FrontlineAntiques

33 Indian Corps, 2nd type. Design was also worn on a background the Corps colours of red / white / white. See p. 75 - 76, Howard Cole's Formation Badges of World War Two.

Best,

Hugh

Fantastic as always Hugh! Many thanks

I had an idea it was Indian Army but couldnt figure it out.

Slight potted history of the XXXIII -

The first Badge of the 33rd Indian Corps was a Black Silhouette of the Head of the Duke of Wellington on a Green background within a Red Circle.

The Badge was chosen by the then Corps Commander Lieut/Gen Alexander Frank Philip Christison ( C.S.I. C.B. D.S.O. M.C.) because the Operational Area allocated to the formation covered most of the territory over which the Duke of Wellington fought whilst in India (1800-1805).

The Corps was raised in November 1942 to Command the 19th. & 25th. Indian Divisions, the 251st Indian Tank Brigade & other units & formations allocated to the Defence of Southern India.

As they were intended as an Amphibious Expeditionary Force, the New Badge was made up of the "Trident" for the Royal Navy, the "Sword" for the Army & the "Wings" for the Royal Air Force, (a similar motif as Combined Operations) .

A Sword & Trident crossed & superimposed on Geometrical Wings in White on a Black background, the Badge was also worn on a Corps colour background of Red. White. & Red.

History

From April 3rd 1944 to the 27th May 1945, the 33rd Corps travelled a distance of 27,127 miles from Jorhat to Rangoon, liberating some 55,500 square miles of enemy held territory.

The Corps had the Task of halting the Northern most Japanese drive at Kohima, following the reopening of the land route to Imphal, by continuous action through the 1944-1945 monsoons the Japanese 15th Army were driven back across the Chindwin, from where the drive to the Irrawaddy was launched culminating in the Capture of Mandalay on the 19th March 1945.

Operating South of the line of the Irrawaddy the Corps cleared the Oilfields Area around Yenaugyaung to link with the Troops pushing North from Rangoon on the 15th May 1945.

The Corps was reassigned to the Twelfth Army on the 2nd May 1945.

Any Ideas guys? Im stumped with this one!

All the best

Dan

A session on google came up with East African Air War.

Not sure this is correct but it was all i could find

Dan

A really great item. Thanks for sharing

Dan

Absolutely mind blowing collection! :jumping:

My examples...

Ive never been too sure of the full size one - Does any one have any idea what it is?

Dan

What's that in Sterling?

I have seen them between £35 and £60 in the past.

Always wondered why they made them in plastic and not metal...as although they look good they feel really cheap in plastic.

Dan

A lovely piece Dave - i have been after one for years

Looks good to me

Dan

Hi Paddy - great find!

The badges are fairly scarce, but do turn up un ebay from time to time.

I have had one in the past but lost it..... d'oh! :speechless:

Cheers Danny.

That's put my mind at rest! Will make an offer in the morning and hope the missus doesn't find out!

Dan

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Hey Chaps

Just been offered this piece - but i have a bad feeling about it.

The price is good, but I have a bad feeling. These are the only photos the seller can provide.

I particularly dislike the darker corners of the cross where it appears that a silver paint has flaked away. The seller says the ring is marked 100 but I cant see it....

Am i being over sceptical or are my worries justified?

Have a great weekend

Dan

Dan,

What size is this badge?

Did you realise it was damaged, it's missing the screw post on the reverse.

Hi Les

It is roughly 2.5" high and 2" across.

I did know it was missing its screw. I was going to attempt a repair, but as I have decided to move it on I will be leaving it alone.

All the best

Dan

Just in. Two medals (gold and silver) of the Red cross of Yugoslavia.

Very nice finds! Well done!

all the best

Dan

Hi Stuart

The value bit was for Chris. I missed it in his original question.

Dan

Thanks for the great information Karsten! They really are a great series of awards

Dan

Value wise -

Africa about £12-15, ad £15 for a clasp

Italy £12-15

France Germany £15-20

1939-45 £10

Hope this helps

Dan

The ribbon is the opposite way round on my Dad's with the light blue stripe being on the right as one views it. Which is correct?

It should be the dark blue first. The three stripes represent the 3 services serving in Africa.

It could be awarder without a bar, or with on of 3 - North Africa 1942-43, 1st Army and 8th army

It is one of my altime favourite British medals. Dunno why, it just always struck a chord with me :whistle:

Hi

All the medals are good ones - congratulations

However, I cant be syre of the North Africa clasp. Could you post a larger photo pls?

All the best

Dan

Its a great feeling Windu!

And I think that we have both done very well to find such nice examples

Dan

Morning all

I picked up a great group of mixed items last week (see here http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=46835 ), and in amongst the other items was this lovely Fianna buckle

It's a great little peice, with strong construction and a very high proportion of its silvering remaining (has seen some spit and polish in its time!)

Im interested in a date for it. I suspect pre 1930s from the construction and "feel"....fingers crossed on that!

Also can anyone help with a rough valuation for the piece?

Thanks for all your help

Dan

rear

front

Had an email from the vendor last night, he had forgotten to include a couple of bars which are on their way

And here they are!

The seller found these seperately and sent them over to me.

Easily my favourite!

Very happy! :jumping:

I managed to pick up a couple of these glass 9x12 cm negatives that came from a studio in Ventspils,Latvia.

Hi

Great photos and negs.

Is the wounds badge here cut-out?

Dan