11th (Service) Battalion Suffolk Regiment - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

mjw · #1 14-01-17, 09:07 AM

Hello All.

I would like to ask for Forum for help with a question related to the 11th (Service) Battalion Suffolk Regiment and its insignia.

I would like to clarify what cap badge and shoulder titles men of this battalion would have worn on the 1st July 1916. I had assumed that they used the three tower cap badge and plain titles 'SUFFOLK'?

However, recently I have seen a book illustration and display mannequin that both attribute them with wearing the 'CAMBS/SUFFOLK' title.

Can anyone confirm the above?

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Sonofacqms · #2 14-01-17, 09:36 AM

The Cambs/Suffolk shoulder title was worn by the 11th Btn which was recruited I believe mainly in the Cambridge area, there was a long standing connection between the two counties going back to the pre 1908 Volunteer days.

I would think they wore this on the first day of the Somme.

Rob

mjw · #3 14-01-17, 09:55 AM

Hello Rob.

Thank you for the helpful reply.

I have read the 'Pals' thread on the Fourm, but am still confused.

Does anyone know of any photos from the period with men of the 11th Suffolks wearing the CAMBS/SUFFOLK titles?

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Sonofacqms · #4 14-01-17, 10:30 AM

Malcolm,

One of the 11th Btn won a VC, maybe a photo of him wearing the title exists.

Rob

mjw · #5 14-01-17, 10:41 AM

Rob.

Good point. I will give it a try.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

engr9266 · #6 14-01-17, 11:04 AM

taken from http://www.villagevoices.org.uk/Worl...20Regiment.htm
Here is a picture of No 15092 Cpl Sidney James Day, 11th (Service) Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery, on 26 August
1917. 'Cpl Day successfully commanded a bombing section detailed to clear enemy trenches, killing two and taking four prisoners. Where
the trench was levelled, he went on alone to contact flanking troops. On his return, a stick-bomb fell into the trench where there were five
wounded. He seized the bomb and threw it out, where it exploded harmlessly, saving the lives of the wounded. He completed the clearing of
the trench and remained in an advanced position for sixty-four hours under constant fire. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all'.

wardog · #7 14-01-17, 04:33 PM

Another image. Regards, Paul.
cpl-sidney-james-day-bw-pic.jpg

mjw · #8 14-01-17, 05:08 PM

Jerry/Paul.

Many thanks for the photos. What do other members think about the shoulder title being worn. Looks like it could be in two parts?

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Hoot · #9 14-01-17, 06:36 PM

I'd go with a straight CAMBS over a curved SUFFOLK by the look of it.

mjw · #10 17-01-17, 12:05 AM

Many thanks for all the replies.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

Truebrit · #11 24-01-19, 04:58 PM

My Great Grandfather served with 11th Btn. I have his medals, cap badge and titles. This title was certainly worn by the 11th Btn.

Hope this helps?

mjw · #12 25-01-19, 12:59 AM

TB.

Many thanks for posting this. Very interesting.

Kind regards, Malcolm.

High Wood · #13 25-01-19, 09:33 AM

Westlake has the Cambs Suffolk S/T being worn by the Cambs & Suffolk (Reserve) Btn. Raised in 1915 as the 3/4th Btn Suffolk Regiment, renumbered 2/4th 1916 and re-designated 4th (Reserve) Btn in the same year.

fairlie63 · #14 25-01-19, 08:30 PM

The Badges of Kitchener's Army by Dave Bilton, p97, has a photo of a member of 11 (S) Bn Suffolk Regt wearing the title CAMB/SUFFOLK.

Keith