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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Lynntony on Wednesday 06 November 19 18:18 GMT (UK)

Title: Shoulder Badge
Post by: Lynntony on Wednesday 06 November 19 18:18 GMT (UK)
This is my late father, Eric Davies. He served with the Royal Engineers during WW2. The picture shows him as a Lance Corporal - he went on to become a Corporal. My query is about the shoulder patch which is partially visible in the picture. Can anyone recognise what it might be?
Title: Re: Shoulder Badge
Post by: MaxD on Wednesday 06 November 19 19:32 GMT (UK)
They are a formation patch.  These look like part of the curved swords (seaxes) which were on the Essex County Divisional sign https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divisional_insignia_of_the_British_Army#/media/File:Essex_County_Division_-vector.svg
and later on 223 Independent Infantry Brigade.

Both these formations would have had some elements of Royal Engineers in them so it doesn't help much if you are trying to find his unit?

MaxD
Title: Re: Shoulder Badge
Post by: Lynntony on Wednesday 06 November 19 20:56 GMT (UK)
Thanks Max. As far as I know he was involved at some time in mine clearance but not sure how long.
Title: Re: Shoulder Badge
Post by: 58FAB on Wednesday 06 November 19 21:20 GMT (UK)
Had you also considered the II Corps formation symbol, where the three dark wavy stripes might be the sea and the little dark dot just above the middle stripe might be the fish's mouth?
Title: Re: Shoulder Badge
Post by: tonepad on Wednesday 06 November 19 22:19 GMT (UK)
Had you also considered the II Corps formation symbol, where the three dark wavy stripes might be the sea and the little dark dot just above the middle stripe might be the fish's mouth?

Agree with 58FAB - the mouth of the fish can be seen when zooming in on the original posted photo.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391488749776


Tony
Title: Re: Shoulder Badge
Post by: MaxD on Thursday 07 November 19 09:19 GMT (UK)
I agree.  The "seaxes" don't have the small semi circular cut out piece.  Sharper eyes than mine have it!

Have you considered applying for his service record which will tell you which unit(s) he serve with?

MaxD