Thompson Submachine Gun Patch

[milgunsguy]

I have one of those blue-and-gold patches refered to as the "tombstone patch" on page 217 of the book Thompson, The American Legend by Hill. Condition is unissued.

What is the significance and value of such a patch?

[RCS]

1217212173Got this belt and belt buckle from a friend at Gun Digest years ago, very heavy too

[pmclaine]

I thought I saw something recently about a British special ops group in WWII used a patch with the Thompson featured - perhaps SBS . I dont recall colors used or shape of the patch.

[usmc69]

I thought I saw something recently about a British special ops group in WWII used a patch with the Thompson featured - perhaps SBS . I dont recall colors used or shape of the patch.

British Commando's. I have a book named COMBINED OPERATIONS - The Offical Story of the Commandos. On the cover and the title page is an Anchor, with an Eagle on the top and a Thompson on the shank. David Niven was a commando http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Niven

[pmclaine]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:British_Commandos_Patch.jpg

Not the way I remembered it but similar.

[Sarge]

It is an American/British combined operations patch. They came in red, blue and white - If I remember correktly.
You will find photos of them on both Army & Navy personel, possibly also Marine? I've seen them on Navy enlisted jumper sleves.
Sarge

[Sean P Gilday]

Its proper US Name is the "Amphibious Forces" Shoulder sleeve insignia. In British service used for Combined Operations.

Blue with Gold is the US Army Insignia
Red with Gold the US Navy version

The American Naval Amphibious forces shoulder insignia is embroidered on a scarlet background of the same colour as the scarlet chevrons of a rating badge. The badge was approved by the Secretary of the Navy in BUPERS Circ LTR-44 on June 15th 1944. It was worn at the top of the left arm only. The authorisation to wear the insignia terminated with the individuals detachment from the Amphibious Forces.

[Weasel]

That was the patch that my dad had, Gold on Blue for Army. He was with the 458 Amphibious Truck Co. The was DUKW driver from Ohoma beach the early morning of June 6 to the end.

[JBinIll]

I have one of those blue-and-gold patches refered to as the "tombstone patch" on page 217 of the book Thompson, The American Legend by Hill. Condition is unissued.

What is the value of such a patch?

These are available from several dealers in NOS unused condition in the $15 to $18 price range.