Sacred Squadron

[sapper533]

Hi folks

I went to an exhibition this morning mounted by a Greek collector of uniforms in Athens, he had a fabulous collection.

There were a couple of bits to the Sacred Squadron which I thought might interest some of you.

Cheers
Sean

[sapper533]

Sorry about multiple posts

[sapper533]

And another

[Mike B]

Sean
Lovely to see - thanks for posting them ... did you get a detailed image of the cap insignia?
Mike

[sapper533]

Didn't get a picture Mike but it was this one
https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ctureid=111812

[kingsley]

Never heard of the Sacred Squadron before: what was it? The badge pictured is my complete collection of Greek insignia.

[Mike B]

Sean
Many thanks - it is what I anticipated but good to check as there are a few variant patterns.
Mike

[slick_mick]

Originally Posted by kingsley

Never heard of the Sacred Squadron before: what was it? The badge pictured is my complete collection of Greek insignia.

From wikipedia:

The Sacred Band or Sacred Squadron (Greek: Ιερός Λόχος) was a Greek special forces unit formed in 1942 in the Middle East, composed entirely of Greek officers and officer cadets under the command of Col. Christodoulos Tsigantes. It fought alongside the SAS in the Western Desert and the Aegean, as well as with General Leclerc's Free French Forces in Tunisia. It was disbanded in August 1945 but is the precursor of the modern Greek Special Forces.

[Mike B]

Kingsley
Tons of stuff on the internet - if this Google link works it gives you a start

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gr...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Also fought alongside Jellicoe's Special Boat Squadron. The WW2 version was about its third reincarnation, raised it times of trouble and sometimes known as 'Greek Sacred Band' in an anglicised version of its name ... pretty sure it dates to Thermopylae where in a rough unchecked recollection I think the women told their men to 'come back as heroes or dead on their shields' - the account is no doubt romanticised but shows a proud tradition


Mike

[irish]

Thank you for posting these pictures. The documents are quite interesting.
Jack

[sapper533]

You're welcome Jack I thought someone would find them interesting
Cheers
Sean

[irish]

Quite interesting and of a subject that I know very little.

The link that was posted regarding the metal cap badge jogged my memory. A number of years ago I had acquired a group of patches and insignia brought home from Italy following the war. These 2 pieces I had thought were Italian (the crown confused me) however after seeing the photo of the metal badge I am now thinking Greek. Could these be from the war era? They are quite well made (Italian made ?) and have never been sewn to anything.

Excuse me for posting my question inside of your thread.

thanks
Jack

[sapper533]

Greek officers cap badge, the olive backing to the crown would suggest service dress cap. Have a look at my album on Greek cap badges
Cheers
Sean

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...p?albumid=2525

[irish]

Thanks Sean, nice album, great photography. Answered some of my questions. The badge I posted could have been worn for a long period of time it appears.
Jack

[sapper533]

Certainly early 1940's to 1968
Sean