2nd 1st Pioneer Battalion Colour Patch Australia

[Lionelgee]

Hello All,

I noticed that there is someone on eBay that is selling 2nd 1st Pioneer Battalion Colour patches. Does anyone know how accurate they are colour size, and layout wise?

My Grandfather served with the 2nd 1st according to his military records he was at both Tobruk and New Guinea.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/180611318...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Mike Cecil]

Lionel,

The link you have provided shows the 2/1st Aust Infantry Battalion colour patch, which appears correct for that Battalion. It does state that it is a reproduction.

The 2/1st Aust Pioneer Battalion used a triangular colour patch, grey outer edge (as per 2nd AIF patches), surrounding a white triangle outline with a purple inner solid triangle at its centre.

Hope that clarifies things for you a little.

Mike

[Private_collector]

He seller is reputable. Looks like he has advertised as one thing, but pulled the info for Pioneers to add to his listing. May be an oversight on his part?

[Mike Cecil]

Can't comment on the seller - try not to use Evil Bay, so have no idea.

The header is '2/1st AIF Battalion', but as you say, the text at the bottom says 2/1st Pioneer Bn, which does not correspond with the patch shown (2/1st Inf Bn). Probably an error, but at least Lionel now knows the patch isn't what he's after.

Mike

[Lionelgee]

Hello Mike and Tony,

Thanks for the clarification.

Mike the last time I checked the 2/1st Pioneers' did not have the "war diaries" online - unlike other battalions that are available through the AWM site. Are they getting around to putting it online; or do you think that since is has not happened by now that it won't be happening?

What TAC plates and features would have appeared on the 2/1st Pioneers trucks in 1940?

I found this link which shows the triangle http://www.pioneerbattalion.com.au/styled/styled-5/

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Lionel,

I've been away from the AWM for 5 years now (doesn't time fly?) so am well out of the loop regarding priorities. The best bet is to contact the Research Centre by email at info@awm.gov.au and ask if AWM52 8/6 Pioneer Battalions -are on their digitisation program and if so, when they are scheduled for completion and release to the website. I see they have already got an RCDIG number (RCDIG1019052) which might mean they have been done already, just not released yet. Worth asking.

The only other alternatives are buy a copy or visit the AWM and read/copy on site. I'd suggest it might be cheaper to buy a copy than make the pilgrimage to Canberra.

According to AMF HQ SM2809 of 15 July 1940 (the earliest marking ref I have for 2/1st Pioneers) they were allotted to 1 Aust Corps. Their unit sign was a red background with the numbers '37' superimposed in white. Across the top of the sign plate was a 2 inch deep white band, indicating Corps Troops (1 Aust Corps did not have an approved Formation sign at that time). It was the same sign as on 18/1/1941, but by 5/12/1941, the number had changed to 261, and the background colour to black. Still allotted to 1 Aust Corps.

Best regards

Mike