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Looking for correct description of 21st Army Group cloth patches

Discussion in 'Medals, Insignia, Badges & Recalls' started by Arthur124, Mar 27, 2019.

  1. Arthur124

    Arthur124 Member

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    Hi,
    Having gathered over years a now complete collection of cap badges of units of the 2nd British Army
    (21st Army Group North West Europe campaign) I would like to know the difference between different
    cloth patches of the 21st Army Group.
    - blue cross on red background with 2 crossed swords in yellow : HQ 21st Army Group (is what I found on the net)
    - blue cross on red background with 1 sword in the vertical part of the cross : 21st Army Group (is what I found on the net)
    - blue cross on red background : up till now not found description

    Can someone tell if the description of the ones with swords is correct and what the one without sword was used for ?

    Thanks in advance,
     
  2. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake Member

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    HQ 21 Army Group.

    shield-shaped embroidered cloth badge with two Crusader swords in gold 'in saltire' (i.e. crossed), points down, on a blue cross on a red shield. The same sign, but with white/silver swords was carried forward as the badge of HQ BAOR. Worn on both arms of battle dress or service dress by all members of HQ Staff 21st Army Group and GHQ 2nd Echelon 21st Army Group.badge, higher formation, British, HQ 21st Army Group

    21st Army Group GHQ Troops, Lines of Communication (LofC) formations and British Troops in France
    Blue cross on a red Shield was worn by GHQ 21 Army Group troops - those under 21 Army Group command and not assigned to lower formations. E.g. line of Communication Troops. The badge was also worn after the end of hostilities by British Troops in France, notably the Rear Maintenance Area in Normandy and several Base depots, transit camps and other administrative headquarters There is also a version with a black (or very dark navy) cross, possibly worn by Canadian troops. see here badge, formation, 21st Army Group GHQ and Lines of Communication Troops & British Troops in France..
     
  3. Arthur124

    Arthur124 Member

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    Thanks for the information and the links to IWM.
    Regards,
     

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