query on arm badge WW2

[caron]

can anyone tell me what Army regiment had a "panda head" arm badge please, I believe it was a Hussar Tank regiment ...Thanks

[MaxD]

It was the divisional formation sign of 9th Armoured Division so worn by units under command that division  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)

MaxD

[Bilge]

The 9th was formed in 1941 as a training division until it was disbanded in 1944. The panda was jocularly chosen, as it is a nonaggressive bear, to reflect the division's role as a training formation.

Credit to http://www.petergh.f2s.com/flashes.html

[jess5athome]

I agree with the above, it's only recently I had found the Pandas Head while looking for a formation patch.

Frank.

[MaxD]

Frank - can't remember - did you tie down the regiment of your man?

MaxD

[jess5athome]

Frank - can't remember - did you tie down the regiment of your man?

MaxD

Hi MaxD, no, not absolutely as yet.

Frank.

[Bridgetmeads]

My recently deceased Uncle told me the Panda was his regimental mascot, he was in the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, if this helps you at all.

[John915]

Good evening,

My recently deceased Uncle told me the Panda was his regimental mascot, he was in the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, if this helps you at all.

I think he was pulling your leg with that one. Only 6 types of animal have ever been official mascots, upkeep paid by the army. Unofficial mascots known as regt'l pets upkeep paid by the regt, have never included panda's to my knowledge. The chinese would never sanction it.

Also, only 2 cavalry regt's have mascots, the Scots Dragoon Guards and the Queens Royal Hussars. They are both drum horses.

John915

[MaxD]

Not entirely off the wall John - 5 Innis DG were an element of 9th Armoured Div who wore the panda formation patch.
Wonder if they wore a left shoulder lanyard?

Happy New Year

MaxD