Special Ops Insignia Reference Books
These are some of the books that I regularly refer to when researching and identifying insignia in my airborne and special operations unit collection. Note that this is not intended as an extensive list of all the reference books on this subject. These are just the books that over the past 40+ years of collecting, I have found to be useful and that I would recommend for a collector’s library.
Parachute Badges and Insignia of the World by R.J Bragg & Roy Turner
Hardcover: 227 pages with colour plates
Publisher: Blandford Press (1979)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0713708824
ISBN-13: 9780713708820
Published in 1979, this is the original ‘Bible’ for wings collectors. Many collectors and specialist dealers still refer to wings by their BT number which corresponds to their position in this and the second book.
The illustrations are artist plates and some of the information is a bit dated now, but it still presents a very good historical overview of this type of insignia.
Parachute Wings by R.J Bragg & Roy Turner
Hardcover: 108 pages with colour plates
Publisher: Peter Heims (1985)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0950642622
ISBN-13: 9780950642628
Bragg & Turner’s follow up volume published in 1985. This volume features additional information and insignia not shown in the previous book. This is another essential reference for the wings collector.
ANZAC Elite: The Airborne & Special Forces Insignia of Australia & New Zealand by Cliff Lord & Julian Tennant
Hardcover: 160 pages with colour plates
Publisher: IPL Books (2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0908876106
The first comprehensive coverage of the airborne and SF insignia of Australia & New Zealand. The book features just over 800 insignia in full colour. Published in 2000, Cliff and I should probably consider updating as there are a handful of errors in the Australian section (mine) and a lot of new insignia and information has come to light over the intervening decades. That being said, it is a very comprehensive guide to the insignia worn by the Kiwis and Aussies.
Australian Airborne. The History and insignia of Australian Military Parachuting by John O’Connor
Hardcover: 440 pages, full colour
Publisher: Published by author (2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0957942117
ISBN-13: 9780957942110
John O’Connor’s contribution really filled in a lot of the gaps that we did not cover in ANZAC Elite, which focused mainly on the insignia.
Australian Airborne shows the badges but has so much more including, nominal rolls, brevet numbers, equipment and other information. This really is an essential reference for the collector.
PARABAT Volume 1: A Guide to Collecting Insignia of the South African Airborne Units 2021 Edition by Marc Norman & Paul Matthysen
Stiff Card Cover: 290 pages full colour
Publisher: Marc Norman Publishing (mnorman3228@gmail.com)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9780620478762
The ‘Book’ for South African airborne insignia collectors. A full review & pictures can be found here
PARABAT Volume 2: A Guide to Collecting Insignia of the South African Airborne Units 2021 Edition by Marc Norman & Paul Matthysen
Stiff Card Cover: 185 pages full colour
Publisher: Marc Norman Publishing (mnorman3228@gmail.com)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 9780620503556
Volume 2 rounds out the Parabat series with extensive information on the many fakes, fantasy and restrike insignia. Also covered are items such as headgear, special uniform items, souvenirs and commemorative pieces. An essential reference for those interested in the SADF and SANDF parachute units.
“Recce” A Collector’s Guide to the History of South African Special Forces by P. Matthysen, M. Kalkwarf & M Huxtable
Hardcover: 320 pages, full colour
Publisher: 30 Degrees South Publishers, Johannesburg ( 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1920143416
ISBN-13: 9781920143411
This is a superbly researched and presented close study of the South African Special Forces featuring roughly 2,500 color photographs to present a thorough examination of the famed Reconnaissance Commando’s selection and training processes, insignia, kit, equipment, awards and memorabilia. Along with the Parabat books, ‘Recce’ is a must have for collectors and those with an interest in South Africa’s special forces
Border War Badges: A Guide to South African Military & Police Badges (1964 – 1994) by Andrew Dinnes
Hardcover: 320 pages, full colour plates
Publisher: Reach Publishers, Wandsbeck (2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0620486430
ISBN-13: 9780620486439
Andrew Dinnes’ book is not restricted to airborne and special operations insignia but is a valuable reference as it includes information about South West Africa and the Homelands (Transkei, Ciskei etc). It features full colour photographs of 5969 badges, brassards, stable belt buckles, buttons and shoulder flashes. Whilst there is some overlap, this book builds on the work done by Colin Owen taking the time period up until 1994.
The Military Badges and Insignia of Southern Africa by Colin R. Owen
Hardcover: 215 pages, colour and B&W plates
Publisher: Chimperie Agencies (1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0620154381
ISBN-13: 9780620154383
This is the 1990 update to Owen’s 1976 book on Southern African insignia and is considered by many to be ‘the’ reference for insignia from this region. The book
The German Luftwaffe & Heer Paratrooper Badges of World War II – 1936-1945 by Thomas M. Durante
Hardcover: 630 pages, full colour
Publisher: CEJ Books (2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981929524
ISBN-13: 9780981929521
German Airborne Insignia 1956 – 1992 by Harry Pugh
Softcover: 126 pages, B&W
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (1992)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323105
This is the 1st edition in the Elite Insignia Guide series by long time airborne insignia and founder of the Chute & Dagger collector’s group, Harry Pugh. This volume gives a comprehensive account of the Post WW2 German airborne from their creation in 1956 until 1992. These guides cover all the insignia used by the airborne forces including wings, beret badges, shoulder patches and other insignia. Illustrations are all in B&W.
Italian Airborne Insignia 1938 – Present by Harry Pugh and Vittorio Piotti
Softcover: 212 pages, B&W
Publisher: C&D Enterprises(1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323113
No. 2 in the Elite Insignia Guide series and features over 600 shoulder and unit pocket patches, crests, beret badges, skills qualification and more than 250 parachutist qualification badges from the creation of the Italian Airborne units until 1993. Illustrations are all in B&W.
Distintivi ufficiali e non ufficiali dei Paracadutisti Militari Italiani. Dal dopoguerra ad oggi by Frederico Bernacca
Hardcover: 656 pages, full colour
Publisher: Zetacidue (2019)
Language: Italian and English
ISBN-10: 889417395X
ISBN-13: 9788894173956
The title can be roughly translated as “Official and unofficial Italian Military Paratrooper badges from the post-war period until today”. The book achieves this objective well and with colour photographs of the insignia. There seems to be at least a thousand insignia illustrated, from crests and patches to wings, collar and beret badges, all with dimensions and descriptions. As a result this book is, in some respects, more useful than Pugh & Vittorio’s book as it is is more comprehensive and in colour. However, the period covered is only post WW2 so this book should be considered a compliment to, not replacement for, the Pugh & Vitorrio book.
Portugal Elite Forces Insignia 1951 – Present by Robert Bragg and Harry Pugh
Softcover: 138 pages, B&W
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323148
No.5 In the Elite Insignia Guide series, this volume covers the badges, patches and qualification insignia worn by Portuguese elite units from 1951 until 1995. Featured are parachutist, commando and special operations unit insignia including the local Fletchas, Cacadores and that operated during its African campaigns.
Canadian Airborne Insignia 1942 – Present by Thomas Clark and Harry Pugh
Softcover: 160 pages, B&W
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 096332313X
No.4 In the Elite Insignia Guide series, this volume covers the insignia worn by all branches the Canadian Armed Forces from 1942 until 1994. Like all these guides, the book is profusely illustrated, albeit in B&W only, with hundreds of insignia.
Into the Maelstrom – The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion – History – Insignia – Uniforms by Ken Joyce
Hardcover: 206 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: Service Publications, Ottawa (2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1894581393
ISBN-13: 9781894581394
An excellent and thorough summary of the uniforms, equipment and insignia worn by the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion during WW2.
Jump Wings: History of Canadian Airborne Qualification Badges 1942 – 2012 by Ken Joyce
Softback: 108 pages, colour photographs and B&W illustrations.
Publisher: Service Publications, Ottawa (2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1927822041
ISBN-13: 9781927822043
With Jump Wings author of Into the Maelstrom, Ken Joyce, uses around colour 90 photos and B&W illustrations to focus specifically on the airborne wings worn by the Canadians. He covers the first patterns introduced during the Second World War up to 2012. Other sections address Para Rigger, Search and Rescue, Pathfinder/Scout and Army Pilot wings.
Some Talk of Private Armies by Len Whittaker
Hardcover: 101 pages including 10 colour plates.
Publisher: Albanium Publishing (1984)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0950969400
ISBN-13: 9780950969404
An older book that is long out of print, Some Talk of Private Armies provides an overview of the British Commonwealth special operations units that existed during WW2, including little known units such as the Indian Long Range Squadron. The book includes colour plates which show the insignia worn by the units featured and whilst not detailed in its coverage of the insignia variations, it does provide a useful start point for further exploration.
British Airborne Insignia by Oliver Lock
Hardcover: 314 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: Military Mode Publishing (2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634524047
ISBN-13: 9781634524049
British Airborne Insignia features close-up colour photographs of Airborne insignia from inception to present day, with detailed text. Glider Pilot Regiment wings, Glider Infantry and Air Landing Infantry badges, Indian and locally produced Parachute wings; embroidered and metal badges, shoulder titles, Drop Zone flashes; skill at arms insignia. This book includes many previously unpublished period images and official documentation, letters and sealed patterns.
Airborne Insignia Vol. 2: Britain and her Allies in Exile by Oliver Lock
Hardcover: 247 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: Military Mode Publishing (2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1513622498
ISBN-13: 9781513622491
The follow up to British Airborne Insignia, volume two includes: WW2 Canadian, Free French, Polish, Norwegian, Free Belgium, Free Dutch, Italian, Australian, and Indian examples. SAS and Jedburgh Special Forces. Wings, collar insignia, shoulder titles, pennants and flags. Like the first book this volume is packed full of close-up colour photographs and detailed text. Includes period images and official documentation. Read my full review and see more pictures here.
Allied Special Forces Insignia 1939 -1948 by Peter Taylor
Hardcover: 220 pages, colour
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd (2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0850525829
ISBN-13: 9780850525823
I have some reservations about this book. It does give an overview of the various Allied Special Forces units, however I am not sure how reliable some of the content is. In the brief section on the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion, the information is incorrect. The unit never “wore the same as other airborne forces, Pegasus, straight AIRBORNE etc.” A fairly significant error as the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion had unique insignia that is well documented.
I could not recommend this book as a reliable insignia guide. It’s value may be as a general overview of the Allied airborne and SF units of the period.
Emblems of Honor – Airborne – Insignia of US Army Airborne Forces WWII to the Cold War by Kurt Keller & William Keller
Hardcover: 392 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: Keller & Keller Publishing (2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615996248
ISBN-13: 9780615996240
Considered to be the ‘bible’ for US Army Airborne insignia collectors of the period, this book features over 300 period images and 1400 insignia spanning from the early days of WWII up until around 1965. Included are pocket and shoulder patches, overseas cap patches, jump wing ovals and miscellaneous airborne insignia. Also included is a detailed guide which will help collectors determine the country of origin for theater made insignia.
Emblems of Honor – Rangers – Scrolls, Patches & Tabs from WWII to Korean War by Kurt Keller & William Keller
Softcover. 56 colour pages. Spiral bound.
Publisher: Keller & Keller Publishing (2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996896422
ISBN-13: 9780996896429
This edition from the Keller brothers features over 300 images including period photos of the insignia being worn. Also included are documents and certificates for some of the insignia and pictures of the theater made patches (Italy, Germany, Japan, Korea). A niche area but a worthwhile addition to the special operations insignia library.
US Army Special Forces Team History and Insignia 1975 to the Present by Gary Perkowski
Hardcover: 416 pages featuring 4,144 color and b/w photos
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (2017)
Language: English ISBN-13: 9780764352553
US Army Special Forces Team History and Insignia 1975 to the Present, covers the history, training, and operations of United States Army Special Forces, including previously unpublished photos and information regarding the insignia that were designed and worn by the men of the United States Army Special Forces.
The book is extremely detailed with concise information about the lineage, development, structure and training of the USSF before going into chapters on each specific Special Forces Groups (SFG). The SFG’s are further broken down and include extensive photographs featuring insignia, plaques, challenge coins, training/appreciation certificates, and other documents as well as photographs of the teams and men wearing the insignia. See more pictures from the book in my full review here.
US Special Forces Shoulder and Pocket Insignia by Harry Pugh
Softcover: 303 pages B&W photographs.
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323121
ISBN-13: 9780963323125
Number 3 in the Elite Insignia Guide series, this book published in 1993 features over 1000 insignia along with concise unit histories from the OSS up until the early 1990’s. Illustrations are in B&W.
U.S. Special Forces Group Insignia (Post 1975) by Harry Pugh, Gary Perkowski and Len Whistler
Softcover: 149 pages, colour
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323172
U.S. Special Forces Group Insignia (Post 1975) features over 800 colour photographs of the patches and insignia of the USSF from the end of the Vietnam War and up until 2003. One of the authors, Gary Perkowski, has subsequently released an expanded work in 2017 but this book definitely filled a gap and remains a worthy addition to the bookshelf.
Special Forces of the United States Army, 1952-1982 by LTC Ian D.W. Sutherland (Ret.)
Hardcover: 736 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: R James Bender Publishing (1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0912138432
ISBN-13: 978-0912138435
Long out of print, this is a comprehensive study of the uniforms, equipment and insignia used by the USSF from 1952 until 1982. Profusely illustrated this reference, often referred to as ‘the Sutherland book’ is one of the ‘bibles’ for SF collectors. A must have on the bookshelf.
Special Forces in Southeast Asia – U.S. Special Forces Vietnamese Special Forces Irregular Forces Including Khmer Republic Airborne and Special Forces Insignia Compiled by Cecil B. Smyth, Jr.
Softcover: 44 pages, spiral bound. B&W illustrations.
Publisher: Unknown (1978)
Language: English
ISBN-10: Nil
ISBN-13: Nil
This is one of several booklets compiled by Cecil B. Smyth Jr. that features the insignia worn by various units during the American phase of the Vietnam War. At the time of publication in 1978 this volume filled a gap that was not adequately addressed by other books including the insignia of the Cambodian forces. However, there are several more comprehensive and better illustrated books available to the collector today including Ken Conboy’s FANK A History of the Cambodian Armed Forces 1970-1975 which presents a much more detailed overview of the Cambodian unit insignia used by Khmer airborne and SF troops.
Insignia of the Republic of Vietnam Army Airborne Division compiled and edited by Harry Pugh
Softcover: 81 pages, colour
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323172
This book traces the origins of the conventional Vietnamese parachute units from their embryonic days in 1946 as part of the French forces in Indochina, through the independence of South Vietnam and their growth into an Airborne Group, Brigade and Division until their final days in 1975.
This is an essential reference for historians and collectors presenting historical information and colour photographs of the unit insignia, including shoulder patches, pocket crests, epaulette insignia and a large selection of the Army parachutist qualification wings.
Commandos et Forces Suppletives Indochine 1945 – 1954 by Jacques Sicard with assistance from M. Duflot and F. Pitel.
Softcover: 54 pages including 30 full colour plates
Publisher: Symboles et Traditions
Language: French
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
Commandos et Forces Suppletives Indochine 1945 – 1954 is one of the excellent series of insignia reference books published by the French Symboles & Traditions Association based in Paris.
This volume covers the insignia used by French commando units as well as the locally raised Indochinese commando and auxiliary partisan/irregular forces such as the Cao Dai sect. The 54 pages includes 30 full colour plates featuring the unit badges along with brief descriptions outlining a brief historical overview of the unit and specific information relating to their insignia including manufacturers and variations. Like the other S&T books the text is in French but that should not dissuade any collector of Vietnam and French Indochina period special operations insignia from adding this valuable reference to their bookshelf.
Commandos Nord Vietnam 1951 – 1954 by Jean-Pierre Pissardy
Softcover: 337 pages, colour and B&W illustrations.
Publisher: Indo Editions (2003)
Language: French
ISBN-10: 2914086008
ISBN-13: 9782914086004
Commandos Nord-Vietnam begins with a historical overview of the French campaigns in Vietnam in the early 50’s and then continues with a detailed breakdown of the individual commando units involved. The book features numerous unit pictures, noting their principal engagements and personalities and describing their insignia and badges
The final part of the book is a full color section depicting many badges and unit colors together with other historical documents. Whilst the text is in French and many of the insignia is also shown in the S&T Commandos et Forces Suppletives Indochine 1945 – 1954, this work expands on the details for the units that operated in the Northern Vietnam region during the French Indochina conflict.
Commandos et Forces Suppletives – Guerre 1939 – 1945 AFN 1954 – 1962 compiled by Jacques Sicard & Francois Pitel
Softcover: 46 pages, colour plates.
Publisher: Symboles et Traditions (2011)
Language: French
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
This is another French language insignia reference from the Symboles & Traditions association based in France. This volume is a compliment to their other work on the commandos in French Indochina and covers the insignia worn by the French commandos / unconventional forces during WW2 and the post war campaign in Algeria.
Commandos et Forces Suppletives – Guerre 1939 – 1945 AFN 1954 – 1962 begins with a brief overview of the various units featured presenting historical information regarding formation and operations. The last 19 pages is devoted to colour plates which detail the insignia variations of the units described. I have found it to be a useful reference for some of the lesser known insignia, despite my lack of French language skills.
Insignia of the French Commandos: WW2 to Present A Collectors Guide by Harry Pugh and Gilbert Lafleur
Softcover: 180 pages, colour
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0963323199
For collectors who are deterred by the lack of English translation in the S&T Commando insignia books, Harry Pugh and Gilbert Lafleur’s book provides an excellent English language alternative that covers the history and insignia of the French commandos from the Corps Francs of 1939 up until 2005. Over 1,150 insignia are illustrated in color. Highly recommended.
Insignes Des Troupes Aéroportées Françaises by Christian Malcros
Hardcover: 251 pages, colour
Publisher: Société De Production Littéraire (1975)
Language: French
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
Long out of print and superseded by more recent works, this was the first comprehensive reference book to be published on French Parachutist and Airborne insignia. It features 264 insignia reproduced to scale as color line drawings with descriptions that include a historical overview, design symbolism, approval dates and production information.
This information is more detailed than the more recent French Airborne Troops Wings and Insignia book by Baltzer & Micheletti making it a very good complimentary reference for any collector trying to wade their way through the plethora of French airborne and special forces badges (including the huge number of reproductions) on the market. The text is in French but because of the structure and layout of each section very easy for a non French speaker (such as myself) to understand… even before the days of free electronic internet translation services such as google translate.
Insignes de l’Armee Francaise: Les Troupes Aeroportees by Christian Malcros
Hardcover: 167 pages, colour
Publisher: Sogico (1983)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 2903916020
ISBN-13: 9782903916022
Insignes de l’Armee Francaise: Les Troupes Aeroportees is Christian Malcros’ updated version of Insignes Des Troupes Aéroportées Françaises which includes insignia not shown in the earlier book and all illustrated via photographs rather than line drawings. The text descriptions are once again in French and the layout matches the earlier work presenting a historical overview, design symbolism, approval dates and production information.
Despite its 1983 publication date and French language, I still regularly refer to this reference in preference to the later, bi-lingual, Baltzer & Micheletti book as the information regarding the insignia featured is much more comprehensive and detailed. If you can find a copy of this book I highly recommend it.
Note that the book image shown here does not show the dust-jacket, which was too worn and damaged on my copy to photograph well.
French Airborne Troops Wings and Insignia: From the Origins to the Present Day by Jacques Baltzer & Eric Micheletti
Hardcover: 192 pages, colour
Publisher: Histoire & Collections, Paris (2001)
Language: French /English
ISBN-10: 2913903312
ISBN-13: 9782913903319
Profusely illustrated with over 3000 full-colour photographs of French airborne forces insignia including wings, beret badges and pocket crests. This book covers the unit insignia as well as the special edition insignia made for training classes and operational deployments including the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Lebanon, Chad, Somalia, and elsewhere.
French Airborne Troops Wings and Insignia: From the Origins to the Present Day does not, however, include much written information beyond very brief descriptions of the insignia and as result I believe that this is a good compliment to the aforementioned Malcros books, but should not be considered an exclusive replacement.
Collectors Guide: French Parachutist Brevets – Brevets Parachutistes Francais by Harry Pugh & Gilbert Lafleur
Softcover: 196 pages, colour
Publisher: C&D Enterprises (2007)
Language: French & English
ISBN-10: 0976593815
ISBN-13: 9780976593812
Filled with hundreds of colour photographs showing the numerous variations, this is a specialised bi-lingual work that zooms in on the parachutist wings awarded to the French forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Gendarmerie units. It features information in both English and French which describe and detail the development, manufacture and evolution of France’s jump wings from the 1930’s until the present day.
The text includes historical information about the insignia designs including an extremely useful list linking the serial numbers that are on the reverse of the French parachutist badge to the year that it was awarded.
The book also includes additional related information such as the types of award certificates and also the jump course pocket crests, commonly known as “promotion” insignia. This is a specialised but useful reference.
Les Unités Parachutistes de la Légion Etrangère et Leurs Insignes. 1948 – 2014 by Colonel (H) Duronsoy.
Softcover: 150 pages, colour
Publisher: Blurb (2014)
Language: French
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
Les Unités Parachutistes de la Légion Etrangère et Leurs Insignes is a privately published book which covers the distinctive unit and sub-unit insignia worn by the various airborne units of the French Foreign Legion. This is one of a series of insignia reference books that Colonel Duronsoy, a 30 year veteran of the Legion, has privately published via Blurb books. The French text should not deter collectors as the book features full colour photographs of the front plus back of the insignia used by the Legion Paras since 1948 and despite my lack of French language proficiency I was still able to glean valuable information from the book.
You can see sample pages from the book and links to his personal and publishing site here.
Badges of the French Foreign Legion 1923-1989 by Philippe Bartlett
Hardcover: 63 pages, colour
Publisher: P. Bartlett; 1st edition (1989)
Language: English & French
ISBN: 2-950 4247
ISBN-13: none
Privately published in 1989, this is a useful introductory reference for collectors of French Legion insignia. It lists 429 badges, in full color along with information about manufacturer and an estimate of rarity. It also provides some information on how to date French badges by their makers marks which is particularly useful as many of the badges continued to be used for many years whilst others were re-struck later by the manufacturers for veterans groups and the like.
The book was released shortly before Tibor Szecsko’s monumental work on the same topic, Le grand livre des insignes de la Légion Étrangère but whilst Szecsko’s book has more historical information about the various insignia, for non-French speakers such as myself, the Bartlett book’s descriptive text which is in both French and English is a distinct advantage and makes it an invaluable reference in the library sitting comfortably alongside the Szecsko and Colonel Duronsoy’s books on the subject. Sample pages can be seen here.
Le grand livre des insignes de la Légion Étrangère by Tibor Szecsko
Hardcover: 215 pages, full colour
Publisher: S.I.H.L.E (1991)
Language: French
ISBN-10: 2950593801
ISBN-13: 9782950593801
Published after the Bartlett book, Le grand livre des insignes de la Légion Étrangère is referred to by many collectors of French Foreign Legion insignia as the ‘bible’ for badge identification.
Tibor Szecsko’s book illustrates the insignia used by the various Legion units with colour photographs and provides information outlining its history, symbolism, official approval (‘homologation’) number and manufacturing details.
The text is in French but can be easily translated using a dictionary or online translator for non-French speaking collectors and whilst the content does not show the nuances in variant detail that unit specific books like those produced by Colonel Duronsoy or Andrew Mitchell, this book remains an essential reference for French Foreign Legion insignia collectors.
Histoire et insignes des parachutistes et des commandos de Pays des Grand Lacs by Gérard Lagaune
Softcover: 176 pages, colour and B&W photographs throughout.
Publisher: Privately published (2012) and limited to 150 copies.
Language: French
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
The title of this book translates as the ‘History and insignia of the parachutists and commandos of the Great Lakes Country‘ and is focused on Belgian Congo/Congo/Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi, all of which have been assisted by France or Belgium in developing their commando and airborne capabilities.
Whilst the text is in French, the book is profusely illustrated with insignia and a lot of attention is paid to the mercenary ‘commando’ units that fought in the Congo during the 1960’s making this book the most comprehensive reference for Congo mercenary insignia available.
The mercenary insignia photographs identify both authentic and fake badges and for that reason alone this book should be on one’s book shelf.
In addition to the written text and photographs, Histoire et insignes des parachutistes et des commandos de Pays des Grand Lacs is also accompanied by a DVD which shows the 1st AMT Datachment of the 31 Para Bde of N’Djili in 1977 and a film of the funeral of the founder of the CE Commando of Kota-Koli in 1987.
Privately published by the late Gérard Lagaune, a research and collector who was well known and highly respected within the airborne insignia collecting, this book is now quite difficult to find, but for those with an interest in African special operations or mercenary insignia it is absolutely invaluable.
USSR & Russian Metal Parachute Insignia. From the origins to the present day by Владимир Еремин
Hardcover: 304 pages, colour
Publisher: Privately published (2017)
Language: English & Russian
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
As the English language title describes, this book covers the parachute qualification insignia and airborne medallions used by the Russian paratroopers from their formation through the days of the Soviet Union up until 2017. Two thirds of this heavy book is devoted to the more than 4400 insignia that are shown in colour photographs accompanied by brief descriptions.
Being a privately published book it may be difficult to find a copy outside of the specialist collector groups where the author is a member. If you would like to obtain a copy, contact me and I will connect you to the author.
Odznaka spadochroniarzy – Parachute Badges by Islam Musa Czachorowski
Softcover: 23 pages, colour plates
Publisher: Teksty Literackie Etc, Warsaw (1999)
Language: Polish and English
ISBN-10: 8390993430
ISBN-13: none
This small booklet published in 1999 presents an overview of the parachute badges and insignia worn by the Post-Soviet Republics and Middle-Eastern Europe from 1990 until 1999.
Over 250 insignia from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Lithuania Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Macedonia, Kyrghyzystan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia are illustrated in the colour plates, with descriptions provided in Polish and English.
Insygnia Polskich Jednostek Specjalnych by Islam Musa Czachorowski
Softcover: 68 pages, B&W and colour.
Publisher: Teksty Literackie Etc, Warsaw (1998)
Language: Polish with additional English insignia description insert.
ISBN-10: 8390993406
ISBN-13: none
Translated as Insignia of the Polish Special Units, this Polish language booklet covers Poland’s post WW2 airborne and special operations unit insignia.
The majority of the text is in Polish and there are 10 pages of colour plates showing the insignia worn up until the time of publication. The copy that I have has an additional typed insert stapled onto the first page which translates the descriptions of the insignia into English which is useful for identification, but whilst I think this may have been done by the author I do not know if this addition accompanies all copies of the booklet.
Historia Polskiego Znaku Spadochronowego, Materiały. Dokumenty. Źródła. Archiwalia edited by Jan Lorys
Softcover: 267 pages, B&W
Publisher: Instytut Polski, London (1993)
Language: English & Polish
ISBN-10: 0902508202
ISBN-13: 9780902508200
The title translates to the “History of the Polish Parachute Badge. Materials. Documents. Sources. Archives” and this detailed reference uses available source material to present an overview of the origins and issue of the distinctive Polish parachutist insignia in both Polish and English. Much of the book’s 267 pages is devoted to a comprehensive award list which matches the individual serial numbers on the parachutist badge as well as those on the operational jump wreath with the names, units (and in the case of combat jump wreaths, the operation name) of their recipients. An invaluable reference for a rare and desirable parachutist qualification badge.
Collecting French Foreign Legion Insignia Volume III – Part 1 The History & Insignia of the Parachute Units 1948 – 61 by Andrew J. Mitchell.
Hardcover: 114 pages, colour
Publisher: Blurb (2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: none
ISBN-13: none
As the title suggests, this is well known French Foreign Legion collector, Andrew Mitchell’s third book about the insignia used by the Legion.
This volume focuses on the Foreign Legion’s parachute units from their formation in 1948 up until 1961. It delves into the histories of 1er BEP, 2e BEP, 3e BEP 1er REP and some of the lesser known legion airborne and commando units.
The author has included several photographs from private collections and made extensive use of colour images featuring both the front plus reverse of insignia manufactures and variations. These combined with the official ordering and design documents presents a very detailed English language reference for the collector, many of whom would not be aware that not all the restrikes/reproductions are marked as such. This reference shows you, in detail, the differences between the period pieces and the subsequent reproductions. Highly recommended.
