BEF Formation Patches

[Bill A]

Some assistance please with the wearing of formation patches in the BEF during the First World War. Could someone outline the policy and evolution of the policy as to the placement of the patches? My limited understanding of the location of the formation patch was the back of the tunic, between the shoulder blades. However this changed, at least in some formations, to the upper sleeve, but was the change official? Or, simply a practice?

[lettman]

Bill,
I may be wrong, but I don't think there was a 'policy' regarding the wearing of such patches in WW1 by the British Army. The AIF (and I believe the CEF) had what might be termed universal guidelines, but the BEF seemed to determine the wearing of patches at a more local level, whether at division, brigade or battalion.

[fearnaught]

Hi, my understanding is they started as battle patches, hence being on the back. With a decent telescope the Staff could see how far the troops had advanced even if they were wounded or dead. The patches were based on the Div. signs painted on their supply wagons. Once they were seen to be of use they spread to other units and the rest is history as they say. Mike

[lettman]

The patches placed on the back weren't usually divisional insignia, but geometric designs used for easy recognition. Div signs tended to be worn on the sleeve, and were largely a late-war introduction. Of course, many of the battalion-specific geometric shapes were also worn on the upper sleeve.

[Gurkha]

Hi,
I recommend a book from Naval & military press callled 'divisional and other signs' by V Wheeler-holohan. its a reprint of a publication from 1920 its not a bad little book giving the origins of the signs in WWI taken from observations. I have a copy if you need anything looking up.

regards
Steve