Womens’ Auxiliary Service Burma Collar Badges - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Scottish Borderers · #1 11-12-23, 04:41 PM

All,

Whilst carrying out some research I came across a photo (I have Cropped the face) of a Major in the Womens’ Auxiliary Service (Burma) (WAS(B)).

The WAS(B) were formed in 1942 and were responsible for mobile and static canteens providing a valuable service for the fighting soldiers. In my unidentified box I have a bronze pair of what I believe are collar badges to this small unit.

Whilst reading "Front Line and Fortitude" which is the memoirs of a WAS(B) I noticed a small Chinese style dragon which resembles the said badges.

I believe I have now solved the conundrum and have what i believe to be a very scarce pair of WAS(B) collar badges.

Thoughts?

Alex Rice · #2 12-12-23, 06:33 AM

Nice find, you live and learn! Well done.

3dg · #3 12-12-23, 07:24 AM

Every day is a school day!
What an interesting and fascinating find, good work.

Chris

mike_vee · #4 12-12-23, 08:14 AM

IWM has a Women's Auxiliary Service (Burma) khaki battledress blouse.

Quote:

On each lapel, in dark bronze metal, a representation of the Chinthe.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30093150

Edit : IWM also has a short film of "WOMEN OF THE WOMEN'S AUXILIARY SERVICE (BURMA) AT SHILLONG" which shows collars being worn.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ect/1060030359

.

Scottish Borderers · #5 12-12-23, 01:41 PM

All,

Thanks, now happy to know the identity and is probably scarce as the WAS(B) was not a large unit.

Gerry

sapper533 · #6 12-12-23, 02:12 PM

Cap and collar badges are the same size, but collars have pins and cap badge has a crude cast slider

Scottish Borderers · #7 12-12-23, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapper533

Cap and collar badges are the same size, but collars have pins and cap badge has a crude cast slider

Yep,

Both collars have pin fittings so all matches.

Thanks
Gerry

Home Guard · #8 12-12-23, 04:52 PM

You really can teach an old dog new tricks!!! I was not even aware of this organization so I have happily learned something new today for sure! Looks like they are a NAAFI type organization.

Loved the video about them and was wondering what the cap badge was, as I was not able to really tell in the one I saw in the video.

Gentlemen thank you for the enlightenment, and SB, a very nice find!!! I will put them in my list of things to look for, but from what I am reading, and also what I too feel, with slim chance of finding anything. But, "Never say never"!!!

Terry

sapper533 · #9 14-12-23, 02:27 PM

Just out of interest