WW2 33rd Indian Corps Brabant Weave Cloth Formation Sign Designation Flash

A Brabant Weave cloth formation sign removed from uniform. No moth or damage. Also worn on the pagri band on the slouch hat.

Second World War Indian Army higher formation badge for XXXIII Indian Corps. Formation note: XXXIII Indian Corps (33rd Indian Corps) was raised to defend Southern India and was originally intended as an amphibious force (hence the tri-service badge). As part of 14th Army, 33rd Corps was tasked to defend the northern-most Japanese thrust around Kohima. Through 1944-45 the Corps took part in the offensive driving the Japanese back over the Chindwin, the push to the Irrawaddy and the capture of Mandalay in March 1945. Having operated on the line of the Irrawaddy, 33rd Corps linked up with troops moving north from Rangoon and was transferred to 12th Army in May 1945.

Cole pp75-76 refer.

D5

Code: 61961Price: 45.00 GBP

Northern Ireland District 3rd Pattern Printed Formation Signs, Kings Crown & QEII issues

Both 3rd patterns, an unissued King's crown calico printers pattern as worn in WW2 and the post 1952 embroidered version with a Queen's crown, the latter in poor overall condition with some damage to the shield's yellow threads.

Davis No 137 refers (he describes the king's crown version of this as being Fairly Scarce - Rare).

D89.3

Code: 61952Price: 25.00 GBP

WW1 9th Scottish Division Formation Designation White Metal Arm Badge

A single small die struck white metal thistle badge on its original blue circular backing cloth with two original lugs and cotter pin to the reverse. The cloth disc has been sewn down by the wearer over a piece of card to keep it stiff. These were worn on each arm by members of this elite Scots Division in facing pairs. the Division was part of 'First Hundred Thousand' that went to France in May 1915 and remained until 1918. After war was part of the occupation force in the Rhineland. Disbanded in March 1919. Some fading to blue to front as one would expect.

G32.6

Code: 61936Price: 85.00 GBP

WW2 Era First Surrey Rifles 129 / 24 / 570 Regiment Royal Artillery 843 Battery Vehicle Flag / Pennant in Original Leather Pouch

A rare survivor, the letters 843 embroidered in white to each side of a felt green square with a red felt diagonal strip. The thick black leather sheaf pouch suggests it only came out on special occasions! Some moth and stressing to red felt diagonal otherwise in good condition with original fittings for attaching to vehicle still present. Circa 6 inches square on darkened steel pole.

This regiment has a complex lineage, as follows:

In March 1942 the 35th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery (which in January 1940 had been affiliated to the Royal Engineers and prior to 1935 had been the 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles)), was converted to a Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, and renumbered 129. To mark this change the regiment adopted a distinctive flash, as shown here. The colours of red and dark green were the old regimental colours of the First Surrey Rifles. In 1947, the 129th LAA Regiment was renumbered 24. In 1948 it was converted into a Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. In 1955, it became the 570th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA, along with 622 HAA Regiment (formerly 7th Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment).

Shown with a cloth regimental designation for this unit, but this is listed separately for sale below.

Cole " Badges on Battledress" pp 137-138 refer, also Jon Mills "Badges on Battle Dress" No 5367 refers.

Comm FB

Code: 61901Price: 65.00 GBP

WW2 1st Surrey Rifles / 129 / 24 / 570 Regiment Royal Artillery Felt Cloth Formation Sign / Regimental Designation

Circa 4cm square, in very good condition. See photos for more information on this unit. The flash was worn only on the left arm below the AA Command Badge. Scarce. The final photo shows this item against the Battery Vehicle Pennant for 843 Battery, separately listed for sale above.

This regiment has a complex lineage, as follows:

In March 1942 the 35th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery (which in January 1940 had been affiliated to the Royal Engineers and prior to 1935 had been the 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles)), was converted to a Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, and renumbered 129. To mark this change the regiment adopted a distinctive flash, as shown here. The colours of red and dark green were the old regimental colours of the First Surrey Rifles. In 1947, the 129th LAA Regiment was renumbered 24. In 1948 it was converted into a Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. In 1955, it became the 570th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA, along with 622 HAA Regiment (formerly 7th Battalion, The Queen's Royal Regiment). Phew! I think that is now right.

Cole " Badges on Battledress" pp 137-138 refer, also Jon Mills "Badges on Battle Dress" No 5367 refers.

Comm FB

Code: 61900Price: 45.00 GBP

WW2 Collection of Arm Of Service / Regimental Flash Cloth Insignia

Mounted lightly / tacked onto a white piece of A4 paper, this collection of 27 different arm of service stripes, is an impressive endeavour including some rare units and support services. Ten are mounted on khaki (khaki backing not all the same, of different grades as one would expect), one is printed (cut from a printed Welsh Division formation sign) and I think the 1st Monmouthshire is actually the 2nd Monmouthshire. There is also quite a scarce 1st East Yorks (with white metal rose attachment) and 2/8th Lancashire Fusilier regimental flashes.

Coll

Code: 61860Price:

10th Princess Marys Own Gurkha Rifles Embroidered Cloth Arm Badge

Only worn 1990 - 1994. It was amalgamated with the other three British Gurkha regiments to form the Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994. Worn in commemoration of the Battle Honour Rock Fort of Amboor. In unissued condition. Scarce.

E17.6

Code: 61855Price: 20.00 GBP

Pair of Uncut Printed ALFSEA / SEALF / FARELF GHQ Formation Signs

An uncut pair in superb condition. Property of a former Gurkha officer.

During wartime it was ALFSEA (Allied Land Forces South East Asia), then worn by SEALF (HQ South East Asia Land Forces) which succeeded ALFSEA in December 1946. Changed again on 15th August 1947 to FARELF ( Far Eastern Land Forces (British Army)), but with no change to formation sign design.

A134.9

Code: 61842Price: 16.00 GBP

The South Wales Borderers (24th Foot) Silver Bullion Blazer Badge

In unworn condition, maker marked to reverse A.R. Fabb Bros, Maidenhead, Berks. This firm now specializes in making items for the masons only. In fabulous condition and what a well made piece. Would display well in a badge collection or bling up your blazer!

G13.3

Code: 61803Price:

WW2 - 14th Army Bullion Embroidered Formation Sign Designation Flash


Removed from uniform, a bit grubby and with some damage to bullion edging. Locally made in bullion as typically worn by officers. The roman numerals "XIV" (the sword on this one constitutes the I in XIV) on a black bar and pierced by a sword on a red shield.

The exploits of the men of 14th Army are legendary, fighting in some of the worst conditions and terrains of the war.
Formed in November 1943, 14th Army under the command of General (later Field Marshal) Sir William Slim. The Army was responsible for the successful defence of India and the subsequent defeat of Japanese forces in Burma. Disbanded 1945.

Coll

Code: 61776Price: 15.00 GBP