51st Independent Infantry Brigade Embroidered Cloth Formation Sign

Black swan on a white disc on a black square facing to the right. Removed from uniform. Glue to reverse which has slightly stained some of the white threads to the front. Worn circa 1955 - 57.

The origins of the design are not known. There was no 51 Brigade in WW2 and the date of formation and the history of this particular formation is obscure. It may have been created in the Canal Zone in the spring of 1955. Between June and October 1955 Brigade HQ is noted as forming part of the First Border Expedition in Aden. However, the Brigade is also noted as arriving in Cyprus from the Canal Zone in August 1955. It is still listed there in April 1957. In January 1962 the Brigade appears to have been in UK when it was merged with 63 Gurkha Brigade to form 51 Gurkha Brigade. (Source: IWM).

Davis No 180 / BoBD (Jon Mills) No 4846 refer.

Comm DaSm

Code: 65529