Unknown Badge Identification - 26th Hussars

[Marcus H]

Would someone please be kind enough to provide me with some assistance regarding these two unknown badges.

The selected images are taken from a group photograph of HQ Sqn, 26th Hussars, India, 1943.

I suspect one is possibly a Line of Communications badge, as to what exactly the NCO is wearing directly above his rank chevrons/arm badge, I really don’t know?

Best,

Marcus

[leigh kitchen]

They look like the "Fist and Flashes" badge of Fire Control, Wireless Operators etc as worn by R Signals and infantry.

Possibly the circle and flashes of RAOC Wireless Mechanics etc.

But worn by cavalrymen.

[grey_green_acorn]

One of these? Bottom row.

Tim

[leigh kitchen]

That's what I'm thinking of although the sergeants badge appears to have a circle around a darker central device, probably just the fist on its own though?

[3748 Hussar]

Marcus,

looks like QOH shoulder titles and a stag arm badge = Possibly Queens Own Highlanders

3748 Hussar

Originally Posted by Marcus H

Would someone please be kind enough to provide me with some assistance regarding these two unknown badges.

The selected images are taken from a group photograph of HQ Sqn, 26th Hussars, India, 1943.

I suspect one is possibly a Line of Communications badge, as to what exactly the NCO is wearing directly above his rank chevrons/arm badge, I really don’t know?

Best,

Marcus

[mike_vee]

Found another photo of RHQ Troop 26th Hussars India 1943 but unfortunately no one in the photo appears to have the badge.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...imental_HQ.jpg

[Postwarden]

The formation sign shown is that of 21st Indian Division which Colonel Cole states "was temporarily given to the HQ of 44th Armoured Division when the formation ceased to operate in an armoured role". It was later worn by the Indian 268th Lorried Infantry Brigade

The "brown fist and flashes" trade badge was introduced in 1944 for Driver Operators and Gunner Operators, both RAC trades - but there is evidence it was worn unofficially before then as the photo appears to show.

Jon

[Marcus H]

Originally Posted by mike_vee

Found another photo of RHQ Troop 26th Hussars India 1943 but unfortunately no one in the photo appears to have the badge.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...imental_HQ.jpg

Ah right, the previous owner must have posted that online. Yes, that’s of the RHQ Troop only. That particular photograph and several others in my possession formerly belonged to Brig. J. B. Norton - there are some great all ranks 26H insignia and uniform depictions amongst them.

This one shows a Trumpet Major - taken from same photo cited in the first post.

[Marcus H]

Thank you everyone for your contributions, you’ve all been most helpful.

If I may, just to clarify with regard to the first pic (badge outlined with a yellow square), do you reckon that’s potentially an RAC trade badge, too?


@ Jon,

I was fortunate to recently obtain another 26H selection of badges to an OR with these uncut 21st Indian Div badges.

Best,

Marcus

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

They look like the "Fist and Flashes" badge of Fire Control, Wireless Operators etc as worn by R Signals and infantry.

Possibly the circle and flashes of RAOC Wireless Mechanics etc.

But worn by cavalrymen.

Re. the two badges outlined in yellow.

Also, Postwardens comments in Post no. 7:

"The "brown fist and flashes" trade badge was introduced in 1944 for Driver Operators and Gunner Operators, both RAC trades - but there is evidence it was worn unofficially before then as the photo appears to show."

[Marcus H]

Thanks for the confirmation, Leigh.