Malcolm Atkin Military Research
Badges of the GHQ Auxiliary Units
From the outset in 1940 it was considered imprtant that the Operational Branch of the Auxiliary Units should be uniformed and badged, to establish their legal military status and to emphasise their distinction from the earlier civilian Home Defence Scheme of SIS Section D. The late August progress report to the Prime Minister was even delayed until 11 September until a supply issue (highlighted earlier by the CO, Colin Gubbins) had been resolved. Gubbins had earlier reported ‘uniforms have been made available for the use of Auxiliary Units. A proportion of the Home Guard of Auxiliary Units already have uniforms, but it is most important that the remainder should be allotted at an early date.’ At this stage the uniform was the current Home Guard denim battledress (originaly designed as overalls for dirty working), replace in early 1941 by the standard serge battledress.
The situation was different with the local civilian operatives of the Intelligence wing (Special Duties Branch), but these could only operate with the support of uniformed Auxiliary Units (Signals).
REGIMENTAL CAP BADGE
The right to wear a regimental cap badge is jealously guarded in the British Army but was granted to the Home Guard in 1940 as a measure of its status as part of the 'Armed Forces of the Crown', when the standard forage cap began to be issued. Regimental cap badges were consequently also worn by the Operational Patrols of the Auxiliary Units, which retained their status as part of the Home Guard.
SHOULDER TITLES
The operational patrols wore the standard Home Guard shoulder titles on their serge battledress (introduced throughout the Home Guard from January 1941 to replace denim battledress).
RANK CHEVRONS
As part of the concern to maintain legality under the Hague Convention, the Operational Branch had an organised rank structure, with patrol sergeants wearing the standard chevrons.
GHQ Reserve Battalion numerals
Worn from from 1942 on the battledress blouse below the standard Home Guard county code letters. The battalions were numbered 201 (Scotland) and 202 (North and Midlands) and 203 (Sothern England). The importance of being able to recognise uniform distinctions in enemy soldiers was stressed throughout the war and so these battalion numerals made the Auxiliary Units immediately recognisable.
GHQ formation badge
Worn on the battledress blouse sleeve by Royal Signals and ATS personnel of the Special Duties Branch.
Intelligence Corps officer's cap badge
Intelligence Officers of the Auxiliary Units recruited from SIS or from the officer's reserve were frequently badged to the Intelligence Corps (formed in July 1940). Other officers wore their existing regimental cap badges.
ATS officer's cap badge
A number of officers from the ATS were recruited as wireless operators at the IN Stations of the Special Duties Branch.
Royal Signals other ranks cap badge
Royal Signals Other Ranks were also recruited as wireless operators at the IN Stations of the Special Duties Branch and also maintained the wireless sets as part of the Auxiliary Units (Signals).
The Auxiliary Units Veterans lapel badge
In 1944 the Auxiliary Units volunteers were offered the opportunity to purchase (for 6d each) a commemorative lapel badge - but this was only to be worn once hostilities had ceased. It was finally distributed in 1946. The badge was not offered to the members of the Special Duties Branch, reflecting the disjointed nature of the organisation and the continuing interest of SIS in the secxrecy of the SDB.
The design is a red and blue shield and features the numerals of the three GHQ Reserve battalions 201, 202 and 203 (the official designation of the Auxiliary Units).
Fake versions of the badge, together with spurious cloth arm badges featuring the design, are now being offered for sale on ebay and in some auction houses. Buyer Beware!
To be clear, this badge was never worn during the lifetime of the Auxiliary Units. Its design was never used as a shoulder patch (as some modern replicas imply).