Large badge collection, help with identification needed.

[jeep]

Nina. Fantastic cape! Not knowing the full circumstances, but if money is not an issue, then this cape, in my view, should be in the Museum of Military Medicine in Aldershot where it can be viewed and enjoyed by everyone. Whatever you decide, and as already stated, DO NOT break it up, and if it is to be sold make sure you use a reputable auctioneer.

[seanhath]

I sincerely hope the cape and this remarkable collection will remain intact, preserving the memories of a brave woman.

[BWEF]

Originally Posted by Alex Rice

I imagine that 'BASUTO' badge and title could be quite scarce, never seen that before. Amazing cape and piece of history!
Cheers,
Alex

There is also a "Bechuanaland" title.

Pioneers from Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland were in the Italian campaign.

They did a lot of the heavy work repairing bridges and roads. Also, I believe that at least one company worked the smoke generators hiding allied movements from the Germans.

[BWEF]

I forgot to attach this.

Pioneers from Bechuanaland repair railway bridge across the Sangro river.

[blackpowder44]

Originally Posted by jeep

Nina. Fantastic cape! Not knowing the full circumstances, but if money is not an issue, then this cape, in my view, should be in the Museum of Military Medicine in Aldershot where it can be viewed and enjoyed by everyone. Whatever you decide, and as already stated, DO NOT break it up, and if it is to be sold make sure you use a reputable auctioneer.

if you do sell through an auction house be sure to ask them what the total fees will be, i.e. sellers premium, pictures in catalogue, printing etc. These figures can add up to at least 30 to 45 % of the sale price, I have had this happen to me in the past, John.

[JON188]

Truly amazing piece of history. SAS pieces look great. But so many great and interesting bits on there.
Nice to know it's staying with the family.
Regards
Jon

[Sonofacqms]

A very interesting photo, some of the "Bridge repairers" seem to be in civilian clothes, probably local Italian engineers.

Rob

[grenadierguardsman]

Originally Posted by ninajonez

Again many thanks for all your input. I can assure you that the cape will not be sold. It’s a cherished piece of our families history and will be handed down through the generations. But we are keen for it to now be insured and also create a record of all the badges. So your help in this matter is wonderful and we are so glad we came across the forum. I am going to take some higher quality close up photos today.

I am glad to see that you are going to pass it down to your family members. You can of course "loan" it to a museum if you wanted too.
Regards
Andy

[BWEF]

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

A very interesting photo, some of the "Bridge repairers" seem to be in civilian clothes, probably local Italian engineers.

Rob

Yes they are Italians.

I don't know about engineers. Probably just local civilians working as day labourers and trying to feed their families.

There were also a lot of Italian civilians working in the area around Cassino. Repairing roads, burying the dead and helping move supplies in the mountains, often using mules.

[ninajonez]

Hello again everyone! On behalf of all the family we want to say a big thank you for all your input so far. I have spent all day numbering every single badge and we have 290! I have then taken pictures of what I hope is all of them. We are now going to build a spreadsheet with as much information as possible on each badge, which is a huge task but we would love your help. See it as a fun Christmas holiday quiz We have done some digging ourselves but your collective expertise will be invaluable. Thank you once again. Nina and family.

[ninajonez]

Last few pictures.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by ninajonez

Hello again everyone! On behalf of all the family we want to say a big thank you for all your input so far. I have spent all day numbering every single badge and we have 290! I have then taken pictures of what I hope is all of them. We are now going to build a spreadsheet with as much information as possible on each badge, which is a huge task but we would love your help. See it as a fun Christmas holiday quiz We have done some digging ourselves but your collective expertise will be invaluable. Thank you once again. Nina and family.

]

Nina,
Would you agree to these first 15 images being numbered from 1 - 15, starting at the left end of top row and finishing at the right end of the bottom row. That way we _on the Forum) could divide them up between us and then share and let you have our identifications. If you agree. I'll take on image 10 for starters! Mike

[manchesters]

I am afraid I cannot read the numbers on the little pieces of paper on my screen. Sorry

regards

[ninajonez]

Me again! For some reason the images uploaded here have been compressed so here is a link to a Flickr album. The first set actually starts at the bottom of the album and yes feel free to take a section each. Let me know if I can offer anymore help.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/141553661@N02/nr189v

[Hoot]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

I would add that in my opinion about 50% of the signs on this outstanding cloak relate to the Campaign in Italy 1943-45. My detailed analysis will follow but some of the very best items (in my opinion) include two (two!) ultra-rare titles LOVAT SCOUTS, a 1st SAS title and SAS wings, the Armoured Delivery Group, an RAMC 1 Inf Div sign and, near the hem in the 6 o'clock position in the first image a very unusual NZ flash - which I can't identify. Mike

Mike, the NZ flash represents the Council of Organizations for Relief Service Overseas (CORSO). The first contingent to serve overseas arrived in Greece in December 1945 and worked alongside UNRRA personnel. A very nice item.