All the colour patches are in this volume, and you can also find them in the online edition of the official history, volume 3, on the australian war memorial website. The australian armys system of colour patches arose from the need to solve an immediate problem. The army unit colour patches ucp were orginally designed in a simple manner,allowing other member to easily identify the members unit, division and battalion. The second australian imperial force second, or 2nd, aif was the name given to the volunteer personnel of the australian army in world war ii. Colour patches of world war ii were generally smaller than those of world war i, with the world war ii square patch 38 millimetres 1. During world war 2, australian imperial force unit colour patches were distinguished from those of the first aif by the addition of a gray border or backing. The purpose of the adopt a digger project is to commemorate that centenary by honouring the men and women from the current sunshine coast region of southeast queensland who fought in that war. Colour patches australians in world war 1 research guides. Unit colour patches or simply known as colour patches identify the wearer as belonging to a military formation or unit it is believed that the australian system of colour patches is based upon the small patches of colours or tartan worn on the puggarees of the pith helmets of members of a number of british army units during the second boer war, the south african war of 18991902. They provide unique insights into the formation, purpose and functions of units particularly during war periods.
Written by barbara carswell librarian, redmond barry team. This colour patch was based on that of the 8th battalion, 1st aif, with grey trim to. All aif formations had these patches in both world wars and they have reintroduced them to the current army. This is a last minute attempt to identify an australian ww2 soldier from a large group of ww2 aif colour patch identification world war two rootschat. Australian infantry unit colour patches 19211949 digger history. Unit colour patch a short history colour patch store. Aif rectangular colour patch sizes other equipment great.
Colour patches australians in world war 1 research guides at. The pdf links below detail the various approvals for the collection, sale andor manufacture of insignia have been obtained from australian defence force boards, full details relative to each service are as shown within respective letters. Unit colour patch of the australian imperial force. Aif ww1 shoulder patches world war i, war, australian colours. Money back guarantee ensures you receive the item you ordered or get your money back. This is a last minute attempt to identify an australian ww2 soldier. Showing every unit colour patch and record of principal engagements, casualties and amount of mayor bravery awards earned.
Second division colour patch, probably 24th battalion. Unit colour patch of the royal australian regiment. History of australian colour patches click the following article. Jan 22, 2009 can someone please tell me the dimensions of the rectangular colour patches of the aif, eg 1st div, 4th bde and 5th div. The original aif colour patch was issued to the 224th battalion when it was formed as part of the 7th division in 1940. Anzac as are aslo now available in brass 380407351159. On the outbreak of world war 2 and the raising of a 2nd aif, it appears that 2nd aif units may have initially adopted the colour patches of their identically. History of australian colour patches the australian war. The colour patches of world war ii were backed by a grey or beige border. Showing every unit colour patch and record of principal engagements, casualties. Does anyone have the official measurement and the reference. Under the defence act 1903, neither the parttime militia nor the fulltime permanent military force pmf could serve outside australia or its territories unless they volunteered to do so. The army unit colour patches ucp were orginally designed in a simple manner,allowing other member to easily identify the members unit.
Its format was the same as for the first aif except that it had a grey background added to the original 24th battalions red and white diamond. Historical information history of australian army colour patches in ww1 and ww2. The second aif used the same colour patches as the first aif with the difference that the patch was mounted on an oval of gray or beige felt to distinguish it. Unit histories are valuable resources for researchers. Authorities for colour patches in world war 2 included, to a limited degree standing orders for dress 1935 as amended, ahq instructions issued principally by the director of ordnance services, and aif middle east geo until 1942. Free delivery and returns on ebay plus items for plus members. When made mid 20th century made by laurence kay maker significance colour patches make units easier to find in large camps. Colour patch 1st australian armoured regiment welcome to. The use of colour patches was discontinued in 1949 when the british system of embroidered shoulder titles, formation signs and lanyards was adopted. I am looking for someone with knowledge of australian ww2 colour patches. Colour patches australians in world war 1 research. You can find out more about interpreting colour patches in our world war i.
This image of some of the colour patches is from the official history of australia in the war of 19141918 by c. In july 1987 colour patches were reintroduced in order to foster the armys heritage and are now worn on the right side of the puggaree on the slouch hat. Therefore there could be some confusion over colour patches, with some members of disbanded battalions reluctant to give up their colours. Record of the australian imperial forces during the great war. Unit colour patch register the army unit colour patches ucp were orginally designed in a simple manner,allowing other member to easily identify the members unit, division and battalion. Colour patch store the australian military patches website. A ucp is worn on the puggaree of the slouch hat whilst the unit shoulder patch will incorporate the ucp normally with a border showing the units superior hq. This sale is for a pair of patches, any unit can be done from the divisions who served from 1 div to 6 div. In may 1942 an army order was issued which inserted aust into all unit names to avoid confusion with us units note that this is aust not australia. Book australian army colour patches victorian collections. Media in category colour patches of the australian army the following 200 files are in this category, out of 254 total.
Oct 23, 2017 the use of colour patches was discontinued in 1949 when the british system of embroidered shoulder titles, formation signs and lanyards was adopted. Rae, aif ww2 sterling silver at the best online prices at ebay. Ww2 aif 24th commando squadron colour patchs and puggaree with patch. This almost caused a mutiny in the 1st aif, because battalions that had earned their reputation in some of the hardest action did not want to disband. Examples may be found of uniforms in the period 1921 1943 with two colour patches that are the same e. Get the best deals on australian wwii collectable patches 1939 1945. Ww1, 50th, aif battalion colour patchs one pair ebay. Colour patch admin hq australian imperial force aif middle east out of stock. A ucp is worn on the puggaree of the slouch hat whilst the unit shoulder patch. Ww1 aif australian imperial force colour patch chart number 2. Ww2 aif colour patch identification world war two rootschat.
Can any of you military historians tell me the shape and colours of the colour patches of the following 1st. The dark blue band is 14 wide and the red bands are 18 wide. Serving in new guinea as the 1st tank battalion australian imperial force aif in 1943 and 1944, and in balikpapan in 1945 as the 1st armoured regiment aif, this regiment arguably saw more action in the pacific theatre than any other australian armoured unit. The significance of the colour patches as worn by the 9th division and members of the 18th brigade of the 7th division is that the shape has been varied from the aif standard diamond to that of the letter t in tribute to the battalions involvement in the defence of tobruk. A small number of colour patches were approved for the occupation force for japan in 1945 and 1946.
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