Formed in early 1943 from units of the British West African Colonies. The design represents the Ashanti mythical figure of Ananse the spider. The division transferred to India in August 1943 and almost immediatley seen action in Burma. Many Japanese prisoners taken in the Arakan region of Burma told their interrogators that the West African's were the "best jungle fighters" In addition one brigade from this division fought with the Chindits. A nicely padded pair of patches with pin reverse for easy removal to clean the uniform. It should be noted that British formation signs were worn in pairs on the uniform.

 

reverse

 

 

 

 

That is a sad spider but a cracking pair of formation signs!

 

-Ski

Thanks Ski,

 

I should point out that this pair started out as simply printed. They were over sewn and padded in India by a wallah or seamstress,.. likely in one of the Indian markets serving the allied forces. this pair would have been for a bit dressier occasion and uniform.