susan kitchen Posted 11 February , 2015 Share Posted 11 February , 2015 I recently saw the film Testament of Youth. In one scene i caught a glimpse of the back of Vera Brittain's brother Edward as he got into a truck. He joined the 10th Sherwood Forresters. I'm sure i saw a black cross high up between his shoulder blades. From the glimpse i caught it looked quite Germanic. Am i right and if so does anyone know what it 's about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Broomfield Posted 11 February , 2015 Share Posted 11 February , 2015 Sounds like a representation of the regimental badge, worn as an identifier. Quite common. (Or a target, of course). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susan kitchen Posted 11 February , 2015 Author Share Posted 11 February , 2015 Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 11 February , 2015 Share Posted 11 February , 2015 I recently saw the film Testament of Youth. In one scene i caught a glimpse of the back of Vera Brittain's brother Edward as he got into a truck. He joined the 10th Sherwood Forresters. I'm sure i saw a black cross high up between his shoulder blades. From the glimpse i caught it looked quite Germanic. Am i right and if so does anyone know what it 's about? They are known as Battle Badges (or Insignia) Susan and began to be used in an organised way before the Battle of the Somme that began on 1st July 1916. They were often positioned on the back and the intent seems to have been so that so-called 'contact patrols' from the Royal Flying Corps could report the progress of the advance as it moved forwards. The badges (often also on the arms) were intended to show regiment, battalion, brigade and division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susan kitchen Posted 12 February , 2015 Author Share Posted 12 February , 2015 Thank you for the information. Think i was a bit startled as if i'm right the cross looked like something a German soldier would have had. At least it doesn't sound as though i was seeing things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 12 February , 2015 Share Posted 12 February , 2015 Thank you for the information. Think i was a bit startled as if i'm right the cross looked like something a German soldier would have had. At least it doesn't sound as though i was seeing things. It seems to have taken the form of the cross that was the central feature of the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) cap badge, Susan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 12 February , 2015 Share Posted 12 February , 2015 Some of the Divisional patches normally seen on the top of soldiers arms were worn between the shoulder blades - and hence aren't seen on many photographs! Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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