Unknown WW1 formation patch

[DougSA]

I would be most grateful if anyone can shed light on what the formation patch might be as worn by the gents in the attached photos...

The patch is being worn on the right arm only.

At first sight it looks like a simple dark coloured circle. However, on closer inspection it seems to have a motif inside the circle (see second photo). The shape of the motif - to my eye - looks like it might be a chicken or fowl of some sort, as see what looks like it could be neck and head, then body or wing, and upstanding tail. Anyway, that is my interpretation.

On the patches worn by the sergeants the motif seems to have lighter colours (see fourth photo).

The gents are Royal Engineers.

Any insights would be most welcome!

[leigh kitchen]

55th Div?

[fairlie63]

Given that they are Royal Engineers and one is wearing the Observer badge, the dark patch may well be the dark blue oval with letters FSC in red that was worn by Field Survey Companies RE.

See Edwards and Langley, pp. 60, 62.

Keith

[leigh kitchen]

.....

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by fairlie63

Given that they are Royal Engineers and one is wearing the Observer badge, the dark patch may well be the dark blue oval with letters FSC in red that was worn by Field Survey Companies RE.

See Edwards and Langley, pp. 60, 62.

Keith

There are a few Royal Artillery officers in the group, which I suppose would make field survey regiment a stronger possibility.

However, the patches look more circular than oval. See further attached... Nevertheless, I am coming to the conclusion that Field Survey Company would be correct.

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

.....

Thank you. Do you by any chance have examples of Observer patch?