| Place | Middle East: French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon, Lebanon, Beirut Tripoli Area, Beirut |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25372 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Brass |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | c 1940-1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Marksmans badge: Light Machine Gun, Vichy France
Description
Prix de Tir Fusil-Mitralleur Chauchat (Sharp Shooting Prize for a light machine gun) brass badge depicting crossed Chauchat Model 1915 Light Machine Guns with a chain attached to each butt stock.
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 the AIF on 16 July 1941. Lieutenant Quail's Bren Gun Carrier and crew were amongst the first troops to enter the city on that day. Issued by the Vichy French administration.