badge that you have kindly shown is not the badge in the photographs.

With my very best wishes

Chris Walker

[Faugh-A-Ballagh]

Would it possibly be one like this, or something similar?

John

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ULSTER-DEFENCE...item5880d6a569

[Chris Walker]

Dear John

I think you have come up with the answer.

As I have said, the pictures are not brilliant but that looks like the little fellow.

In my quest I thought it may have been the Tara used by the Royal Isish Regiment, which your photo certainly is.

Brilliant John.

As the Pipes and Drums were only a volunteer band and the photograph of the bass drummer I talk about in the thread certainly looks to be wearing possibly wwII decorations. Could it be that this was the badge they used????

Come on Quicksilver!!

Give us your opinion. After all it is your book!!!!!!!!

Excellent John. Lets see what Cliff says.

Kind regards

Chris Walker

[Quicksilver]

I dont know much about plaid brooches but here is a scan of part of the pix of a 40 SR Piper. Perhaps you can decide exactly what type it is.
BRgds Quicksilver.

[Chris Walker]

Thanks Cliffo.

I knew you wouldn't let me down.

This is one of the photographs from Cliff's book so it has saved me a job at the weekend and the picture is much clearer than I could have done.

Now all. Is this the same badge as Mike has found for us to look at from ebay???

It certainly looks very similar. And what is the Tartan. Is it a Grant Tartan the same as 32 (Scotish) Signal Regt (V)?

What era are we looking at??????

Brilliant little thread. Delighted that so many people have taken the time and made the effort

Thanks very much.

Answers now please!!!!!!!!!!

Kind regards

Chris Walker

[irishhorse]

Chris. This is the brooch worn by the Royal Irish Rangers, and Royal Irish Regiment etc. As you can see its silver coloured, and the UDR version is gold.
The 40 signals brooch could well be one of these, but would be nice to know for sure.

[Faugh-A-Ballagh]

Chris,
A curious mix of Irish and Scottish. I've never seen a military piper in a bow tie before!
Even though it's in black and white, I'm pretty sure it's not Grant tartan on his kilt.
Was there ever any mention as to how many were in the pipes and drums, or was it just one regimental piper - used for regimental dinners and such occasions?

Nice find

John

[Pretani]

Attached is picture of an officer's caubeen for 40 Sig Regt(V) in response to an earlier post. The contrast is not great, but it illustrates the manner of attachment of the cap badge and hackle. The hackle should always be worn with the green at the back.

Answering other posts, the TA history, referred to earlier, was republished as The Territorials in Northern Ireland, 1947-1992 by TAVRA NI (now RFCA NI). Also no dress distinctions were adopted by 85 Sig Sqn following the change of their title to "Ulster and Antrim Artillery". What the Sqn did get was a room full of silver, and other memorabilia, plus a large dining room table and chairs.

The number of pipers and their dress has varied over the years. In recent years the dress has had to reflect Corps dress regulations. Prior to then (late 1990s to early 2000s) Regimental variations, such as saffron kilts and caubeens were worn.

[Quicksilver]

Another 40SR PIX - have some more but they are filed away somewhere so may not be able to find them.
Rgds
Quicksilver