Birth of a formation sign: the Red Eagle of the 4th Indian Division

[loupie1961]

Posted on the Indian badges thread, but I think it could be of some interest here, too, since it is about how a unit flash came into being. What you will find attached is an interesting and somewhat humorous account of the origin of the 4th Indian Division Red Eagle formation sign, from the its very beginning. It looks like the change in design was prompted by General Tuker, who took over the Division in early 1942 and found that the original sign was reminding of a "gull in galoshes" rather than of a predatory bird. These interesting informations are contained in Fourth Indian Reflections. Memoirs of a Great Company by Brigadier Denis Blomfield-Smith, who during the war served in the 4th Indian Brigade as a Royal Artillery Officer. Enjoy!

[badjez]

Sorry, cancel prior message as I've now found the document.

Stephen.