South African Heavy Artillery

[fairlie63]

Hi all,

Is somebody able to provide a photograph of the grenade badge being worn in these two clippings from a newspaper or War Illustrated by the officers and NCOs of the South African Heavy Artillery when they went to fight in Europe.

The NCOs one looks like one of the versions of the Royal Marine Artillery forage cap badge.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/World-Wa...sAAOSwLxpbjvkP

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/World-Wa...oAAOSw6W9bjvgo

Thanks,
Keith

[Milmed]

I have seen these pictures before of the SAHA wearing grenade cap badges. I suspect they are generic artillery grenade badges used as an interim before been issued with the SAHA cap badge (Springbok head with crossed cannons).

I have copies of pictures of the SAHA when they left South Africa for UK, and all personal are wearing the standard SA Expeditionary force Springbok badge in circle with title 'Unity is Strength - Eendrag Maakt Mag'.

They were subsequently issued with the SAHA badge in the UK before departure to the front. I suspect the Grenade badge was an interim badge to identify these guys as artillery.

Sorry, don't have any clearer information.

Steven

[Milmed]

duplicated in error

[fairlie63]

Thanks Steven,
At least I won't have to rush out looking for one then!
Cheers, Keith

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by fairlie63

Hi all,

Is somebody able to provide a photograph of the grenade badge being worn in these two clippings from a newspaper or War Illustrated by the officers and NCOs of the South African Heavy Artillery when they went to fight in Europe.

The NCOs one looks like one of the versions of the Royal Marine Artillery forage cap badge.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/World-Wa...sAAOSwLxpbjvkP

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/World-Wa...oAAOSw6W9bjvgo

Thanks,
Keith

Thanks for posting these links Keith, I have the medal group to Bdr Hurr, he was awarded the DCM, sadly that is missing from group as he never wore it, apparently gave it to his mother, possibly was brooch mounted?

Regards
Brian

[Madziro]

Some photos of the SAHA for interest. They all wear the standard grenade with Ubique title.

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by Madziro

Some photos of the SAHA for interest. They all wear the standard grenade with Ubique title.

Nice pictures... I have seen a photograph of if I recall correctly an NCO wearing the small collar badges. I have searched and searched for it amongst my pictures, but so far it is alluding me. If I find it will definitely post it here.

I acquired a matching pair from a friend 2 years ago, he got them from a house clearance, they were in a cigarette box with a few other WW1 items.

[Brian Conyngham]

This is a SAHA Tunic at the WW1 Delville Wood museum, note the SAHA small collar badges.

[fairlie63]

Thanks Brian and Madziro.

Are the grenade collar badges not bearing the scroll SOUTH AFRICA for these officers or was that the SAFA who wore those.

Regards, Keith

[Milmed]

Yes the SAHA officers collars displayed 'SOUTH AFRICA' and not the usual 'UBIQUE' according to all pictures I have seen

[fairlie63]

Ta. I don't suppose anybody has one of the grenades with South Africa scroll just laying around looking for a new home?

[Milmed]

Too many homes already looking for these, so you may need to get into the queue

[fairlie63]