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#1
13-12-11, 07:38 PM
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The Shoulder Title that was a battle award!
Up until June 1944, the troops of the composite regiment of the Imperial Light Horse and the Kimberley Regiment of the 6th S.A. Armoured Division fighting in the WW2 Italian Campaign, had worn their own separate unit insignia.
However at an impressive battalion parade on the 9th July 1944 the OC Colonel Reeves-Moore paid tribute to the dead and wounded and thanked his men for their great efforts to date. The greatly prized honour of the issue of the I.L.H.* K.R. shoulder title was announced at this parade, as a battle award to troops who served in the forward areas, and threatened dire consequences for those who did not jealously safeguard the privilege. His speech went as follows: I am anxious that the following conditions and reservations in regard to the wearing of the I.L.H.*K.R. shoulder titles shall be strictly and rigidly observed and enforced and I rely on every officer, NCO and man of the Regiment to count it his duty to ensure that the privilege and honour of wearing these is in no way abused or misconstrued. 1. The title shall be issued for wearing to every man who serves with the Battalion in Forward ops and will remain in his possession. 2. SACS, SAMC and TSC personnel serving with the Battalion forward, shall be entitled to wear them. 3. Reserves, who have NOT served forward with the Battalion, will not be entitled to wear them. This badge was locally produced and appears to bronze and been done in the “sandcast” method. It is only found in this material. Was this issue a unique award, in the annals of Commonwealth forces fighting in WW2? Sources: Page 146 “Light Horse Cavalcade 1899-1961” by Harry Klein Pages 38 and 39 “Come back to Portofino” by James Bourhill. Last edited by Brian Conyngham; 14-12-11 at 04:19 AM. 
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#3
14-12-11, 02:58 AM
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Hi Brian,
last weekend was hectic and I never got any reading done so you're ahead of me. I've seen the badge in Owen's and wondered how it came about. Interesting that it's theatre made, but then given the circumstances it would have to be. regards, Iain
__________________
C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre
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#5
21-12-11, 06:31 AM
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A very interesting post Brian. I really appreciate that there are always little surprises like this that seem to pop up every now and again!
Jimmy
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#6
24-02-13, 10:57 AM
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Hi all,
I found a little antique shop in Kaapsche Hoop near Nelspruit and lo.... there was an ILH/KR shoulder title in nice condition; how pleased was I? regards, Iain
__________________
C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre
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#8
25-02-13, 11:24 AM
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Quote:
Tinto My Yeomanry has a similar story, T/Y/Leicester shoulder titles were handed back in post May 1915 (Battle of Frezenberg, Ypres, WW1) and the Regiment were allowed to wear L/Y/C (Leicestershire Yeomanry Cavalry) in separate brass letters. Its my belief that this was a "small" honour given to the 1st/1st Leics. PAO Yeo. for their action. (Thats also why the T/Y/Leicester shoulder title is so 'kin rare!)
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Cofion gorau Gruffydd M-J www.paoyeomanry.org.uk "A Yeoman from the Stalwart Rural Cavalry" Lechyd da pob Cymro 
Last edited by GriffMJ; 25-02-13 at 11:37 AM.
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#10
25-02-13, 05:16 PM
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Quote:
__________________
Cofion gorau Gruffydd M-J www.paoyeomanry.org.uk "A Yeoman from the Stalwart Rural Cavalry" Lechyd da pob Cymro
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#11
27-02-13, 08:27 AM
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Quote:
Well done, yes these are rare beauties, congrats! Brian
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#14
25-03-13, 05:47 PM
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Iain
Go for it and get a pair  I wonder what it will go for? Brian
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