Fifth Infantry Division Formation Signs

[Postwarden]

During the Second World War the 5th Infantry Division appears to have worn the three main types of sign shown.

The first was a white letter Y usually printed on a khaki background. Later when serving in Italy, presumably because the printed signs were unobtainable they wore the Y made out of white tape. At some time after the division moved to North West Europe in March 1945 a third pattern sign was adopted which placed the Y on a black circle. The division remained in Germany until disbanded in 1947.

The 5th Division was revived in BAOR in April 1958 and survived until renamed 1st Division in 1960. Formation signs were still being worn at this date and in his useful Identification Pamphlet No1 - recently republished by the Military Heraldry Society - Major John Waring lists a silk embroidered version of the late war pattern sign with the Y on a black circle. This was presumably the sign worn between 1958 and 1960.

I have been unable to locate an example of the silk embroidered version for use in my forthcoming cloth badge book. Can any members help out with a scan of an example please?

Jon

[Mike Jackson]

Jon,
Herewith - a bit trimmed (before it came my way). I also have two unusual EoF white on khaki variants (H x W) 29 x 34 (very small) and 64 x 52.
Mike
5 Inf Div SkE.jpg

[Mike Jackson]

Just in case they are required. Mike
5 Inf Div - Various.jpg