51 (Highland) Division

[KENDO]

Hi all,

 

Can anyone tell me the correct orientation of the stripes in the 51 (Highland) Division please.

 

I understand in 1916 officers wore them horizontally and other ranks vertically.

 

In 1917/18, this was changed to according to one source to them being worn vertically all ranks, except the 1/7 Black Watch who wore them horizontally. Another source says that they wore them vertically in 152 and 153 brigades and horizontally in 154 Brigade.

 

Thank you.

 

Best regards,

 

Kendo

[Gareth Davies]

I am sure that @Steven Broomfield will know the answer but while we wait for him to pop along, which stripes are you talking about?

[Steven Broomfield]

This thread HERE is as good as anything. It is pretty confusing and changed over the period of the war, but you should find an answer in there.

[KENDO]

Hi Gareth,

The stripes are the division's scheme of battle patches. Brigades were distinguished by colour - red, dark blue and light blue and the four infantry battalions wore between 1-4 stripes according to regimental seniority.

Best regards,

Kendo

[KENDO]

Hi Steven,

 

Thank you very much for the link to the thread. It's a bit contradictory the info. It would be a help to everybody if  the changeover from officers and other ranks wearing opposing stripes/bars to all ranks wearing the same stripes bars could be pinned down narrower than late 1917 or early 1918.

 

Best regards,

Kendo

[o j kirby]

Hello,

 

In my experience, I have seen photos of the battalion bars in either position, horizontal and vertical. I have never heard of this being rank specific.

 

Owain.

[KENDO]

Hi,

Yes, originally they were rank specific - officers horizontal and ORs vertical until sometime in late 1917/early 1918 when they became vertical all ranks supposedly!

Best regards,

Kendo