Translator badge : egyptian head ww1.

[NORMANDIE18]

Here is mine, found in France. Slightly different from the others.
Normandie18

[manchesters]

Thanks Luke,

I feel the concencus is that this is not a British badge.

regards

[CAM]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Thanks Luke,

I feel the concencus is that this is not a British badge.

regards

Although I cannot say categorically, I think it was worn by British Army.

Chris

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by CAM

Although I cannot say categorically, I think it was worn by British Army.

Chris

Chris,

Although I cant say categorically, I dont think it was worn by the British Army.

So which of us is right?

Its statements like that which really need proof otherwise they are pointless.

The point is that some documentary or photographic evidence is the only way to settle it.


regards

[fairlie63]

I believe that Simon has a valid point and is more than likely correct.

1. The war establishments of formation headquarters and units show that they were to have one or more interpreters depending on unit. These were to be provided by the French authorities after disembarkation.

2. This was the British Army. A high proportion of its Regular officers spoke French or German and could converse for such arrangements as billeting, provisioning etc. If necessary if they were not linguists, and the unit interpreter was not available, they could be accompanied by a British other rank who could speak French (or other language) but there was no need to distinguish him (the British OR) because he would not be making arrangements personally.

3. It was British soldiers who needed to know who was the interpreter (for security as well as conversation), not vice versa, hence the indigenous man needed to wear the badge so the visitors knew who to speak to.

Regards, Keith

[CAM]

I take the point.

Thanks Simon and Keith