CWGC Headstones - Cap Badge variations

[Chris]

One of those puzzling questions that came up in a conversation a few weeks back and that no one knew the answer. The Lincolnshire Regt had two slightly different badges; the regular/new army Battalions containing the word Egypt on the scroll whilst the Territorial battalions do not include the word Egypt. Yet on all the headstones i have seen the word Egypt is included, as per the two examples below(1 x regular and 1 x Terrier) and we wondered why and how this decision was reached when the designs of headstones was being agreed on. Was it a matter of cost /time etc? Does the same happen with other Regiments with slight variations in badge design?

Also noticed that from the two examples that the layout and design of the headstone are slightly different, one with badge in the cross and one with the badge seperate from the cross and again wondered why?

Cheers

Chris

[Terry Denham]

The style and layout of the badges was entirely the decision of each regiment post-war.

Presumably, each unit had its own reasons for selecting one or other of the two available styles - the Broad Cross or the Latin Cross.

[Chris]

Terry.

Much obliged for the super quick informative answer.

Chris

[PhilB]

I think that a man would wear his battalion badge but that wouldn`t mean he wasn`t also entiled to use the regimental badge, on cards and blazers for example, if he so wished? Perhaps the gravestone badges are the same - all embracing within the regiment. Though there are battalion badges among some regiment`s stones, IIRC. Either or? Phil B

[Terry Denham]

It is worth noting that all headstone badges were specially designed for the purpose and do not necessarily match exactly those worn on uniforms.

Also, until post WW2, all badges were hand engraved and there are minor differences between examples of the same badge. The latest laser cut versions often differ substantially from the older versions.

[stiletto_33853]

Here's a piece that might be of interest on this subject from the 1918 Rifle Brigade Chronicles.

The Imperial War Graves Commission.

Early in 1919 the design for the Regimental Crest, which the War Graves Commission proposed to engrave on the headstones of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and men of the Rifle Brigade buried in the Military Cemeteries abroad, was forwarded to the Regimental authorities for their approval and was eventually sent to me. On examination I found that there were at least seven errors or omissions (among the latter the word Peninsula) and in consequence, I re-drew the badge (or Crest) and submitted this drawing, together with my criticisms, to the authorities. In doing this I had to be guided by the instructions of the War Graves Commission, which were based on the methods of reproduction decided upon. These were as follows:-

(1) The carving will be flat and carved by hand (on stone) of the silhouette type, with only such modelling as necessary, in order to bring out the detail.

(2) The designs have to be treated on bold lines in order to obtain the distinctive characters of the Crest, the firm line detail being omitted, as not being considered to warrant the inclusion of it in executing the work.

It was obvious that it would have been impossible in the face of these instructions to show the "Battle Honours" on the limbs of the Cross or on the "scrolls" wound round the laurel Wreath. Also, in the design sent by the Commission the Crown surmounted the Badge not only was of a pattern never carried by the Regiment at any period of its history, but it had been greatly reduced in size, so as to minimize the height of the headstone.

Bearing these points in mind, I designed a Badge which, while complying with these requirements, was strictly of Regimental pattern, but with a somewhat reduced Crown and showing only three inscriptions, namely: RIFLE BRIGADE in the centre of the Cross with WATERLOO above and PENINSULA below - all other lettering being omitted.

This drawing I duly submitted and on 27 May received a reply from the Vice-Chairman of the Imperial War Graves Commission acknowledging the receipt of "the Badge Design of the Rifle Brigade," and adding:-

"The Commission much appreciate the trouble you have taken in this matter and I am to inform you that the necessary modifications will be made in this design."

It will be gratifying to all who have lost those near and dear to them in the Rifle Brigade to know that the places where they lie will be marked by a suitable Badge of the Regiment in whose honour, whilst fighting for their King and Country, they laid down their lives.

A rough hand-sketch of the Badge, as thus approved by the Commission, is given here.

[stiletto_33853]

The actual headstone

[TD60]

Around this topic I had alredy collected some details here.

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...showtopic=35869

For the 8th battalion liverpool regiment i have found a special badge on headstone but .... WW2.

So I cannot confirm for WW1.

Kind regards

[Guest KevinEndon]

check this out

http://www.inmemories.com/emblems.htm

pierre is a forum member who has a passion for cemeteries

kevin

[TD60]

Here you have a quite complete list for infantry:

http://perso.orange.fr/tanneguy.desplanque.../infanterie.htm

Regards