Scarce WW2 Sudan Ordnance Corps Pagri Tropical Helmet Badge

An attractive and scarce well made local cast brass badge with original pagri pin fixing. Nice original condition (worn from 1940s to 1955). 3.8cm tall and 3.5cm wide.

It is little known, but the Libyan Desert was the scene of one of the greatest logistical feats of WW2. After the capture of Kufra by Leclerc in February 1941 it became apparent, that the French have neither the manpower nor the logistical capability to maintain a garrison, and the task fell on the Sudan Defence Force. All supplies for the subsequent two years had to be trucked in from Wadi Halfa on the Nile, accross 1200 kilometres of barren and waterless desert. The convoys standard routes went via Bir Missaha and Jebel Kamil to the southern tip of the Gilf Kebir, either rounding it or crossing Wadi Firaq or Wadi Wassa. From there the convoys turned North, passed the 'Three Castles' and Wadi Sora, then continued via Mushroom Rock and Kendall's Dump to Kufra. To this day a number of relics still remain scattered in the desert.

There is nothing published on the convoys. While the accomplishments of the LRDG are well known, war historians have completely ignored this unglamorous but immense feat, in which the Sudan Ordnance Corps played a key part.

Renfrew et al, Vol 2 No 2308 refers.

Comm ADSM

Code: 62716