Infantryman identification badges

[Wall]

This may appear to be a very basic question for which I have yet to find the answer. Using as an example the 9th Devons, what badges/insignia would a private soldier have on his uniform/greatcoat etc at the start of the Somme offensive to denote Division, Brigade, Battalion etc.

[FROGSMILE]

On 09/01/2025 at 17:59, Wall said:

This may appear to be a very basic question for which I have yet to find the answer. Using as an example the 9th Devons, what badges/insignia would a private soldier have on his uniform/greatcoat etc at the start of the Somme offensive to denote Division, Brigade, Battalion etc.

According to David Bilton’s excellent book - “The Badges of Kitcheners Army - as members of 25th Infantry Division, the 9th Bn Devon’s wore a red bar on the back of their collars and a red horseshoe just beneath it (both therefore on the back of the jacket) and a cap badge on the front of their steel helmets.  Photos of 9th Battalion soldiers show that typically they were issued with the 1914 leather emergency equipment.  There is a booklet available from the Dorchester museum that covers the history of the battalion.

images below from websearch and the quoted book under fair usage.

 

Edited 10 January by FROGSMILE

[Wall]

Many thanks for responding. Its very helpful. I will obtain a copy of David Bilton's book. 

[FROGSMILE]

11 hours ago, Wall said:

Many thanks for responding. Its very helpful. I will obtain a copy of David Bilton's book. 

There is a similar book for regular battalions and both are profusely illustrated.  A publication covering the T.F. is in train too.

[Michelle Young]

I hesitate to contradict my learned friend, but at the start of the Somme offensive, 9th Devons  were in 7th Division. 

[FROGSMILE]

4 hours ago, Michelle Young said:

I hesitate to contradict my learned friend, but at the start of the Somme offensive, 9th Devons  were in 7th Division. 

Yes, it does show that to be so in the opening paragraph of the extract from David Bilton’s book that I posted.  I paraphrased what it says there concerning the only known badges worn by the 9th Devon’s during the offensive as a whole, and left the interpretation of the clear text, up to the inquirer.  I think he was just looking for general examples and used the 9th as an example.  I recommended the book precisely because it covers all the units and thus will give the inquirer the background information that he appears to be seeking.