Singapore Command

[High Wood]

I have seen a printed version of this sign but until now I have not seen an embroidered example. Could anyone please tell me if this version is known, when it dates from and up until what date it was worn?

Thank you.

[Old Smelly]

I have one similar that I believe is an original local made example, I think they are 1950s but not sure. There is another recent thread on this patch in the mystery/unknown section
Lee

[High Wood]

Thank you; mine came from a house clearance and was cheap as chips so I think that they are genuine examples.

[kitinsignia]

Hi, what you have there is a Singapore District Formation Sign used sometime after the war. By the way there is no Singapore Command, before the WWII Singapore was under Malaya Command.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by kitinsignia

Hi, what you have there is a Singapore District Formation Sign used sometime after the war. By the way there is no Singapore Command, before the WWII Singapore was under Malaya Command.

Singapore District was formed in Feb 46 and it originally included a small part of the-then Netherlands East Indies (the Riow Peninsular). The District reverted to just Singapore Island (and its small off-shore islands) in Nov 47 when British Forces left the NEI and the Riow Peninsular was handed back to the Dutch authorities. There were numerous variants of the formation sign, many being locally made - such as those at the start of this thread. The sign was in use from the mid-1940s through until the early 1970s.

[Apollinari]

How far down the sleeves were these worn? Were they always worn in a pair?

[grey_green_acorn]

Originally Posted by Apollinari

How far down the sleeves were these worn? Were they always worn in a pair?

Worn on the upper arm. I have both left and right facing examples but in the printed type only right facing.

Tim

[Apollinari]

Ah, many thanks Tim. Approximately how far from the top of the sleeve / epaulette would they sit do you think?

John Cleese in 'Privates on Parade' only wears the one right-facing patch on his right sleeve, but it certainly is the right patch.

[grey_green_acorn]

Originally Posted by Apollinari

Ah, many thanks Tim. Approximately how far from the top of the sleeve / epaulette would they sit do you think?

John Cleese in 'Privates on Parade' only wears the one right-facing patch on his right sleeve, but it certainly is the right patch.

On Jungle Green / Olive Green bush shirt or jacket worn about 2+ inches or 50mm+ below the shoulder seam. If on Battle Dress about the same but worn below a cloth shoulder title.

Some formation badges would be on poppers / press studs if the garment needed regular laundering.

Tim

[Apollinari]

Originally Posted by grey_green_acorn

On Jungle Green / Olive Green bush shirt or jacket worn about 2+ inches or 50mm+ below the shoulder seam. If on Battle Dress about the same but worn below a cloth shoulder title.

Some formation badges would be on poppers / press studs if the garment needed regular laundering.

Tim

Excellent info, thank you Tim, I'm very grateful.

In the India forum I've posted a question about coloured backings on Indian Army rank pips. Have been searching for months to find out about them. I wonder if by any chance your knowledge extends to that?

Best wishes,
Eddie

[grey_green_acorn]

Originally Posted by Apollinari

Excellent info, thank you Tim, I'm very grateful.

In the India forum I've posted a question about coloured backings on Indian Army rank pips. Have been searching for months to find out about them. I wonder if by any chance your knowledge extends to that?

Best wishes,
Eddie

Eddie,
Sorry, I have no specific knowledge on Indian Army coloured rank badge backings. I might assume that they followed the British Army pattern with yellow for cavalry and scarlet for infantry etc.

Tim

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by grey_green_acorn

Worn on the upper arm. I have both left and right facing examples but in the printed type only right facing.

Tim

Left (and right) facing printed versions.

[Hendo]

I have attempted to post some more Singapore Varients but my iPhone will not allow me to upload to the thread - have a look st the images in my photo gallery if you want to see some other variations- bullion etc

[Mike Jackson]

That is a superb gallery. Almost certainly the best collection of myriad variations on signs worn post-WW2 in Malaya, Singapore and Malaysia. And a pair of mint Jungle Warfare School signs - very desirable. I particularly like the tailor-made FARELF signs with subtitles Malaya, Johore Bahru etc. A couple of my examples attached.
FARELF Variations.jpg

[Postwarden]

An example of the sign sewn to battle dress below an arm title.

Jon