Unknown British item

**busman** · 09-12-2015, 01:30 PM

Hi this came with a British Desert campaign helmet I have, does anyone know what it's for, I thought maybe worn around the waist by mine clearance engineers as I.D.

**ynot** · 09-12-2015, 08:48 PM

That's really interesting and I hope someone can answer you as I'd like to know too.

Tony

**busman** · 09-12-2015, 09:03 PM

Here's the helmet it came with, I have posted it on here a while ago. Good job it's not German as it would be branded a fake with dodgy tool marks and scratches .

**Jerry B** · 09-12-2015, 09:50 PM

POW number?

Obviously it is on an airtex belt from a bush jacket. Interesting item.

**busman** · 09-14-2015, 08:11 PM

Any ideas to what it may be.

**Ubique** · 09-15-2015, 02:54 AM

Very puzzling. If they made over 7,000 of these then why have we not seen one before? Not an RE item that I recognise. Any clues inside the sleeve? The belt itself could just possibly be a red herring.
Would the IWM reply if you sent them an email?

Oz.

**GeneralPutnam** · 09-15-2015, 03:43 AM

Taking a couple of shots here ( I don't know a great deal about British items)
did the British have any armored id #'s like some german panzers?
even if that is the case who would carry around a number patch- just taking a shot

**busman** · 09-15-2015, 04:13 AM

The IWM is a route I hadn't thought of. I will send off an email . Many thanks for the info. I haven't taken it off the belt but will do to see if any clues inside.

**GeneralPutnam** · 09-15-2015, 06:49 AM

where did you source it? if its a vets family they may jave an idea or pics. this is quite the puzzle. people didnt just go walking around with a random number on a patch especially one that has decent workmanship. there is a definite reason for that patch/sleeve.
Im gonna keep taking some shots
is It some type of unit marking for a leader like a sargent for people to assemble to?
is it backlight reactive?

also construction- it was machine sewn but the person who did it was clearly a novice as has overhanging numbers ect.

This is about the level I am able to sew too. the numbers are on there, dont worry how it looks

**busman** · 09-15-2015, 08:46 AM

I have removed from the belt and turned inside out , but nothing written to give an idea to its meaning , interestingly when removed from the belt, the belt itself has a permanent fold where the patch has been slipped over, looks as though the two have been together a while.Also no modern man made threads present.