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For AIF Infantry Brigade HQ patches see
Australian
Infantry Unit Colour Patches 1921-1949
By mid December 1939 a decision had
been taken that the infantry battalions of the 6th Aust. Division would
adopt the colour patch of their corresponding numbered battalion of the
old AIF, superimposed on a background of battleship grey. ( Minute,
Secretary of the Military Board, dated 21.12.1939. AA(Vic): MP 508/1,
item 36/756/2.) As this division was organized on the old
establishment of three brigades, each of four battalions, the original
system of brigade and battalion colours could be used without
modification.
In February 1940 however, following
the decision to form the 7th Division, and to organize both divisions on
the British establishment of three battalions per brigade, it no longer
became possible to adhere to the original scheme, particularly in
relation to continuity of numbering of units.
The 7th Division was allocated a
diamond; thus the 19th Aust. Infantry Brigade, as the senior brigade of
the 7th Division, was allotted a green diamond, its three battalions,
the 2/4th, 2/8th and 2/12th, being allotted black, purple and brown over
the green to identify them as the first, second and third battalions of
the 'first' brigade of the 'second' division of the Second AIF. This
system was extended to the 8th Division when approval was given for its
formation in May 1940.
While this was a logical system of identification from the military
point of view, and was in fact the basis on which the whole colour patch
system was designed from its inception in 1915, the Military Board
failed to take into account the immense desire of the new Second AIF
units to identify themselves completely with their corresponding
numbered battalion of the original AIF. It is evident that while
some units recognized the reasoning behind the initial allocation of
their particular colour patch, others simply assumed that an error had
been made.
The history of the 2/16th Battalion
records that "The form of the original patch had been decided on
the basis of establishment .... being the second battalion of the
brigade and the brigade being the second [sic] (At
the time this colour patch was allotted, the 21st Brigade was actually
the third brigade of the division. It became the second brigade circa
August 1940.) of the division, the
original colours were a purple triangle over a blue triangle, thus
forming a diamond (1, 000 Men at
War, Uren, p. 21.) The 15th
Battalion AIF Association were not quite so considerate in referring to
the purple and red diamond being worn by the 2/15th Battalion, and in a
letter to the Minister for the Array on the matter stated that the
battalion was wearing the wrong colour patch and, "Members ...
consider that this is a slight on the original Battalion..". (Letter,
Senator W.J. Cooper, to Brigadier, the Hon. G.A. Street, dated 4.8.1940.
AA(Vic): MP 508/1, item 36/756/63. The former 15th Battalion
Association, the 'Angels Remembrance Club', was even more vitriolic
after the adoption of the 'T' shaped colour patch by the 2/15th
Battalion in late 1942.)
Considerable representation was made
by units, and former AIF unit associations, to both the Military Board
and prominent Members of Parliament for the introduction of a system
which would allow 2nd AT infantry battalions to wear the same
colour patch as was worn by the corresponding numbered battalion of the
old AIF. On 19.8.1940, consequent on the tabling of the matter in
Federal Parliament, the Military Board considered a proposal that 2nd
AIF battalions wear the colour patch of the corresponding numbered
battalion of the original AIF superimposed on a grey background in the
shape of the division to which the battalion belonged. The adoption of
the revised system, at an estimated
cost of 1,000 Pounds, was agreed to by the Military Board, and the
concurrence of the GOC 2nd
AIF, then in the Middle East, was received on 4.9.1940.
It would appear that the primary consideration for the revision of the
scheme was that of sentiment, both from the point of view of the public
and returned services associations, and the units themselves. It was
also pointed out that regimental colours carried the unit colour patch,
and that if another patch was allotted some difficulty in relation to
this might arise after the war. The most telling point however was made
by the Adjutant-General, who stated that the system in use had already
broken down due to the re-allotment of battalions within divisions which
had occurred. He considered that it was not essential that the colours
of the battalions within a division be uniform, formation affiliation
being indicated by the shape of the grey background, which would be that
of the division to which the unit was allocated.
The earliest reference to the adoption of the new scheme appears to be a
memo dated 13.9.1940 from the Minister of the Army advising that it was
being prepared. The first authority in regard to the matter has not been
located by myself, however an AHQ memo dated 30.9.1940,
to HQ Southern Command in relation to the colour patch approved for the
2/40th Battalion, states that action was then being taken to ensure that
the colour patches of units of the old AIF were allotted to the
corresponding numbered battalion of the new Force, (AHQ(DPS)
Memo No. 65386,30.9.1940. AA(Vic): MP 508/1, item 36/756/63.)
while a memo dated 30.10.1940 on the same subject provides the following
statement;
"... I am directed by the
Master-General of the Ordnance to advise that the distinguishing
colour patches of all infantry battalions of the 2nd A.I.F. will be
the colour patch of the original A.I.F. Battalion, superimposed upon a
light battleship grey background. This background being of the present
Divisional shape." (ibid, AHQ(DOS)
Memo No. 72347, 30.10.1940.)
While no reference is made to the use
of a half size patch of the old AEF battalion on a full size grey
background in these memos, it is evident from associated correspondence
that this was the original intention. An MGO minute dated 5.9.1940
states that arrangements could be made for future issues in this format,
and suggests that it include those issued to battalions of the 6th Aust.
Division to retain uniformity throughout the force. Patches for units
other than infantry battalions and infantry brigade headquarters would
not be affected, and full size patches already in stock for brigade
headquarters would continue to be issued until those stocks were
exhausted. Brigade headquarters were to retain the green, red and light
blue colour system to denote their seniority within the division.
While no formal authority appears to have been promulgated prior to
30.10.1940, it is apparent that several units began changing to the new
scheme well before this; the history of the 2/16th Battalion records
that their new colour patches were issued on 9.10.1940, in time for
their final march through Perth the following day. It was not however
until early 1941 that all battalions received their quotas of the new
colour patches.
Patches to the new designs,
including those for units of the 6th Division, were manufactured and
issued in Australia to units which had not proceeded overseas, or to
reinforcements for units which were already serving overseas,
(see note 125) several changes being
required when the organization of divisions in the Middle East was
altered in February 1941. In the Middle East however there seems to have
been little effort by units to conform with the provisions of AHQ Memo
No. 72347, regardless of the formation to which they belonged.
Note 125. It was the
practice to allot reinforcements to units of the AIF as required when
they were drafted to training battalions in Australia. They were
issued the colour patch of the unit to which they would subsequently
belong during their period with the training battalion. AA(Vic): MP
508/1, 36/756/103.
Thus fifteen battalions retained
colour patches approved under the old system, while others made no
attempt to change the shape of the background on transfer from one
formation to another. In extreme cases members of some battalions may be
seen wearing two different shaped grey backgrounds, i.e. members on the
strength of a unit prior to its transfer from one division to another
retained the background shape of their previous formation, while
reinforcements who had joined the unit from Australia after it had
changed formation were wearing backgrounds in the shape of the new
formation which had been approved and issued in Australia.
The situation was never resolved in a
satisfactory manner, and following the return of the 6th and 7th
Divisions to Australia in early 1942, GRO 36/1942, dated 22.5.1942,
directed that where complete AIF units were transferred to a new
formation they would not change their colour patch.
The 9th Aust. Division, faced with an identical situation during its
extended stay in the Middle East, resolved the matter by designing a
completely new shape, and reverting to the basis of the original system
adopted in December 1939, i.e. green, red and light blue for each of its
brigades; black, purple, and in this case white, identifying the first,
second and third battalions of each brigade.
Although the new designs did not
conform to the colour patches borne by corresponding battalions of the
old AIF, and were not initially readily accepted within some units for
that reason, they came to represent the pride these units took in their
own achievements in the Middle East and later the South West Pacific
Area. The extent to which this pride was fostered might be best
illustrated by the 2/15th Battalion, the members of which, following a
bitter campaign by the 15th Battalion AIF Association for the
restoration of the brown over dark blue colours to the battalion,
overwhelmingly indicated their desire to retain their 'T' shaped green
and purple colour patch not six months after they were first issued. For
the 2/13th Battalion,
"The..['T' shaped colour patch] .... soon
became accepted as warmly as if the Unit had been enlisted under
it..,,. (Benghazi to Borneo, Fearnside, Second Edition, p. 3 10.)
It may well be that, had colour
patches to the original system based on seniority within the brigade and
division been first designed and issued overseas in 1940, and the units
been engaged in active operations soon afterwards, the same affection
for, and pride in their colour patch, regardless that it might not have
represented the original AlF battalion, might have developed amongst
battalions other than those of the 9th Division. After all the 2/3 1st,
2/33rd, and for a period the 2/32nd, Battalions, improvised from
personnel of all Arms in 1940, never appeared to have any difficulty in
identifying with their 'original system' colour patches, which
throughout the war identified them simply as the first, second and third
battalions of the second brigade of the 'fourth' division of the Second
AIF, although the majority of the war was spent as the third brigade of
the 7th Division.
- 913. 2/1st Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
December 1945.
- 914. 2/1st Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Allotted in October
1940, no example yet sighted.
- 915. 2/2nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
December 1945.
- 916. 2/2nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued in Australia
only. CCF manufacture, superseded by No. 915.
- 917. 2/3rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
January 1946.
- 918. 2/3rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, no example yet sighted.
- 919. 2/4th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
January 1946.
- 920. 2/4th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Allotted in June 1940,
consequent on this unit's
transfer to the 19th Brigade, however there is no evidence that it
was ever issued or
worn.
- 921. 2/4th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia. Superseded by No. 919.
- 922. 2/5th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
November 1945.
- 923. 2/5th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, no example yet sighted.
- 924. 2/6th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
March 1946.
- 925. 2/6th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Reference to this colour
patch appears in Long, To Benghazi, Appendix 4, stating "...and
to this day there may still be men who maintain that the colour
patch of the 2/6th Battalion, for example, was royal blue over red
....... While there were some difficulties in distinguishing between
dark blue and purple shades of cloth provided for colour patches it
is doubtful if this affected the initial issue to the battalion from
the CCF. All examples noted to date by the author are in fact of NSW
manufacture in compressed felt, and probably comprised one batch
only.
- 926. 2/6th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia. CCF manufacture, and superseded by No. 924.
- 927. 2/7th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
March 1946.
- 928. 2/7th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, no example yet sighted.
- 929. 2/8th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on 13.10.1939, disbanded in
January 1946.
- 930. 2/8th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Allotted in June 1940
after the unit was transferred to
the 19th Brigade however there is no evidence that it was ever
issued or worn.
- 931. 2/8th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia. CCF manufacture, superseded by No. 929.
- 932. 2/9th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
December 1945.
- 933. 2/9th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia. CCF and at least one other manufacturer noted, superseded
by No. 932.
- 934. 2/10th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
December 1945.
- 935. 2/10th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, and issued only in
Australia. CCF manufacture, superseded by No. 934.
- 936. 2/11th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1945: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
December 1945.
- 937. 2/11th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, no example yet seen.
- 938. 2/12th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1939-1946: Raised on
13.10.1939, disbanded in
January 1946. First issued in February 1940.(Of Storms and
Rainbows, Graeme-Evans, Vol 1, p.21. Certainly issued prior to the
20th of that month.)
- 939. 2/12th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Allotted in June 1940
when this battalion was
transferred to 19th Brigade, however due to the unit's diversion to
the United Kingdom
it never formed part of this brigade, and this colour patch was not
issued or worn.
- 940. 2/12th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October
1940, issued only in Australia.
CCF manufacture, superseded by No. 938.
- 941. 2/13th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940 and disbanded in
December 1945. Issued in late June 1940, certainly by the 22nd of
that month, and was
superseded by No. 942 in November 1940. See also No's 1010 and 1011.
- 942. 2/13th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1941: Approved in
October 1940, first issued
in late October or November of 1940 while the battalion was en route
to the Middle
East by sea, and was superseded by No. 943 on 26.2.1941.
- 943. 2/13th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1941-1942: First issued
on 26.2.1941 consequent
upon the battalion's transfer to the 9th Division. Initially members
cut the diamond
shaped backgrounds of No. 942 into circles until supplies of this
patch became
available. Superseded by No. 944 in December 1942.
- 944. 2/13th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 945. 2/14th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940, disbanded in February
1946. This patch was superseded by No. 946 circa October 1940.
- 946. 2/14th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1946: Approved in
October 1940.
- 947. 2/15th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940, disbanded in February
1946. These patches had been issued prior to August 1940, and were
superseded by No. 948 circa November 1940.
- 948. 2/15th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1941, 1942:
Approved in October 1940, first
issued in November. Superseded by No. 949 in late 1941 until early
1942, and by No. 950 in December 1942.
- 949. 2/15th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1941-1942: First issued
in Australia soon after
February 1941, and by October 1941 is noted being worn in the Middle
East in lieu of No. 948. Superseded by No. 948 again during 1942.
- 950. 2/15th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 951. 2/16th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940 and disbanded in
December 1945. Issued at the end of August 1940 and superseded by
No. 952 in
October 1940.
- 952. 2/16th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: According to
the battalion history, this
colour patch was issued on 9.10.1940.
- 953. 2/17th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940, disbanded in January
1946. Promulgated in Unit Routine Orders Part I dated 30.7.1940, and
was superseded
by No. 954 in November 1940.
- 954. 2/17th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1942: Ref. Unit Routine Orders Part I
dated
27.11.1940, although it was actually already
in wear when the battalion disembarked in
the Middle East on 26.11.1940. Superseded by No. 956 in December
1942.
- 955. 2/17th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1941: Issued in
Australia to the battalion's
reinforcements soon after February 1941, and is believed to have
been briefly in use in the Middle East where it was worn in
conjunction with No. 954 during late 1941.
- 956. 2/17th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 957. 2/17th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: NSW manufacture, example
in the J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM. Never issued to this battalion and
was possibly a manufacturing error circa late 1940.
- 958. 2/18th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, captured in Singapore in
February 1942. Superseded by No. 959 in October 1940.
- 959. 2/18th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: Issued in January 1941.
- 960. 2/19th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, captured in Singapore in
February 1942. Issued on 1.9.1940 and superseded by No. 961 in
October 1940.
- 961. 2/19th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: First issued
in January 1941.
- 962. 2/20th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, captured in Singapore in
February 1942. Superseded by No. 963 in October 1940.
- 963. 2/20th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: First issued
in January 1941.
- 964. 2/21st Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, captured on Ambon, NEI,
in February 1942. Superseded by No. 965 in October 1940.
- 965. 2/21st Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: Issued late
December 1940 or early
January 1941.
- 966. 2/22nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940. Many members of the
unit were captured on New Britain in January 1942, and the survivors
and reinforcements were absorbed by the 3rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion in March 1943 to form the 3rd/22nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion. Disbanded in July 1943. Ibis patch was superseded by No.
967 in October 1940.
- 967. 2/22nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: This patch
was retained by personnel
serving with the 3rd/22nd Aust. Infantry Battalion.
- 968. 2/22nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion: A CCF manufactured
sample supplied as an
example with an MGO minute paper dated 5.9.1940 relating to the
proposed revision of
2nd AIF infantry battalion colour patches. (AA(Vic): MP
508/1, item 36n56163, "Patches, distinguishing colour, Infantry
Battalions A.I.F.")
- 969. 2/23rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on 1.7.1940
and was disbanded in
January 1946. Superseded by No. 970 in October 1940.
- 970. 2/23rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1942: Superseded by
No. 972 prior to
September 1942.
- 971. 2/23rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1941-1942: Issued in
Australia from mid to late
1941 and was worn in the Middle East in conjunction with No. 970.
Superseded by
No. 972 prior to September 1942.
- 972. 2/23rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942: By September 1942
this design was the only
one on issue in the Middle East, superseding No's 970 and 971.
Superseded by No.
973 in December 1942.
- 973. 2/23rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 974. 2/24th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, and disbanded in March 1946. This patch was allotted in
August 1940 and was superseded by No. 975 in October 1940.
- 975. 2/24th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1942: Superseded by No. 977 prior to
September 1942.
- 976. 2/24th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1941-1942: Issued in
Australia during mid to late 1941, superseded in the Middle East by
No. 975.
- 977. 2/24th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942: By late 1942 this
was the only design on issue
to the battalion. Superseded by No. 978 in December 1942.
- 978. 2/24th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 979. 2/25th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on 1.7.1940
as part of 24th Brigade,
was transferred to 25th Brigade in April 1941, and disbanded in
February 1946. This patch was superseded by No. 980 in October 1940.
- 980. 2/25th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1946: Approved in
October 1940 but not issued until mid December. It will be noted
that the colour patch chart included as Appendix 4 of To Benghazi,
by Gavin Long, shows a diamond shaped grey background to this colour
patch in the First Edition. Later reprints have been corrected to
show a circular background.
- 981. 2/25th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: While there is some
doubt regarding the authenticity
of the only example seen to date, the design itself was tentatively
approved for the battalion until early October 1940, when its parent
brigade (the 24th) was transferred to the 9th Division. On the basis
that it was not until November 1940 that the initial order for the
supply of patches to units of 24th Brigade was submitted to the CCF,
it is unlikely that this patch was ever officially manufactured or
issued.
- 982. 2/26th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: Raised on
17.10.1940 and was captured
in Singapore in February 1942. Although HQ 8th Aust. Division was
advised of the design for this unit on 23.11.1940 it was not until
February 1941 that the initial order for supply (MGO Order No. 932)
was placed with the CCF.
- 983. 2/27th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on
26.4.1940 and was disbanded in
April 1946. Superseded by No. 984 in October 1940.
- 984. 2/27th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1946:
- 985. 2/27th Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Example, Military Heraldry Collection, AWM.
There appears to have been no justification for the existence of
this colour patch and it may be a manufacturing error.
- 986. 2/28th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940: Raised on 1.7.1940
and was disbanded in
March 1946. Superseded by No. 987 in October 1940.
- 987. 2/28th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1942: The initial
issue of these colour patches
was undertaken in early December 1940, the first batch being
dispatched from the CCF on
27.11.1940 as a result of MGO Order No. 828. Superseded by No. 988
in December 1942. Long, To Benghazi, Appendix 4, incorrectly shows
this patch with dark blue.
- 988. 2/28th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 989. 2/29th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: Raised on
17.10.1940, and captured in
Singapore in February 1942. First issued in early 1941.
- 990. 2/30th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1945: Raised on
17.10.1940, captured in
Singapore in February 1942. First issued in early 1941.
- 991. 70th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940:
- 2/31st Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1946: Raised in
the United Kingdom on 26.6.1940 and was redesignated on
28.10.1940. Disbanded in February 1946. This colour patch was
issued in the UK in 1940 without reference to AHQ.
- 992. 2/31st Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia to unit reinforcements. Superseded by No. 991 in the
Middle East. CCF and
at least one other supplier noted.
- 993. 71st Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940:
- 2/32nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1942: Raised in
the United Kingdom on 26.6.1940 and was redesignated on
28.10.1940. Disbanded in January 1946. This patch was on issue
prior to the end of 1940 and was approved without reference to
AHQ. Superseded by No. 995 in December 1942.
- 994. 2/32nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued only in
Australia to unit reinforcements. Superseded by No. 993 in the
Middle East. CCF
manufacture.
- 995. 2/32nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 996. 72nd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940:
- 2/33rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1940-1946: Raised in
the United Kingdom on 26.6.1940 and was redesignated on
28.10.1940. Disbanded in February 1946. This patch was approved
and issued in the UK without reference to AHQ.
- 997. 2/33rd Aust. Infantry
Battalion: Approved in October 1940
and issued in Australia
to the battalion's reinforcements. It was superseded by No. 996 in
the Middle East. CCF and at least one other manufacturer noted.
- 998. 2/34th Aust. Motor
Battalion: Ref, AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 14520, 7.3.1941. This
unit was allotted to the 1st Aust. Armoured Brigade but was not
subsequently raised. A
full quota of colour patches was supplied for the unit, and was
still held in 2nd BOD in
January 1947. NSW manufactured examples have also been noted,
including one in
the J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM.
- 999. 2/37th Aust. Motor
Battalion: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 14520, 3.7.1941. This
unit was allotted to the 2nd Aust. Armoured Brigade but was not
subsequently raised. A full quota of patches was supplied, and was
still held in 2nd BOD in January 1947.
- 1000. 2/40th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940, and was captured on
Timor in February 1942. The first order for the supply of this
colour patch was placed on 1.8.1940 (MGO Order No. 496). Superseded
by No. 1001 in October 1940.
- 1001. 2/40th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940-1945: The
battalion history (Doomed Battalion, Peter Henning, p. 15.) states
that this colour patch was issued in early August 1940, however this
is considered unlikely, as the battalion themselves did not raise
the issue with HQ Southern Command until late August, and approval
for No. 1001 was not communicated to
them until 30.10.1940. The first batch of 550 pairs was air
freighted to Tasmania on 3.12.1940.
- 1002. 2/43rd
Aust. Infantry Battalion, 1940: Raised
on 1.7.1940, disbanded in January 1946. Superseded by No. 1003 in
October 1940.
- 1003. 2/43rd Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940-1942: Issued
in early December 1940, superseded by No. 1004 in December 1942.
Long, To Benghazi, Appendix 4, incorrectly shows this patch with
dark blue.
- 1004. 2/43rd Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943,
12.3.1943.
- 1005. 2/43rd Aust.
Infantry Battalion: The only
example of this colour patch noted to date is a reproduction,
however this design was accepted for the battalion prior to early
October 1940, when it transferred to the 9th Division. It is shown
for collectors interest, although there is no evidence that it was
ever manufactured or issued.
- 1006. 2/44th Aust. Motor
Battalion: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 14520, 7.3.1941. Allotted
to Support Group, 1st Aust. Armoured Division, although it was not
subsequently raised. A full quota of colour patches was supplied for
the unit and was still held in 2nd BOD in January 1947.
- 1007. 2/48th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940: Raised on
1.7.1940 and disbanded in November 1945. This colour patch was
superseded by No. 1008 in October 1940.
- 1008. 2/48th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940-1942: Superseded
by No. 1009 in December 1942. It has not been possible to ascertain
whether this colour patch was ever issued with a circular grey
background.
- 1009. 2/48th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1942-1945: Auth. GRO 225/1943,
12.3.1943.
Note: In addition to any authorities and references
quoted in the preceding text, the following references also exist to
colour patches for 2nd AIF infantry battalions:
MGO Branch Line Drawings, pp 11, 12: No's 913, 915, 917, 919, 922, 924,
927, 929, 932, 934, 936, 938, 944, 946, 950, 952, 956, 959, 961, 963,
965, 967, 973, 978, 980, 982, 984, 988, 989, 990, 992, 995, 997, 1001,
1004,1009.
Appendix 4, To Benghazi: No's 942, 948, 954, 972, 977, 987, 991, 993,
996, 1003, 1008.
AWM colour patch file card register: 945, 998, 999, 1006.
- 1010. 2/13th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940: An
unofficial colour patch supplied to the battalion at the end of
April 1940 and worn until late May. Superseded by No.
1011.(Reference to No's 1010 and 1011 are given in Bayonets Abroad:
Benghazi to Borneo with the 2113 Battalion, AIF, pp. 507-8,
'Evolution of the Colour Patch'.)
- 1011. 2/13th Aust.
Infantry Battalion, 1940: An
unofficial colour patch supplied to the
battalion at the end of May 1940 and worn until late June 1940,
being superseded by
No. 941 prior to June 22nd. Examples are of compressed felt.
- 1012-1015. Reserved.
Raised on Morotai in October 1945 as
part of 34th Aust. Infantry Brigade Group for occupation duties in
Japan, recruiting from units already serving in the South West Pacific
Area. In late 1948 these battalions were directed to cease wearing
colour patches and to replace them with woven titles bearing the Roman
numerals 'LXV', 'LXVI' and 'LXVII' in gold on a maroon ground. The 65th,
66th, and 67th Aust. Infantry Battalions were redesignated the 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd Battalions, The Australian Regiment, on 23.11.1948, becoming
part of the Australian Regular Army, and were designated the Royal
Australian Regiment on 10.3.1949.
- 1016. 65th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1945-1948: Auth. GRO 292/1945, 23.11.1945. Raised
on 11.10.1945 from volunteers drawn from units of the 7th Aust.
Division, and from the 12th/40th Aust. Infantry Battalion. Still
exists as the 1st Battalion RAR.
- 1017. 66th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1945-1948: Auth. GRO 292/1945, 23.11.1945.
Raised
on 26.10.1945 from volunteers drawn from units of the 9th Aust.
Division and 1st Aust.
Corps Troops. Linked with the 4th Battalion RAR on 15.8.1973, and
unlinked to form
the 2nd Battalion RAR on 1.2.1995.
- 1018. 67th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1945-1949: Auth. GRO 292/1945, 23.11.1945. Raised
on 21.10.1945 from volunteers drawn from units of the 3rd, 6th, and
11th Aust. Divisions. Still in existence as the 3rd Battalion RAR.
Former members of BCOF, Japan, recall that the first sick and
wounded personnel of this battalion returning from Korea in 1950
were still wearing this colour patch on the puggaree of the khaki
felt hat.
- 1019. 67th Aust. Infantry
Battalion, 1948-1949: Shoulder
title adopted as a result of an
AHQ directive in late 1948. It was intended to replace No. 10 18,
but did not entirely,
instead being worn on the sleeve head on both arms of the shirt and
jacket, with the
colour patch being retained on the left arm of the jacket. As far as
is known this unit
was the only one to adopt this form of title, the other two
battalions arriving back in
Australia in December 1948. Examples appear with either yellow or
white embroidered lettering, or gold wire lettering which was
locally supplied in Japan.
- 1020. 1st Aust. Parachute
Battalion, 1943-1946: Ref. MGO Order No. 4141, dated
19.5.1943. Placed with the J and J Cash
Australian Weaving Company Ltd for the initial supply of 2,000
patches. A further order, No. 4840, was placed with the same company
on 14.9.1943 for a further supply of 4,000 colour patches. First
issued on 13.9.1943 and worn on the left arm only in both full size
and miniature. A left arm design was worn on the right hand side of
the puggaree by the company group detached to Singapore during late
1945. Raised on a restricted basis of Battalion HQ, HQ Company, and
two rifle companies in May 1943. A third rifle company was raised in
late 1943 primarily from personnel of the 2/8th Aust. Independent
Company.
- 1021. 1st Aust. Parachute
Battalion: Example held in a
private collection in NSW, and is
believed to be a manufacturer's sample.
- 1022. 1st Aust. Parachute
Battalion: A sample submitted to
LHQ by HQ First Aust. Army in July 1944, with a request from the
battalion that this design be adopted. The request was not approved,
the sample now held in the Australian Archives, Victorian Regional
Office. (AA(Vic): MP 742/1, item 36/2/76.)
- 1023. Reserved.
- 1024. 2/1st Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1939-1946: Auth. Colour chart promulgated
with AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030,21.10.1940. Raised
on 13.11.1940, disbanded in January 1946.
- 1025. 2/2nd Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1940-1942: Auth. Colour chart promulgated
with AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030, 21.10.1940.
Raised on 1.5.1940, disbanded in March 1946. Superseded by No. 1026A
in December 1942.
- 1026A. 2/2nd Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1942-1946: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943.
- 1026B. 2/2nd Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion: Manufacturers error,
appears in full size and miniature examples.
- 1027. 2/3rd Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1940-1946: Auth. Colour chart promulgated
with AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030, 21.10.1940. Raised
on 1.7.1940 and disbanded in January 1946. Captured on Java in March
1942 but reformed from a nucleus that had reached Australia.
- 1028. 2/4th Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1941-1945: Ref MGO Branch Line Drawings,
p. 12. Raised on 23.10.1940, captured in
Singapore in February 1942.
- 1029. 5th Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1943-1944: Auth. GRO 92/1943, 22.1.1943.
Raised in September 1942 from the 'E' (Machine
Gun) Companies of the 33rd, 45th,
46th, 52nd and 59th Aust. Infantry Battalions. Disbanded in May
1944.
- 1030. 5th Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion: Variation, Military
Heraldry Collection, AWM.
- 1031. 6th Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1943-1944: Auth. GRO 92/1943, 22.1.1943. Raised
in September 1942 and disbanded in June 1944.
- 1032. 7th Aust. Machine
Gun Battalion, 1943-1944: Auth. GRO 375/1943, 7.5.1943. Originally
raised in November 1942 from the 'E' (Machine Gun) Companies of the
3rd, 36th, 39th, 49th, 53rd and 55th Aust. Infantry Battalions, and
was unofficially designated the New Guinea Force Machine Gun
Battalion. Disbanded in March 1944. Full size draft GRO drawings
show a I and 5/8ths; inch equilateral triangle, however CCF supplied
samples are 2 and 1/2 inch equilateral triangles.
- 1033. New Guinea Force
Machine Gun Battalion: Example, J.A. Ryan Collection,
AWM. This design was submitted to LHQ by HQ
New Guinea Force for approval in November 1942 but was rejected. The
history of the 7th Aust. Machine Gun Battalion refers to this patch
however, stating that it was approved immediately prior to the
redesignation of the unit in December 1942. An examination of the
correspondence between LHQ and NG Force in relation to the matter
does not support this statement and there is no evidence that it was
ever issued. (AA(Vic)): MP 742/1, item 61/13/74.)
- 19th Aust. Machine Gun
Battalion, 1942-1944: Raised in
August 1942 from the 19th Aust. Machine Gun Regiment and 'E' (MG)
Company, 48th Aust. Infantry Battalion. Retained the colour patch of
the former 19th Light Horse Regiment. See AUST. LIGHT HORSE, No.
465.
- 1034. 2/1st Aust. Pioneer
Battalion, 1940-1946: Auth. Colour chart promulgated with
AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030, 21.10.1940. Raised on
1.5.1940, disbanded in
January 1946. This colour patch was also worn by the 2/1st Aust.
Special Pioneer
Company during 1942, see AUST. ARMY LABOUR SERVICE.
- 1035. 2/2nd Aust. Pioneer
Battalion, 1940-1945: Auth. Colour chart promulgated with
AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030, 21.10.1940. Raised on
1.5.1940 and disbanded in
November 1945. This unit was captured in Java in March 1942 but was
reformed
from a nucleus which had reached Australia. This colour patch was
also worn by the
2/2nd Aust. Special Pioneer Company during 1942, see AUST. ARMY
LABOUR
SERVICE.
- 1036. 2/3rd Aust. Pioneer
Battalion, 1940-1946: Auth. Colour chart promulgated with
AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 70030, 21.10.1940. Raised on
1.7.1940 and disbanded in
March 1946.
- 1037. 2/3rd Aust. Pioneer
Battalion: Example, J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM. Approval
for the adoption of this design to represent the shape of the 9th
Aust. Division, to which the battalion was then attached, was sought
by HQ First Aust. Army on 9.8.1944. Approval was not given, nor was
this patch issued and worn, although the battalion association has
stated that it has been the subject of lively discussion amongst its
members in the past, and it is noted that it is carried on the
Pioneer Association banner in Queensland on Anzac Days.
- 1038. 2/3rd Aust. Pioneer
Battalion: Variation, Military Heraldry Collection, AWM.
- 1039. 2/4th Aust. Pioneer
Battalion, 1941-1946: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 53722,
28.7.1941. This memo advised that the initial
order for the supply of this colour patch
had been placed with the CCF. Raised on 1. 1. 194 1, disbanded in
January 1946.
- 1040. 20th Aust. Pioneer
Battalion, 1945: Auth. GRO 187/1945, 13.7.1945. Formed
by the
reorganization and redesignation of the 20th Aust. Motor Regiment in
February 1945,
and disbanded in September 1945.
- - Torres Strait Pioneer
Company, 1944-1945: Raised in mid
1943 from indigenous
Torres Strait Islanders and was disbanded in January 1945. A request
for the allotment
of a colour patch was submitted to LHQ in February 1944 and it is
believed that No.
409 was then issued and worn by the unit.
- Special Pioneer Companies,
1942: See AUST. ARMY LABOUR SERVICE.
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