First Army Formation Signs

[Gunslinger]

The British First Army was formed to command the American and British land forces that landed as part of Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa, in Morocco and Algeria on 8 November 1942. The First Army headquarters was formally activated on 9 November 1942 when Lieutenant-General Sir Kenneth Anderson arrived in Algiers to assume command of the redesignated Eastern Task Force.

The First Army initially consisted of American and British formations. After the surrender of French forces following the German abrogation of their armistice agreement with Vichy France, French units were also added to the First Army's order of battle. It eventually consisted of four corps, the US II Corps, the British V Corps, British IX Corps and French XIX Corps.

Supported by elements of XII Tactical Air Command and No. 242 Group RAF, the First Army carried the main weight of General Sir Harold Alexander's 18th Army Group's offensive to conclude the Tunisian Campaign and the clearance of the Axis forces from North Africa. The victory was won in May 1943 in a surrender that in numbers of captured enemy troops was equal to the surrender at Stalingrad. The First Army was disbanded in July 1943, with most units reassigned to the Eighth Army.

 

Some embroidered versions worn by the First Army

 

Printed version made by Calico printers

 

Slip on Shoulder titles with Russian braid on Khaki drill

 

CDub

[Proud Kraut]

Great insignia, thanks for sharing. I have a similar one with blue background, have to dig out the designation.

[teamski]

Great insignia, thanks for sharing. I have a similar one with blue background, have to dig out the designation.

 

 

You are probably referring to the Rhine Army Troops formation sign aka HQ 21st Army Group. Nice patches Gunslinger!

 

 

-Ski

[Proud Kraut]

 

 

You are probably referring to the Rhine Army Troops formation sign aka HQ 21st Army Group. Nice patches Gunslinger!

 

 

-Ski

I see, thanks Ski, that's it!

[Gunslinger]

There are several different variation of 21st Army Group Insignia, i'll start new thread showing some.

 

Thanks Ski, the First Army aren't the most valuable but nonetheless genuine pieces for those who have an interest in learning British FS.

 

CDub