Force 281 flash

[loupie1961]

a recent purchase: a flash to the Force 281 /Dodecanese District. This is what I have been able to find on the IWM webpages (http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/it...ect/30071929): the badge's design derives from that of the Mountain Warfare Training School, which had a mountain goat as an embelm and from which the staff of Force 281 was mainly drawn. Because the area of operations of Force 281 comprised largely sea the water motif was added. Force 281 was formed on 8 September 1944 and occupied Syme on 25 December 1944. From here the Force undertook the occupation of several islands and conducted a number of raids. After the capitulation of the German garrison in May 1945 the Force moved to Rhodes, at which time it took the title of Dodecanese District. As a District, it undertook internal security duties and civilian relief. The badge is also said to exist with a white ground.
Does anybody has any other info on this - I guess - rather small force? What 281 stands for, e.g.? Thank you in advance and all the best!

[Mike Jackson]

An excellent and genuine example - every one I have seen is rather scruffy around the edges. I don't think the number 291 has any significance - such numbers were allocated sequentially but at random by Planning Staff in major HQ. For example, Force 266 was a redesignation of Force 133 (Operations in Albania) and Force 292 was a force (mostly 17 and 21 Indian Inf Bdes) that would have been employed on proposed operations in Rhodes and the Dodecanese.
I found further information on Force 281 and operations in the Dodecanese simply by searching the www, but I have never found an order of battle of Force 281.
Some excellent material here including excellent images I have never seen before today.
http://www.johnhearfield.com/Bob/Dod.../Surrender.htm
Mike

[ORISKANY]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

An excellent and genuine example - every one I have seen is rather scruffy around the edges. I don't think the number 291 has any significance - such numbers were allocated sequentially but at random by Planning Staff in major HQ. For example, Force 266 was a redesignation of Force 133 (Operations in Albania) and Force 292 was a force (mostly 17 and 21 Indian Inf Bdes) that would have been employed on proposed operations in Rhodes and the Dodecanese.
I found further information on Force 281 and operations in the Dodecanese simply by searching the www, but I have never found an order of battle of Force 281.
Some excellent material here including excellent images I have never seen before today.
http://www.johnhearfield.com/Bob/Dod.../Surrender.htm
Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the interesting sight of the John Hearfield web page. I very nice picture of the Matron with the arm badge of Force 281. Nice photo of CMP driving the Comd car. The photos are very good considering 1946 periods.

Regards.
Martin.

[loupie1961]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

An excellent and genuine example - every one I have seen is rather scruffy around the edges. I don't think the number 291 has any significance - such numbers were allocated sequentially but at random by Planning Staff in major HQ. For example, Force 266 was a redesignation of Force 133 (Operations in Albania) and Force 292 was a force (mostly 17 and 21 Indian Inf Bdes) that would have been employed on proposed operations in Rhodes and the Dodecanese.
I found further information on Force 281 and operations in the Dodecanese simply by searching the www, but I have never found an order of battle of Force 281.
Some excellent material here including excellent images I have never seen before today.
http://www.johnhearfield.com/Bob/Dod.../Surrender.htm
Mike

Thank you Mike, very interesting web pages! yesterday I have found on the Wartimes Memories internet project (http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/answer4.html) a post by C. D Collins who actually was the CO of the Force 281 Signals...

[Mike Jackson]

Also - for the SF enthusiasts - are the two officer escorts to Archbishop Damascinos' staff car members of the Greek Sacred Squadron or Dynamis Katadromon (Raiding Forces)? There's certainly a British influence and they are wearing wings on the chests.
Mike