Drop Zone Flash opinions

[Colin S]

Originally Posted by Farang

Colin,

Over the years the colour of 9 Sqn DZ's has varied from pale blue to dark blue through to a paler dark blue. The size has also varied from 2 inch square to almost 3 inch. Before the advent of merrowed edge supplies it was very much was based on what was to hand and who was doing the stitching.

In the early 1970's I used to RV with Major Tom Duffy during Airborne Forces day as he used to keep me topped up with any DZ's he come across. One year had not turned up anything so he decided to take me on a tour of unit QM's. He had been QM 3 Para so could grace these hallowed grounds. At 9 Sqn it was requested that I could be supplied with an example of the current DZ. In response the SQMS threw me a pair of scissors and the remnants of a pair of issue PT shorts and I was invited to cut them myself, though not quite that politely!

So the sample shown might be 9 Sqn (on point) or 2 Para (square) but has not been sewn around to make a neat unfrayed edge. It has the potential to be turned into a DZ for use but is not yet there.

Best regards,
Andy

Thanks for the information, Andy

I knew 9 Sqn’s early DZs were light blue - either intentionally or because they ‘washed out’ easily but the ones I saw being worn in the 1980s and 1990s were invariably a darker blue than 2 PARA, but, as lots of people have pointed out, it all depended on what was in the stores at the time. That’s why it is so difficult to authenticate DZ flashes because there are no hard and fast rules to apply before the later issued merrowed edge type came into use. Makes the hobby more interesting and difficult at the same time,��

[Phill Lockett]

Thanks for the additional info Andy.

And agree Colin it is hard to authenticate an early type DZ design as they were locally customized from bolts of fabric to cut out PT shorts.

As a point I came across this very thin wool square flash. It was listed as a NZ WWII flash.

The Flash is 6.5cm x 6.5cm and my thoughts were 1 Para but I asked the question first to one of NZ's well known Flash collector who said,due to the size it is a short time issued ,1939-sept 1940, 2 NZEF basic Infantry Flash, where the units actual design in Khaki was then put upon the Flash.

These were then discontinued and smaller designs were then issued with a NZ title.

I was surprised and happy at the same time as I have a small NZ WWII flash collection.

Phill

[Harry Katyn]

Here's my 2 Para DZ from '81 for comparison. Looks like a similar weave but has been folded over and sewn to a Para Smock.

[bess55]

For interests sake my fabric 2 PARA and 2 variations on fabric 7RHA or 4FD Regt DZ's.

[Phill Lockett]

Thanks Harry

Nice used example

Bess like the notation and set of DZ and Wings

Hope to see more 60's= 70'-90'? DZ patches.


Phill

[ianh67military]

Somewhere there is an instruction on precisely what colour (Pantone) DZ flashes must be. I only know this having never seen it, but knowing the author quite well. Apparently finding the colour ‘maroon’ on a Pantone chart is not that easy.
Has anybody else seen it/got a copy?

Ian H