I apologise if this has been done already...
I've sorted myself out British kit (minus weapons) and for uniform insignia I'm going Rifle Brigade as it was my grand fathers regiment during the war. My question is did they used to wear their divisional badges on one arm or both. I know these days the troops wear brigade badge on the left arm and regiment badge on the right but they used have the shoulder flashes/ mudguards. I have Rifle Brigade should flashes and several 7th armoured Div badges but I hate to sow and want to get it right first time. Any info would be appreciated.
Morey... Per Ardua...
Do you mean
2nd Rifle Brigade in N Africa? They would have no shoulder titles or divisional badges on KD clothing. The 7th Armd Div flash was only introduced for clothing at the end of the N Africa campaign. Though it was used on vehicles from 1940. They did wear divisional flashes later when part of 1st Armoured not 7th.
If you mean 1st Rifle Brigade in Italy and Normandy Shoulder titles and Div flashes would be worn on best BD or at times on clothing in the field. Note the the 7th Armd Div Jerboa changes design and colours. Red/White in Italy and then Red/Black and looking more like a kangaroo in Normandy.
Hope the above helps.
Well I'm not 100% sure I believe I'm looking 1st battalion present at Alam halfa and el alemein then later on in Italy and Normandy. Seeing as it's BD I have then I guess it's a good thing I got the black and red badge. Quite bad I should know really. My grandad never really spoke much of his experience so I've had to add things up my self from the small amount he did tell.
Morey... Per Ardua...
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade fought at El Alamein as part of 22nd Armd Brigade in 7th Armd Div so sounds correct. Good Quick reference here
[link]http://www.desertrats.org.uk/orginfantry.htm[/link]
Interesting read, that. 
If you fancy some further research, you can get his service records released to next of kin, to clear it up once and for all. Once you've got confirmation of his regiment and battalion, I'd thoroughly recommend a trip to the National Archives at Kew to read the battalion war diary. He probably won't be mentioned in it by name, unless he did something extraordinary, but it'll give you a good opportunity to follow in his foot steps.
In the link that Ramsay provided there's also a Green Jackets Museum in Winchester. The sheer amount of historical gold dust at these places is amazing. Could be worth a look.
I warn you, though. Researching primary sources in archives is addictive.
I've always wanted to do that Allenby just never really bothered now I'm back on Civvi street I should have time to do it. Thankyou Allenby and Ramsay, your info has helped me with more than just my original query.
Morey... Per Ardua...
I've always wanted to do that Allenby just never really bothered now I'm back on Civvi street I should have time to do it. Thankyou Allenby and Ramsay, your info has helped me with more than just my original query.
No worries, mate.
If you ever want a hand with it, let me know. I'm back and forth to Kew a fair bit.
Thanks Allenby. I plan to pop onto the Winchester RGJ museum on the way to the combat south event in June
Morey... Per Ardua...
