2nd AIRLANDING ANTI-TANK ARTILLERY:QUESTION

[HamandJam]

Hi I am new to the forum and I hace a question on the ww2 airborne artillery units.

I have 2 rare shoulder titles one ANTI-TANK ARTILLERY and one RA ANTI-TANK

I believe that both were worn by the 2n Air-Landing Anti-tank battery of the 1st airborne division.

Can any one tell me explain the difference are they from a different time period or otherwise?

Thanks
Jean-Baptiste

[54Bty]

Very good question, I have yet to find ANY proof that these were worn by anyone during WWII or post.

[HamandJam]

Hi

On page 147 of Peter Taylors book you see a picture of a solidier wearing the anti-tank artillery S/T with pegasus and airborne strip

I believe these were anyhow unofficial titles.

Regards

Jean-Baptiste

[erracht]

Afraid that (in my humble opinion) the second title (RA ANTI-TANK) is a fake - I've got two of them floating around here somewhere. The first one (ANTI-TANK ARTILLERY) looks better though.

An interesting note here: 223 Bty (from 56 (King's Own) Anti-Tank Regt) wore the title ANTI-TANK BATTERY while with 1st A/B Div 1941-42. Maybe set a precendent for 2nd A/L Regt to follow?

Dean

[tynesideirish]

According to the best known 'RA expert' Norman Litchfield ,[Not often wrong] these two RA titles (amongst others) were worn by various RA-AT units not just the Airborne one mentioned. The sad truth is most Airborne forces collections contain these titles that never saw an Airborne BD! They were totally unofficial originating from units serving in India, so you wont find any mention in RA Dress regulations.

The picture mentioned stood beside the Rough Rider* has the AIRBORNE strip under the pegasus. [*Joining 1st ABN July 42 as No.1 AL LAA Bty RA (C of L Yeo) (TA)] This dates that pic from July 42 - May 44 when AIRBORNE flash was removed for the invasion of Europe.
Doubtful that the RA-AT title lasted post invasion.

[HamandJam]

Hi

I my view the RA ANTI-TANK is also genuine, it came from Bosleys, ok this an authority argument but still. Further when you have the badge in your hands you just see and feel it is not fake. There are indeed many fakes of this one around (e.g. on Ebay). It is also not a Pakistani copy which normally have the thick clotted threads.

Thanks for all the info, the fascinating thing of badge collecting is also the research and so little is known and written about them.

Cheers

Jean-Baptiste

and also in my view the RA ANTI-TANK is also genuine nice title


peter