Hi I am researching family history. Can anyone inform me if the 2/5 battalion Lancashire fusiliers who landed in Normandy 29th June 1944 had a formation patch or any other insignia. My father was a private in this btn and a stretcher bearer and we are trying to find out what his uniform would have been like. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Have a look here. 59th (Staffordshire) Division in WWII This photo shows men of LF. You can see the 'pit head' sign of 59th Div of their sleeve. THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORMANDY 1944
Thank you so much. You have been so helpful. We obtained dads service records and from 29th June we can now see all the battle info. So the Lancs fusiliers would have worn the 'pit head' insignia it seems of the Staffs Reg. Kind regards.
No. Pithead is the divisional insignia not the Staffs Regiment insignia. See the order of battle on that first link I gave. On his sleeve he would have "Lancashire Fusiliers " shoulder title at the very top. Then the 59th Div Pithead divisional sign. Under that would be 3 horizontal red arm of service strips to denote an infantry battalion in the junior brigade of that division.
Thanks again for that. Would the beret to the uniform be black or dark navy. I have tried researching this but have come up with conflicting opinions. Also I take it the LF hackle cap and lapel badges would be present.
They would have worn khaki General Service caps in 1944. https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/general-service-cap-gs-cap-gs-beret-by-kay-headdress.html Berets as you described are Post-war.