49th (West Riding) Division 'Polar Bears'

[Across The Fields]

I'm particularly fond of Polar Bears on account of my Grandfather having served in the Division with 1st Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment from Normandy to Osnabruck. He was in the Carrier Platoon of Support Company.

I thought I'd show my Polar Bears to date.

Martin

[paj1]

Martin
Nice collection of div signs you have.
Did any of them come from your grandfather?
Julian

[Across The Fields]

My Grandfather's Leicester/West Riding insignia is in my Father's possession, proudly framed on the wall along with his medals and ID tags.

Martin

[Staffsyeoman]

Lucky you - been after the TT variant for years!

[Mike H]

I served in 49 bde when it was part of 2Div in the 80's. The polar bear was still the emblem. A motor company Polar motors had a very similar emblem that they used ,if i recall the bear was the other way round . We regularly swiped their car stickers.

[Across The Fields]

That was the first 'TT' version I'd seen so I was lucky (and determined) to get it!

Martin

[lettman]

Originally Posted by Staffsyeoman

Lucky you - been after the TT variant for years!

Please enlighten me: why and when was the 'TT' worn on the polar bear sign?

[Across The Fields]

Originally Posted by lettman

Please enlighten me: why and when was the 'TT' worn on the polar bear sign?

On 30th November 1944, 74th Field Regiment transferred to 49th (West Riding) Division from 50th (Northumbrian) Division; the latter re-designated as a Training Unit in England. The 'TT' is kept as a mark of the Regiment's parentage.

Regards

Martin