Belgium Belgian badges

[Hugh]

In 1968, I accompanied my admiral to a meeting of the NATO Naval Armaments Group (he was chairman). Whilst in Brussels, I raided the medals and military shops, and brought home the following badges (in addition to a slew of medals). Any notes i may have made have long since disappeared. Some of the symbolism seems self evident (artillery, light infantry, etc.), but it's so easy to be misled. Can someone help, please?

Thanks,

Hugh

[Hugh]

Light infantry? Or postal? Or?

[Hugh]

I have a vague recollection that these are lapel devices, but???

[Hugh]

Arty? Fusilier? ??

[Hugh]

Reminds me of SAS?

[Tim B]

Hi Hugh,

Post #2: 2^nd Regiments Chasseurs à Pied (Light Infantry).

Tim

[Jef]

In 1968, I accompanied my admiral to a meeting of the NATO Naval Armaments Group (he was chairman). Whilst in Brussels, I raided the medals and military shops, and brought home the following badges (in addition to a slew of medals). Any notes i may have made have long since disappeared. Some of the symbolism seems self evident (artillery, light infantry, etc.), but it's so easy to be misled. Can someone help, please?

Thanks,

Hugh

Hello Hugh,

Bronze badge for privates ROAC ( Royal Army Ordnance Corps)post WWII

Jef

[Jef]

Reminds me of SAS?

Hello Hugh,

Belgian 2nd Bn. Commando ( green berets). Bronze for troopers, silver for NCO's and gold coloured badges for officers,

Jef

[Jef]

Arty? Fusilier? ??

Seems to be a badge of the Grenadiers ( post WWII). I'm not a specialist on this topic ( Belgian post WWII badges),I used an excelent reference work of Urbain Huyghebaert, "Evolutie van de Belgische Militaire Kentekens 1830-2010"

Kind regards,

Jef

[Jef]

I have a vague recollection that these are lapel devices, but???

Separate crowns were used in headdress, as collarbadges, in shoulderboards. Alone or in addition with numbers, crossed sabres, crossed rifles, crossed lances...

Kind regards from Flanders,

Jef

[Hugh]

Hello Hugh,

Belgian 2nd Bn. Commando ( green berets). Bronze for troopers, silver for NCO's and gold coloured badges for officers,

Jef

Thanks, Jef and Tim. You have redeemed me from my youthful carelessness. I've put tags on each to help the next guy. And thanks for the reference.

I wonder why the selection of English for the motto on the Commando badge. Trying to avoid the French / Flemish issue?

Best,

Hugh

Edited July 10, 2010 by Hugh

[Jef]

Thanks, Jef and Tim. You have redeemed me from my youthful carelessness. I've put tags on each to help the next guy. And thanks for the reference.

I wonder why the selection of English for the motto on the Commando badge. Trying to avoid the French / Flemish issue?

Best,

Hugh

Hello Hugh,

About the English motto: i think the badge wears an English motto because the Bn. was raised in Britain during or at the end of WWII. By the way the motto of the Belgian 1st Bn. paracommando is: "Who dares wins" the badge is the same of the British SAS. The 3rd Bn. has the moto "Belgium" and not België/Belgique. Every motto is English spelled and not Dutch nor French.

Kind regards from Flanders,

Jef

[Hugh]

Hello Hugh,

About the English motto: i think the badge wears an English motto because the Bn. was raised in Britain during or at the end of WWII. By the way the motto of the Belgian 1st Bn. paracommando is: "Who dares wins" the badge is the same of the British SAS. The 3rd Bn. has the moto "Belgium" and not België/Belgique. Every motto is English spelled and not Dutch nor French.

Kind regards from Flanders,

Jef

Thanks for that, Jef. Makes sense.

Hugh