divisional Patches and rank slides

[billy]

Hi have picked these up from a local Auction "Got a bit carried away" also was bid against hoping against that! but I look forward to hearing what they are? the divisional patches a pair with poppers attached, and there is an 8th Army bar and snippet of ribbon, 6 x Royal Signal shoulder titles and 6 x blue/white oblongs, a few metal badges and rank slides 3 x Pairs various, would be nice to have known who,s they were? anyway thanks in advance (someone message me as to what they may be worth & put me out of my misery please?)

[Mike Jackson]

The two shields are British Second Army (North West Europe 1944-45). The other signs are HQ Allied Land Forces South East Asia c 1945 (same sign later worn by HQ Far East Land Forces). The small blue/white strips are known as Arm of Service strips - these are the Royal Signals variant.
Mike

[billy]

Here are closer photos of the metal-badges which I only know the Army ordanance Collar Officers by the look of Dont know the otheers so thanks for the help in advance cheers billy

[Chacal]

Hi Billy

I'd suggest the RAOC is a sweetheart brooch rather than an officer's collar badge. And "NUS" - "National Union of Seamen"?

Graham

[paj1]

The 8th Army Bar goes on the medal ribbon of the Africa Star

[fougasse1940]

The RAOC might be a rare officers coloured FSC badge.

Rgds, Thomas.

[billy]

Thomas I think I need to take better photos of this so this can be identified as such? as a sweet-heart it is made a lot differently to those I normally see! so what you state is intriguing? material is in appearance gold though do doubt actuality most probably good gilding? I dont know photos will help i think but look forward to more info on this! "a Gem?" hope so!! cheers billy

[badjez]

Billy,

The believe the RAOC badge is an officer's collar dog that has had a brooch pin added later. Difficult to tell from the photo but does the solder from where the pin has been fitted spill onto the reverse of the red enamel, and is there evidence of where the two lugs have been removed?

It might have been something converted into a sweetheart; something worn by an old comrade, or for a coloured FS cap. I would tend not to think the latter as those that I have seen have the original lugs and split-pin. A nice badge whatever its use.

Stephen.

[billy]

Thomas here are better photos which I hope will help clarify the badge, which on further inspection is not a collar converted to a sweetheart as manufacture does not conform to this theroy but as made! no remains of cut down lugs fasteners are fresh the finish is lovely "twinkles" when twisted in natural light, red Enamel could do with a clean but otherwise badge is as made and not re-made from something else "just rubbing with my thumb across surface and shines up brilliantly! could this be Gold? or am I being stupid? it is early o,clock after all?" look forward to hearing your thoughts cheers billy

O/K have been asked to supply Dimensions and have cleaned badge since and enamel come up gleaming as has badge (Soapy Water and canned air!):-

Height = 32.93 mm,
Width = 26.57 mm,
Thickness scroll bottom = 1.2 mm,
Thickness garter 1.53 mm,
Garter + rear enamelled plate = 2.91 mm,
Crown 0.80 mm, Rear fastening Outside Dimensions = 22.38 mm,
Inside dimensions = 16.21 mm,

Hope this helps looks nice after a soapy bath cheers billy

[fougasse1940]

Billy I'm fairly certain that what you have is an officers field cervice cap badge.
There is an article in Crown Imperial 86 from Spring 1997 by John McKenzie on ordnance badges, and it is described as "A smaller version of the above (officers gilt and enamel cap badge), (approx collar badge size), with a solid blue enamelled garter strap, and brooch fitting to the reverse. This is not a modified collar badge. This was for wear on the Field Service Cap."
The accompanying illustrations in Crown Imperial are roughly life sized and your dimensions are the same as the one illustrated.
If you ever plan to part with it do get in touch!

Rgds, Thomas.

[fougasse1940]

I have to profusely thank Billy for donating his RAOC officers field service cap badge to me, just because I managed to identify it he decided it would be better off with me. I've been after one for a long time, and truly appreciate his selfless act of generosity. Billy you are a shining example of all the good that this forum can be!!!

Thanks again, I owe you big time.

Thomas.