Eddie
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Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 18, 2005 16:45:15 GMT -5
Just wondering if anyone in the know can tell me how the embroidered division patches sold by SOF compare to the originals........do they look correct, or naff.....I dont have an original Polar bear to compare them with....only a printed version that Chris kindly sent me.
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 5:47:40 GMT -5
Mine are the printed version, which I personally prefer. But as fas as I know they are a good likeness
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Eddie
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Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 19, 2005 6:46:19 GMT -5
I like the printed version, it gives much more definition to the polarbear, I'm having an absolute frightmare sewing them on though.....folding at the edge to stop fraying, thus involving folding over 4 edges whilst correctly positioning onto the serge cloth..... Also I remember Whizz saying that at the time CSM's insisted on that the recruit paid out for an embroidered pair........hence I am stuck on wether to go with these embroidered less defined SOF repro's or the more defined printed polar......descisions descisions
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 8:13:05 GMT -5
I'm yet to purchase my embroidered pair. But if the CSM has anything to do with it.......................
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Eddie
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Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 19, 2005 8:28:05 GMT -5
I scoured ebay for a while to find an original pair before going to SOF. I once saw a single original patch.....one for collectors really.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 'early' type original 49th patch had the polar bear with his head pointing downward as opposed to up...........one for the experts that!
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 8:55:35 GMT -5
Thats right mate, the head was originally pointing down, but the powers that be felt this to be too submissive, so a new patch was designed with the polar bear's head held high in an aggressive stance
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Post by Guv on Feb 19, 2005 9:46:52 GMT -5
Aggressive Polar Bear ? The Polar Bears were not too popular by the Hun's standard, or the SS in particular. Standing orders were for the SS to execute any prisoners found with a polar bear on their BD. Ask Whizz-Bang about "the Polar Bear Butchers" over a pint sometime.
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 10:13:31 GMT -5
Not to be seen siding with the dastardly Hun, but from what I can recall, they did get the nickname butchers for a good reason
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Eddie
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Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 19, 2005 10:20:29 GMT -5
Hmmmmn, I can imagine!
A few years ago I spent 6 months researching war crimes commited between 38-45, Including German and Russian which to some degree I think are overlooked....Ktyan forest in Poland amongst others commited toward the end of WW2 as they made the drive into Berlin...........Again all history now but brings Dresden into perspective when investigated fully!
Anyway I'm going to have to make a descision with these Polar Bears..... and go with the embroidered which I seem to be having more luck with sewing onto the Serge.
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 10:29:50 GMT -5
This is just a rough recollection of how they aquired the name. During the battle for Normandy, some lads from the 49th Div (sorry I can't remember the particular regt) took out several Panthers with PIATs. As the crews bailed out and tried to surrender they were gunned down. After this incident any tommy caught with a 49th Div patch on his arm was to be shot.
In my opinion it seems a bit unsporting, but every nation committed these crimes, but the victors always write the history books.
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Eddie
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Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 19, 2005 10:40:04 GMT -5
Too true, I agree in the heat of Battle, death and destruction it can make a man do things he would not normally think of..............When it comes to the cold blooded killing of men women and children that is unexplainable evil!
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Post by Tiny on Feb 19, 2005 10:51:37 GMT -5
I totally agree, I think this is one of those subjects best discussed over a pint and a packet of kp nuts ;D
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Eddie
Full Member
Posts: 127
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Post by Eddie on Feb 19, 2005 11:05:49 GMT -5
I Agree, Dry Roasted!
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Post by Guv on Feb 19, 2005 13:50:08 GMT -5
Cashews
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