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Old 25-11-18, 04:04 PM
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Default New Additions. WW2 India/Burma Theater

Have gotten the opportunity recently to purchase a number of pieces out of an old formation sign collection here in the U.S. The collection was well represented with signs from India/Burma during the war. Many of these signs being brought home following the war by a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer.

Two signs to the 81st West African and one to the 202nd Assam L.O.C. The two W.A pieces are interesting in that the larger sleeve insignia is vendor or maker stamped to reverse. The smaller may have been used on a bush hat. Had not seen an example of this rounded version before. Thoughts and comments always appreciated.
Thanks
Jack


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Old 25-11-18, 11:14 PM
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It looks as though I mistakenly put this in the Canadian section. Can it be moved to the correct location?
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Old 26-11-18, 09:16 AM
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Very nice authentic specimens. I've never seen the 81 (WA) Div sign in circular format either. There's always been a lot of debate about which way up the spider should be displayed, but I think you have it right.
81 WA Div Ken Rhodes.jpg
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Old 26-11-18, 02:04 PM
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Thanks Mike,

Had always assumed the orientation of the spider was head up. However I will look back in a few books and see if I can find an example being worn in theater.

Jack
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Old 26-11-18, 03:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Jackson View Post
Very nice authentic specimens. I've never seen the 81 (WA) Div sign in circular format either. There's always been a lot of debate about which way up the spider should be displayed, but I think you have it right. Close inspection of the officer in the back of the Jeep with SF wings, shows the sign with spider's head down. But perhaps his Bearer put it on Sahib's shirt upside down in error.
Attachment 197454
81 WA Div Ken Rhodes.03.jpg
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Old 01-12-18, 10:13 PM
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Following up on this. The 81st W.A Division sign would have been worn head down. “In this way it would appear to be moving forward when the soldier was firing his rifle.” The black spider represented Ananse a figure in Ashanti mythology.
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