My father was a lieutenant leading the East Sussex Scout Section in Auxiliary Units. They normally wore no formation sign. However he visited Northease Manor which was probably an army HQ of some kind (Maybe Canadian). The photograph was taken outside the Manor shows my father wearing an unusual formation. Why and what is the cloth patch he is wearing? Any help appreciated Thank you - Bala
The badge is 4 Corps. Cole: Chosen by Auchinleck Feb 1940, taken from his own Regt. 1st punjabi. Might be of interest. 4 Corps seems to have been Sussex command for a while: Sussex Recovery Company - Home Guard
for a longer discussion perhaps....in the multiple war diaries I've seen, they "all" state '5' not 'V'.... an example here:
Can find a couple of mentions of Northease Manor (now a school) in WW2. The estate was owned by the Marquess of Abergavenny’s family for many years until 1919. During WWII, the Manor was used as a recuperation base by Canadian troops and was bought by a Captain Hastings in 1947. School History and this about the Firle Aux Patrol The first entry was made on 5 October 1941 and mentions a rally at Northease Manor. At this event Captain John Gwynn mapped out the autumn and winter programme for the Patrols. He also gave his farewell speech on this day and introduced his successor Captain Bond. Firle Patrol | British Resistance Archive (staybehinds.com)
Sorry I don't know which Canadian unit was at Northease. As you know there were Canadians all over Sussex & the Firle Aux Patrol's Diary talks of Canadians finding their hide out when digging trenches & of exercises against Canadians. I believe that Canadian Engineers built some of the hideouts, but that of the nearest patrol, Rodmell is given as built by Royal Engineers. Rodmell Patrol | British Resistance Archive (staybehinds.com)
Are you saying that the manor was being used as a form of hospital? I was expecting a headquarters which was why my father an officer with Auxiliary Units went there.
That's what the school website says that Clive linked to. (Did you follow the link ?) 》School History 《 Northease Manor School The estate was owned by the Marquess of Abergavenny’s family for many years until 1919. During WWII, the Manor was used as a recuperation base by Canadian troops and was bought by a Captain Hastings in 1947. David Carter purchased the property in 1962, with a view to creating a school.
Me old fruit have a gander at the School History maybe give them a bell next week.They might have a bit more info "During WWII, the Manor was used as a recuperation base by Canadian troops" So assume injured/wounded/mental illness etc so they could take time out. That is not to say it was not used by other units but their website states Canadian for recuperation
