Help Wanted

[shako_uk]

Can any kind Gentleman give me any information on a unit called (variously) the British Druze Regiment, the Druze Cavalry or the Druze Squadron. Believed to have existed in the middle east during the early years of WW2, but apart from an odd passing reference to the unit, I have been able to find nothing else.

With thanks in anticipation,

Brian

[Tony]

Hello Brian,

I've never heard of the Druze but have just been doing some searching and found this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Mandate_of_Palestine

It seems quite interesting so, in the morning with a clear head and no bottles of red to empty I'll do some more searching.

Do you know if they are from the Middle East or is this just a coincidence?

Tony

[Hendrik]

Hello Brian,

I've come across the "Druze" when doing some research on a French medal (The Syria-Cilicia Medal aka the Levant Medal). They would appear to have been (and probably still are) living in the Lebanon - Syria region who, in the 1920-1930's unsuccessfully opposed the French rule over the area.

In that context, it should probably not come as a surprise that some Druze joined the British forces there when those attacked and eventually defeated the Vichy French troops in 1941.

Cheers,

Hendrik

[peter monahan]

Hello Brian,

I've come across the "Druze" when doing some research on a French medal (The Syria-Cilicia Medal aka the Levant Medal). They would appear to have been (and probably still are) living in the Lebanon - Syria region who, in the 1920-1930's unsuccessfully opposed the French rule over the area.

In that context, it should probably not come as a surprise that some Druze joined the British forces there when those attacked and eventually defeated the Vichy French troops in 1941.

Cheers,

Hendrik

Going only on memory here, I believe that the current Israeli Army has a Druze unit used in border patrol/security operations. Said to be very loyal, good at tracking and scout work and apolitical: neither Muslim, Jew nor Christian. May or may not be relevant to your query.

For what it's worth.

Peter

[Hendrik]

In that context, it should probably not come as a surprise that some Druze joined the British forces there when those attacked and eventually defeated the Vichy French troops in 1941.

Mmmm ... according to this site - http://www.tdg.nu/OOBs/1939-1945/oob_operation_exporter_1941.htm - I need to correct myself as it states that the Druze were actually on the Vichy side ! Some more research will be needed

[Tony]

I just read that the Druze came under French rule but that they also turned to the British and Jews for protection.

Could it be that some fought with Vichy forces and others along side the British?

Tony

[Hendrik]

Could it be that some fought with Vichy forces and others along side the British?

Hi Tony,

It would very much appear to be the case : the website in post No. 5 mentions the Vichy units but a simple search on Google yields indirect information that there must have been units on the British side as well (Brits serving with the Arab Legion and Druse cavalry etc. ) ... To be continued, I guess

Cheers,

Hendrik

[Ed_Haynes]

The Druze are a mostly-Muslim sect/ethnic group of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Israel. Generally, their history has been similar to that of many marginal communities: survivors. They have made their political peace with anyone and everyone who held any degree of power in the region: in other words, they collaborated with all and kept their heads down. While I have never seen evidence of their cooperating with the British in the region in WWII, it wouldn't surprise me. They were indeed very "tight" with France (Vichy) as well. Whoever had the cash to pay, . . . .

[shako_uk]

Tony, Hendrik, Peter, Ed. - thank you very much for your interest and comments.

Yes, I have seen articles about the French Druze units and in a couple of them there was passing reference to the British Druze Cavalry and British Druze Regiment . What prompted my query, though, was the possession of a badge (acquired some few years ago) which I suspect may be a badge of this British unit.

A scan of the badge is attached. It is cast in a silver metal, with a brass crown superimposed. The diameter across the crescent is 4.8mm and it has a horizontal brooch-pin fastening. The Arabic inscription reads: DRUZE SQUADRON, according to the Arabic Department at Leeds University. I suppose it could equally be interpreted as Druze Cavalry or Druze Regiment?

I also have in my files, a photocopy picture of a British officer sporting this badge on his Arab head-dress, but there is no caption with the picture, though I understand that this particular officer lost his life in France, in 1944. I assume, that he had, by that time, returned to his Regiment.

I will try to pursue this question further - there must be a record of this unit somewhare - and will let you know if I am successful. Thanks again.

Brian

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