| Place | Middle East: French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, Lebanon, Beirut Tripoli Area, Beirut |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25377 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Metal |
| Location | Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 1 - Mediterranean: Lebanon-Syria |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | c 1940-1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Helmet badge for Machine Gun Group troops : Vichy France
Description
Blackened metal helmet badge with an embossed face of Medusa with radiating rays behind the head. The letters RF (Republique Francaise) are located beneath the head.
History / Summary
This badge was acquired by NX525 Lieutenant Hugh Gregory Quail, a crew commander, A Squadron, 6 Division Cavalry Regiment, 2nd AIF. It was collected from a Vichy French Army Barracks on the first day of the occupation of Beirut by AIF Forces on 16 July 1941. Lieutenant Quail's Bren Gun Carrier and crew were amongst the first troops to enter the city on that day.