Odds and sods!

[Postwarden]

Your red, white and blue badge with the cross of Loraiine is the first pattern official badge of the Amis des Voluntaires Francais (Association of Friends of the French Volunteers), an organisation established in Britain in 1940 to support the Free French volunteers based here.

Their activities ranged from establishing rest and leave centres to arranging the manufacture of French cigarettes in Britain. Most of their supporters were British and they wore the badge to indicate membership. On the accompanying scan it appears on a display card designed to attract members.

Jon

[AndyD]

Many thanks Jon.

[AndyD]

Jon,

Do you know who used the tan patch with the service chevrons please?

Regards,
Andy

[Postwarden]

The red chevrons on khaki were army issue service chevrons. Introduced in February 1944 each chevron marks one year of wartime service. They were worn on the lower right arm by the army, ATS and Home Guard.

The blue ones in the photo are the same thing for Civil Defence.

They were preprinted in sets and not cut from a roll as was often the case with other badges.

Jon

[AndyD]

Many thanks Jon!