Romania Romanian Communist Garzile Patriotice / Patriotic Guard Insignia.

[Kev in Deva]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2010/post-950-127713808396.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2010/post-950-127713810399.jpg

Insignia of a P.G. Comandant Pluton

The Patriotic Guards were a popular militia, and I believe the Patriotic Guards comprised theoretically of every man (under 60) or woman (under 55), who had received some mandatory military training. The detachments were under the command of the Communist Party structures and were led by reserve officers and NCO's.

The decree creating the Patriotic Guards was adopted on September 4th 1968 (after Ceausescu's condemnation of the invasion of Czechoslovakia).

The purpose of the P.G. was to defend the cities, the factories and institutions of those cities, in collaboration with the regulars. They were probably to be used as urban fighters in case of invasion.

A factory, usually, had a battalion of Patriotic Guards I an not sure if it was formed exclusively from Romanian Communist Party members though.

This batallion had (generally), 1 headquarter, 1 or more companies of riflemen /rifle-women, 1 battery of mine launchers or Anti-Aircraft MG's, 1 platoon of MG's, 1 platoon Medics (women), 1 platoon Radio/Telegraph, In some places, they had companies or platoons of Mountain riflemen or sappers.

Kevin in Deva. :cheers:

[Kev in Deva]

I picked up this small G.P. emblem / insignia at the weekend,

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2010/post-950-127763092365.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2010/post-950-127763094045.jpg

despite its poor condition, its one I have never seen before

and it will have to do until a better example surfaces,

originally a gilt / brassy colour and

I presume it was for wear on shoulder boards.

Size:- 15mm X 20mm

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

Edited June 27, 2010 by Kev in Deva

[Kev in Deva]

Unfortunately I have not been able to locate the full list so far.

Kevin in Deva.