25th Army Tank Brigade Epaulettes, 11st RTR

[loupie1961]

I have hade these epaulettes in my collection for a quite long time. They sport the 25th Army Tank Brigade black diabolo wit the correct metal Canadian Maple leaves and the white over black ribbon strips of the 11st Royal Tank Regiment. Since during the war it was the 51st RTR that served with the Brigade, I guess these epaulettes are postwar, but what years? Thank you in advance for your help, gents!

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by loupie1961

I have hade these epaulettes in my collection for a quite long time. They sport the 25th Army Tank Brigade black diabolo wit the correct metal Canadian Maple leaves and the white over black ribbon strips of the 11st Royal Tank Regiment. Since during the war it was the 51st RTR that served with the Brigade, I guess these epaulettes are postwar, but what years? Thank you in advance for your help, gents!

Given that 11 RTR served in 25 Army Tk Bde from Dec 40 - Apr 41 and again from Apr - Jun 42, could these have been worn in NA or Italy by someone who remained with the Brigade (Bde HQ perhaps) when his regiment left? In theory if he was detached from his regiment he should have taken down the 11 RTR strips - but that's only the theory. Mike

[loupie1961]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Given that 11 RTR served in 25 Army Tk Bde from Dec 40 - Apr 41 and again from Apr - Jun 42, could these have been worn in NA or Italy by someone who remained with the Brigade (Bde HQ perhaps) when his regiment left? In theory if he was detached from his regiment he should have taken down the 11 RTR strips - but that's only the theory. Mike

Always knowledgeable and helpful, Mike! so it's time for my next enquiry!

[Old Smelly]

Hi Loupie
Is it definitely white? I had a similar patch that looked white but when I looked under the edges I could see it was originally green, it was just washed out
Lee

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by Old Smelly

Hi Loupie
Is it definitely white? I had a similar patch that looked white but when I looked under the edges I could see it was originally green, it was just washed out
Lee

So 51 RTR? Mike

[fearnaught]

Hi, the 51st that I have which has faded, has faded to yellow. It seems to be a problem with locally produced items. I have other insignia where the green has turned to yellow but none to white. Don't know if this helps, Mike

[loupie1961]

Originally Posted by Old Smelly

Hi Loupie
Is it definitely white? I had a similar patch that looked white but when I looked under the edges I could see it was originally green, it was just washed out
Lee

Unquestionably white, I'd say, Lee, but I have never tried to see what the colour underneath...

[Mike Jackson]

I assume that this was worn by a member of 11 RTR who for some reason found himself in 13 Inf Div in Greece. This short-lived formation was formed in Oct 45 and disbanded in Oct 46.
11 RTR.01.jpg 11 RTR.02.jpg

[fearnaught]

Hi Mike, interesting. 11th was disbanded in '45, could another unit have those colours. At the time of disbanding they were in Buffaloes with 79th Div. Mike

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by fearnaught

Hi Mike, interesting. 11th was disbanded in '45, could another unit have those colours. At the time of disbanding they were in Buffaloes with 79th Div. Mike

It's strange. I cannot find another unit in the 13 Inf Div Orbat that would logically have worn a black and white flash. Perhaps it was worn by the same lost soul who was wearing the 25 Army Tk Bde sign? Mike