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1. CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY - In France |
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Manufactured in
Britain at some time after the arrival of the Czechoslovak soldiers in
July 1940 and issued in commemoration of the Czechoslovak Army in France
(1939-40).
Upper part of
badge formed by shield with Czechoslovak state emblem topped by words
"CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY", lower part by French style helmet with leaves
behind.
Back has maker's mark on lower
part, "H.W.MILLER LTD. B'HAM.18", and vertical pin fastening for
attachment. |
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Images showing front and back of
the 3 variants of this badge:
(a) Partial relief on back with maker's mark (bottom left of both
images)
(b) Full relief on back without maker's mark (top right of both images)
(c) Solid with maker's mark (bottom right of both images) |
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Close-up of maker's marks on back
of badges:
Left - Variant (a)
Right - Variant (c) |
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2. Pěší Pluk 2
- 1940 - AGDE - Enamelled |
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3. Pěší Pluk 2
- 1940 - AGDE - Plain |
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4. SPO 1940 |
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5. CZECHOSLOVAK ARTILLERY -
ENGLAND - 1940 - Enamelled |
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6. CZECHOSLOVAK ARTILLERY -
ENGLAND - 1940 - Plain |
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7. CZECHOSLOVAK FIELD AMBULANCE
- ENGLAND - 1940 - Enamelled |
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8. CZECHOSLOVAK FIELD AMBULANCE
- ENGLAND - 1940 - Plain |
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9. VERNOST ZA VERNOST -
FAITHFULNESS FOR FAITHFULNESS - ČESKOSLOVENSKO - ENGLAND - 1940 -
Enamelled with triangular surround |
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10. VERNOST ZA VERNOST -
FAITHFULNESS FOR FAITHFULNESS - ČESKOSLOVENSKO - ENGLAND - 1940 - Plain
in circular form |
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11. CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY
ABROAD - DISCHARGED |
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12. CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY
- WE MARCH ON - FAITHFUL TO OURSELVES FAITHFUL TO BRITAIN |
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In bronze coloured
metal, the main area of the badge shows a shield with Czechoslovak state
emblem, topped by the words "WE MARCH ON". To the left is the date "28
IX 1940" (St. Wenceslas' day, new Czechoslovak Brigade was still at
Cholmondeley) with underneath "FAITHFUL TO OURSELVES FAITHFUL TO
BRITAIN". At the very bottom the words "CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY".
No maker's mark on back. Two lugs,
at top and bottom, for attachment, here slightly offset. |
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This variant darker with lugs on
back in line, not offset. |
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13. ČESKOSLOVENSKO -
IT'S MY LAND - ALL CZECHS' COUNTRY |
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Central area of
badge formed by outline map of Czechoslovakia with "Ceskoslovensko"
across it. Locations of Prague and Bratislava marked by dots with name
alongside. Above and to left is top of shield with Czechoslovak state
emblem with leaves behind. Above and to right is outline view of Prague
castle with clouds and sun-rays behind. Around bottom of badge are the
words "IT'S MY LAND ALL CZECHS' COUNTRY".
The same basic design of outline
map with Prague Castle was used as the basis for a special cancellation
stamp by the Czechoslovak Field Post Office dated 15/03/1941 to mark the second anniversary of the
German invasion of the
rump-Czechoslovakia.
Back has makers mark "H.W.MILLER
LTD. B'HAM.18" and horizontal pin fastening for attachment.
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Comes in hinged cardboard box -
blue patterned with white top edges. White attached base with text "H.W.MILLER,
LTD.", "Badge Manufacturers and Medallists", "116 & 118, BRANSTON
STREET, BIRMINGHAM 18, ENGLAND". Inside base has blue pad for badge,
inside lid is cream with blue lettering "In memory of a Czechoslovak
soldier - Great Britain 1941".
Clearly produced to be given by
as a token of friendship. Wording "In memory of..."
inside lid might be better as "To remind you of...". For all of 1941 the
Czechoslovak Brigade was based around Leamington Spa, just to the south of
Birmingham. |
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14. CZECHOSLOVAKIA - V FOR
VICTORY |
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Circular enamelled
badge with central feature of a golden "V" for Victory separating 3
areas in the Czechoslovak national colours (blue, red and white).
The "V" is surmounted by the word
"CZECHOSLOVAKIA" on a white background, while a golden branch lies
across it lower down.
The back has a horizontal pin
fastening across the top. Around the edge are the words "ISSUED
BY THE CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY" with in the centre the year "1941".
A variation of this badge has
the position of the red and white side areas reversed, "CZECHOSLOVAKIA"
in larger lettering, and on the back an almost vertical pin without fastening. |
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This variant with different style
of pin hinge on back. |
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15. ČSR - V FOR VICTORY |
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