Irish Defence Forces Insignia

Irish military insignia enthusiast, maker of retirement frames and ex service member. Keeping the history alive

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to mount one of the new Garda Centenary medals for a serving member.

Great work by everyone involved, and some great colours in the ribbons to boot 🇮🇪

Best of luck to everyone involved in the upcoming parade!#GardaSíochána #Gardainfo

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@PaulPerry1969 @RobertO40612766 @DF_Sgt_Major To be fair there's a few things they need to seek "guidance" on Paul....21 bar is the best way to sort the issue with long service. For officers with 21 done we (mounters) likewise add the small service bar to their ribbon. Simple A9 update

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@danmacginty @IrishMedalMount @dfreserve @GardaReview @coins_irish @never_ink @DF_Sgt_Major @MedalsWindsor @whiskeychatspod @AmbulanceNAS @DubFireBrigade @DFBAmbulance @dfb1875 And an overseas mission medal(s) EUPOL?

[Paul Perry @PaulPerry1969]

A huge thank you to @irish_DFbadges for an excellent job in mounting my small medal collection. Highly recommended, top class work. Thank you.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Over the lockdown I decided to learn a new skill - Medal Mounting. Having had a really good grasp of both old and new regulations prior to setting out on this venture, and also having my own style has been key to doing it "right first time".

So, how do they look so far?

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@Suggs69Callan Dublin based, but I do a run to McKee once a week for drop off / collection....or they can be sent up by post. If location is a factor, I can give you details of someone else more local.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Sgt. Paddy Daly (Retired) wanted a little something different from my usual frame layout and design....did I deliver? Knockout !
Get it done 👊
#Veteran #viking #Infantry #Santryboxingclub #irishdefenceforces #IrishNavalService #IrishAirCorps

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

In my spare time (when not collecting badges) I like to make retirement / presentation frames for Defence Forces Veterans. Each one is unique, and is often a culmination of many memories of loyal and dedicated service.@defenceforces @naval_service @IrishAirCorps @IrishMedalMount

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Some of my cap badge collection that I've been working on of late. As is quite evident, there are many different styles and issues of the same badge design since it was first issued and accurately dating these can often be difficult. Do you still have your first issue badge?

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Two little examples of the old Naval seaman's (brass type) cap badge. Note the difference in the detail with the older of the two badges on the right (army left) 😂. I'm unsure as to the exact year they moved to the staybrite type version in the Naval Service 🤔

[Paul Kehoe @campaign4kehoe]

@NoelO832597 @noonan_malcolm @IrishWater @EastVeterans Your still around Noel I had heard you were given an instruction to get off social media

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@campaign4kehoe @noonan_malcolm @IrishWater @campaign4kehoe Junior TD elected on the 11th count rears his head again, trying to silence a former DF Sgt Mjr.Will be interesting to see when questioned, who exactly informed him that a civilian was "instructed" to stay off social media?@IrishTimes @TheSun @NewstalkFM @rtenews

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@IacInsignia Have been searching for a named example for the collection some time now 🤞

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

There's been much debate about Search and Rescue of late, but it's not a new venture for the Irish Air Corps.

This is a little badge that was worn by flight crew in the 90s when they previously carried out the role.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

32nd Regular Air Corps Cadet Class badge. (Cadet Dungan).
On completion of training in the Military College, Air Corps cadets undergo flight training in the Flying Training School. Each class designs a specific badge to be worn on their flight suit / jacket for the duration.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@NeilDRich Some say otherwise to the meaning of the magpie, and that it possibly has links to folklore in relation to Solomon Richards and the Cromwellian army, or even Lady Jane Franchesca wilde, but based on the fact the OC Western Command wanted a non symbolic type of badge its unlikely.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

Western Command variations

The magpie design was introduced in 1952, however it was changed in 1955 and incorporate a section of the coat of arms of Connaught. The revised 1955 design remained in use until the reorganisation of the Defence Forces brigade structure in 2012.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@NeilDRich Referring to the old Western Command badge? There is none specifically, or at least there wasn't any intentionally. The OC Western command at the time (1952) just did not want a badge with heraldry or symbolic meaning. The magpie was short lived and was taken out of use in 1955.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

@nicolajackson Glad he liked it. I went up to Athlone at the time to research him and actually got one of the pictures from a frame that was still hanging on the wall in his old unit.

[Irish Defence Forces Insignia @irish_DFbadges]

A frame I put together a few years ago for the family of Sergeant Major William (Bill) Jackson (RIP). Bill was Sgt Mjr in the 6th Infantry Battalion and served during the emergency, overseas in the Congo, and also in Cyprus. He had over 40 years service completed when he retired.