Reviews
Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander Afghanistan
Himself an old soldier, Graham Bandy possesses a profound knowledge of military badges, accoutrements and traditions. I have several times been in awe of his correction of my own erroneous identifications of regiments, time periods and locations, often through the most obscure detail. I know of many others, including experts themselves, who also turn to Graham for an authoritative answer. As he points out in the introduction, few if any books of this sort are either fully comprehensive in their listing or without error in their identification. I can say with complete confidence that you will find no such errors or omissions here. This fascinating and impressively-researched volume will become an invaluable resource for all on a quest to find out about family members who served as well as those who have a fascination with the details of British military h
Peter Hart well respected military author and historian
This book is a boon to all those with a great interest in the military history of the Twentieth Century, but no knowledge - or interest in - regimental badges and uniforms. We so-called historians are often asked to look at a picture of some half-forgotten relative and identify the unit he was serving, sometimes even the rough date it was taken. For me the answer, without really looking as there was really no point as I don’t know anything – was always, ‘Sorry! No idea!’ Now Graham Bandy had provided the answer. What we have needed is not some encyclopaedic tome of the millions of badges in arbitrary order of precedence of the British Army, these already exist; but to be honest you have to already know the answer before you can find it. Now we have a practical tool to swiftly and surely identify what exactly it is we are looking at – assuming that the picture is of sufficient high definition or has not been recoloured to oblivion. Graham has listed them in the old army fashion ‘say what you see’. What does the badge actually show? If it looks like a lion then look under the ‘Lion’ chapter. Oooh look – there it is – the Herefordshire Light Infantry badge from 1947 – who would have thought it! I certainly wouldn’t! This book is an invaluable ‘tool of the trade’ for anyone trying to identify or interpret photos. At last I will be able to help those ‘curious’ people who are misguided enough to think I am an expert. I will direct them to a copy of this book - and all will be well! Thank you Graham!