East African Reconnaisance Corps cast badge - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

natal01 · #1 09-03-12, 07:45 PM

I have just acquired this badge, which Owen's book tells me that it was worn from 1940-42. It was locally cast in Nairobi and the detail is pretty good for a cast badge. Were they all cast or were there die struck examples as well ?
Thanks
Mike

lancashirefusilier · #2 11-04-12, 09:12 AM

Hello Mike

Nice to see this one.On the subject of die striking I have never seen this badge other than cast.

Cheers

Dave

zob · #3 12-04-12, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natal01

I have just acquired this badge, which Owen's book tells me that it was worn from 1940-42. It was locally cast in Nairobi and the detail is pretty good for a cast badge. Were they all cast or were there die struck examples as well ?
Thanks
Mike

Hi,
I note that your badge is referenced in Owen’s book as: East African Reconnaissance Corps? However, The (E.A.R.S.) East African Reconnaissance Squadron was part of the East African Armoured Corps that was re-named “Kenya Armoured Car Regiment”, and then re-named again East African Reconnaissance Regiment.
The East African Armoured Corps badge is a Rhino above scroll bearing the letters E.A.A.C. (sometimes above tablet showing squadron number).

Best regards,
Zob.

natal01 · #4 14-04-12, 01:23 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Owen sometimes got it wrong.
Were there any other badges other than this one and the EAAC rhino and was the EAAC badge also cast or was it die-stuck ?
Regards
Mike

natal01 · #5 14-04-12, 03:04 PM

This cast badge, which I assume was a "sweetheart" badge came with the cap badge.
Mike

zob · #6 14-04-12, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natal01

This cast badge, which I assume was a "sweetheart" badge came with the cap badge.
Mike

Hi Mike,

As far as I am aware all these badges were theatre cast, although I do know of one E.A.A.C. example that was made from sheet silver. As for your cap badge it is absolutely spot on for the period and your “sweetheart” this also is bang on, even though it is actually a collar/beret badge (I’m looking for a brass one of these myself).

Best regards,
Zob.

natal01 · #7 15-04-12, 04:23 PM

These badges were part of a "box of badges" sold recently on a local auction.
It was a mixed bag, but included a few good items like the 2 EARS badges but also this EA Medical Corps badge with local manufacturer's mark . This is also cast brass. There was also a Kenya Regiment cap badge with the same manufacturer markings. Sometimes we make the mistake of assuming that, because it is not die struck, it can't be real. Clearly not so, especially in the faraway colonies.
Thanks for all the input.
Regards
Mike

Milmed · #8 21-10-12, 03:27 PM

Hi,
Thought I would add to this thread by posting a picture of the EARC badge been worn.

Steven

Brian Conyngham · #9 09-11-12, 06:03 PM

Mike

I do believe this same manufacturer in Kenya was responsible for many of the SA and other allied cast badges produced in this theatre, during WW2. Our mutual friend Mark S in JHB had a chat with Sam Foote awhile back who mentioned this in passing.

Brian