Light Dragoons Cloth Flash?

[Spitace41]

Hi all. I have just got this flash with some other items. I can only find reference to such insignia being used by the Light Dragoons. My question is however, that this badge seems like it could be older than 1992 when the LD were formed. It is of two part construction. I am wondering if such a flash was used earlier than 1992 or whether this is indeed a more modern patch? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[Mike Jackson]

Known within the Regiment, I believe, as the "Balaclava flash" it was certainly worn Jun 44 in Normandy by 13/18 Hussars, and probably earlier in the BEF. Mike
13.18 H Normandy.02.jpg

[Postwarden]

An example on battle dress from the 1950s in BAOR.

Jon

[Mike H]

Originally it was a 13th /18th Hussars flash, which then was carried on by the Light Dragoons.
The white tabs on the collar of the No1 dress were another item passed onto the LD from the 13th/18th.

[Mike H]

If I remember correctly,the flash was introduced to distinguish them from the 4th/7th RDG and the Staffs Yeomanry. Who took on there own flashes.

[Spitace41]

That's great guys, thanks for all the info. I'm sure these are difficult to date but this could be a WW2 era patch then? Also, it appears I got it the wrong way around.

[Mike Jackson]

Given that this flash - two pieces of felt - was worn for say 5 years in the Second World war and for say ten times that length of time in peacetime post-War, the chances are that it's a post-War item. I have two examples, both identical to yours, in my collection and both are 1960s vintage. Mike

[Postwarden]

A common problem with cloth badges that were worn for a long period.

Once removed from their original uniform it's often pure guess work to date them unless manufactured in a style that can be dated to a certain period or the badge was only worn between certain dates.

Jon

[sketchley kid]

'Our Jack' 13/18th.
I do have his original Sea Horse.