{"title":"WW2 Allies","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"1942-hallmarked-free-norwegian-army-cap-badge","title":"1942 hallmarked Free Norwegian Army cap badge","description":"\u003cp\u003eSolid silver Free Norweigian Forces Officer's cap badge with the makers date of 1942.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51488943800648,"sku":"1092","price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/1942_hallmarked_Free_Norwegian_Army_cap_badge_-_FRONT.png?v=1758879179"},{"product_id":"ww2-free-nederland-cap-badge-made-by-gaunt-london","title":"WW2 Free Nederland cap badge made by GAUNT, LONDON.","description":"\u003cp\u003eFree Dutch Army 'Nederland' cap badge made by GAUNT LONDON.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51488947011912,"sku":"1050","price":190.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/D56159D1-4046-4890-B2AF-6E6A1F86A613.png?v=1758879186"},{"product_id":"ww1-new-zealand-rifle-brigade-locally-made-collar-badge","title":"WW1 New Zealand Rifle Brigade, Locally Made Collar Badge","description":"\u003cp\u003eHard to find as a right facing collar badge this is a locally cast example probably done in Cairo\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51923832537416,"sku":"59177","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/59177_25c2a007-90fd-4a88-9a37-98c1a9649e07.jpg?v=1762201236"},{"product_id":"ww2-africa-bar-and-rosette-individually-mounted","title":"WW2 Africa bar and rosette Individually mounted","description":"\u003cp\u003eNice period issue item with brooch back fixing\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51923868287304,"sku":"62884","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/62884.jpg?v=1762201605"},{"product_id":"ww1-australian-medically-unfit-for-active-service-badge","title":"WW1 Australian medically unfit for active service badge","description":"\u003cp\u003eWell worn Volunteered for active service but medically unfit lapel badge, issue number 64268\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51923871301960,"sku":"62993","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/62993.jpg?v=1762201668"},{"product_id":"ww2-ats-officially-issued-silver-badge","title":"WW2 A.T.S officially issued silver badge","description":"\u003cp\u003eHigh quality brooch back badge with serial number 8495 stamped on rear\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51923871564104,"sku":"63012","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/63012.jpg?v=1762201678"},{"product_id":"ww2-british-made-usa-nationality-title","title":"WW2 British Made USA Nationality title","description":"\u003cp\u003eUSA title as worn by American Nationals serving in British Military Forces. Early paste back badge\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51939128770888,"sku":"59799","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/59799.jpg?v=1762359876"},{"product_id":"ww2-free-french-expeditionary-corps-in-italy-1943-44-sleeve-patch","title":"WW2 Free French Expeditionary Corps in Italy 1943-44 sleeve patch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoriginal embroidered shoulder patch issued by the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eU.S. Army\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to members of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree French Expeditionary Corps (Corps Expéditionnaire Français – CEF)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e serving alongside American forces during the Italian Campaign in 1943–1944. These patches were produced in the United States and supplied to French volunteer troops who fought under U.S. operational command.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe patch was worn by Free French soldiers attached to U.S. units in Italy, including those who took part in operations in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarigliano, Monte Cassino, and the advance toward Rome\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. These insignia were produced specifically for French troops under American logistical support and are one of the most recognisable symbols of the early Free French presence in the European theatre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52052501889352,"sku":"1161","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Free_French_Expeditionary_Corps_in_Italy_1943-44_sleeve_patch_front.heic?v=1766140980"},{"product_id":"french-f-n-a-s-o-r-reserve-ncos-association-silver-enamel-lapel-badge","title":"French F.N.A.S.O.R (Reserve NCOs association) silver \u0026 enamel lapel badge.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrench F.N.A.S.O.R. Reserve NCOs Association Lapel Badge – Arthus-Bertrand, Paris (Inter-War Period)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an exceptional example of a French \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eF.N.A.S.O.R.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e lapel badge, produced by the renowned Parisian maker \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArthus-Bertrand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of France’s most prestigious manufacturers of military insignia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eF.N.A.S.O.R.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e stands for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFédération Nationale des Associations de Sous-Officiers de Réserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – the National Federation of Reserve Non-Commissioned Officers’ Associations. Badges of this type were worn by members on civilian dress, typically during the inter-war period and into the early post-WWII years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis particular badge features the classic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWWI-style Adrian helmet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, symbolising service and national defence. The front displays crisp detail and the enamel lettering is completely intact, with a deep, original blue that remains bright and clean. The metal retains a beautiful, even \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaged patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, giving the badge an authentic period character without any corrosion or damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo the reverse, the badge retains its original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003escrew-post fitting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with the correct knurled retaining disc, clearly stamped \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eARTHUS-BERTRAND – PARIS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The maker mark is sharp and fully legible, confirming this as a high-quality, officially produced item rather than a later imitation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52058799833416,"sku":"1172","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/French_F.N.A.S.O.R_Reserve_NCOs_association_silver_enamel_lapel_badge_front.heic?v=1766140052"},{"product_id":"ww2-free-belgian-army-in-united-kingdom-breast-badge","title":"WW2 Free Belgian Army in United Kingdom breast badge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWW2 Belgian Army in United Kingdom – Breast Badge (Free Belgian Forces)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoriginal World War II Belgian Army in the United Kingdom breast badge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, worn by members of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree Belgian Forces\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e who escaped to Britain after the German invasion in 1940.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAround \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1942\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Belgian personnel serving under British command were issued these \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhite-metal breast\/identification badges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (distinct from the standard cap badge).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt features the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBelgian rampant lion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evoided centre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecrowned scroll\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reading \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBelgian \/ Kingdom \/ Army in United\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse retains its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecorrect period pin-back fitting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as issued.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52092453814600,"sku":"1173","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Free_Belgian_Army_in_United_Kingdom_breast_badge_front.heic?v=1766138694"},{"product_id":"ww2-free-czechoslovak-army-in-the-uk-badge","title":"WW2 Free Czechoslovak Army in the Uk badge.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreat condition white metal plated on brass, rear pin working perfectly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wartime-made breast or cap badge issued to members of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree Czechoslovak Army\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e serving in exile in Britain during the Second World War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe badge features the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCzechoslovak lion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e beneath a scroll reading \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“CZECHOSLOVAK ARMY”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a helmet and laurel motif below. This pattern was produced in the UK for Czechoslovak forces who re-formed under British command after the 1939 occupation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eH. W. Miller Ltd., Birmingham\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a known manufacturer of WWII insignia. Fitted with a classic British-style pin back. Period manufacture: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ec. 1940–45\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52092524265800,"sku":"1174","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Free_Czechoslovak_Army_in_the_Uk_badge_front.heic?v=1766138629"},{"product_id":"ww2-polish-1wdp-lenino-berlin-1st-warsaw-infantry-regt-badge","title":"WW2 Polish 1WDP Lenino-Berlin (1st Warsaw Infantry Regt) badge.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 Polish 1WDP Lenino-Berlin (1st Regt) badge With screw back fixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Polish People’s Army unit that fought on the Eastern Front from Lenino in 1943 through to the Battle of Berlin in 1945, this is an official Polish veterans’ badge issued by the state after World War II; it is not a wartime item or a reproduction, but an authentic post-war, government-minted commemorative badge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52123451621704,"sku":"1198","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Polish_1WDP_Lenino-Berlin_1st_Warsaw_Infantry_Regt_badge_front.heic?v=1766137758"},{"product_id":"original-dutch-liberation-day-badge-5-may-1945-nederland-vrij-small-but-full-of-symbolism-this-brass-lapel-badge-was-made-to-celebrate-the-liberation-of-the-netherlands-at-the-end-of-the-second-world-war-the-design-shows-the-red-white-blue-du","title":"WW2 Dutch Liberation Day badge, 5 May 1945 (“Nederland Vrij”)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall but full of symbolism, this brass lapel badge obviously made in a hurry using a soldiered safety pin to secure it .  Made to celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe design shows the red-white-blue Dutch flag rising over a stylised map of the country, with the proud inscription \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“NEDERLANDVRIJ”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (“Netherlands free”) and the date \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 MEI 1945\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – the day German forces in the Netherlands surrendered and occupation officially ended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBadges like this were worn during local liberation festivities in May 1945 and in the months that followed. They were souvenirs of that moment in time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52145109565768,"sku":"1222","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Dutch_Liberation_Day_badge_5_May_1945_Nederland_Vrij_front.heic?v=1766135723"},{"product_id":"ww2-french-on-ne-passe-pas-beret-badge-small-letter-version","title":"WW2 French ‘ON NE PASSÉ PAS’ Beret badge (small letter version)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 French ‘ON NE PASSÉ PAS’ Beret badge (small letter version).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNice age patina, brooch back fixing still good.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52177180459336,"sku":"1262","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_French_ON_NE_PASS_PAS_Beret_badge_small_letter_version_front.heic?v=1766056177"},{"product_id":"ww2-free-czechoslovakia-cloth-shoulder-title-1","title":"WW2 Free CZECHOSLOVAKIA cloth shoulder title","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 Free CZECHOSLOVAKIA cloth shoulder title, lovely condition early paste back example \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52190941053256,"sku":"1280","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/WW2_Free_CZECHOSLOVAKIA_cloth_shoulder_title_front.heic?v=1766055810"},{"product_id":"ww2-belgium-plb-passive-air-defence-antwerp-blitz-badge","title":"WW2 Belgium PLB-Passive Air Defence (Antwerp Blitz) badge.","description":"\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1f72eb7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1f72eb7\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1109320\" data-id=\"1109320\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cbac65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9cbac65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhite metal cap or lapel badge found in a tin of wartime AFS \u0026amp; NFS items but on researching it discovered it to be a very interesting badge.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen “Antwerp X” was unable to stop a V1 or one of the unstoppable V2 came down, the PLB went into action.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-3b3d30f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3b3d30f\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-a380cbb\" data-id=\"a380cbb\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48eb583 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"48eb583\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"translation-block\"\u003eDuring the 6 months in which Antwerp was under fire, the PLB stood by her and thus also kept the advance of the Allied armies on the Western Front going. Taking on this enormous challenge required major changes from the organization in a short space of time and under an increasingly heavy bombardment. In addition to an obvious increase in scale, procedures, equipment and training would also be adapted with the support of the Allied armies and experts from the British \"Civil Defence\". According to the latter, the situation of the Antwerp PLB could initially be compared with their own situation in Great Britain before the “Blitz”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-ce1a225\" data-id=\"ce1a225\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-187f28e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"187f28e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"232\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/PLBAntwerpen-optim.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-3345\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/PLBAntwerpen-optim.jpg 232w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/PLBAntwerpen-optim-93x150.jpg 93w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/PLBAntwerpen-optim-7x12.jpg 7w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-db18577 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"db18577\" data-element_type=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-08c09d2\" data-id=\"08c09d2\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed418d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ed418d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"317\" src=\"https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-1024x317.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2891\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-1024x317.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-500x155.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-150x46.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-768x238.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim-18x6.jpg 18w, https:\/\/bunkermuseumantwerpen.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/palace-optim.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-dbe3577 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"dbe3577\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='{\"background_background\":\"classic\"}'\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e20f407\" data-id=\"e20f407\" data-element_type=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96457f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"96457f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"\u003eVeterans of that British \"Blitz\" came to Antwerp as volunteers in 1945.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a48922a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a48922a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAfter a request in November 1944 from Allied Headquarters S.H.A.E.F., in early January 1945 the newly established “No.1 Overseas Column” of the British Civil Defense arrived in Antwerp.\u003cspan\u003eThe 224 volunteers included veterans of the air raids on London, Manchester, Liverpool, Plymouth and Glasgow, but they too found themselves in a new kind of hell. Hundreds of V2s had already been fired at Antwerp since October 13, one of which had caused 567 deaths just 2 weeks before their arrival at Cinema Rex, not to mention the even more numerous V1s fired. In addition to instruction for the local services, they also assisted “the city of sudden death” with blood, sweat and tears in its darkest hour. They were able to rescue hundreds of wounded civilians and soldiers from the rubble or recover those for whom help came too late.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52246004891976,"sku":"16.2.26","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1174.heic?v=1766926901"},{"product_id":"rare-ww2-polish-forces-green-bakelite-economy-18mm-button","title":"Rare WW2 Polish Forces green Bakelite economy 18mm button","description":"\u003cp\u003eRare WW2 Polish Forces green Bakelite economy 18mm button in mint condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52270933377352,"sku":"65355","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1340.heic?v=1767609257"},{"product_id":"ww2-printed-india-reinforcements-training-centre-formation-signs","title":"WW2 Printed India Reinforcements Training centre formation signs","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 Printed India Reinforcements Training centre formation signs, matching facing pair in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52395908694344,"sku":"1.3.26 (33)","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1518.heic?v=1769703420"},{"product_id":"ww2-usaaf-air-force-university-patch-title","title":"WW2 USAAF Air Force University Patch \u0026 title","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSAAF Air Force University Patch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis particular patch was worn by members of the Air Force University. The Air Force University was responsible for the Air Force Training program during World War Two.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe insignia is a blue round patch with in the middle the letters AU with yellow wings and a star. Above the letters is a yellow genie lamp.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52397052166472,"sku":"1.3.26 (38)","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1533.heic?v=1769730799"},{"product_id":"ww2-a-t-s-button-hole-lapel-badge","title":"WW2 A.T.S button hole lapel badge.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 A.T.S button hole lapel badge. White metal with red enamel \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52430740259144,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1585.heic?v=1770330833"},{"product_id":"no-600-city-of-london-squadron-rauxaf-enamel-lapel-badge-1","title":"No. 600 (City of London) Squadron RAuxAF enamel lapel badge.","description":"\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eNice quality silver plated and coloured enamel lapel badge. (Please note the slight damage to the bottom scrolls enamel)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eNo. 600 (City of London) Squadron RAuxAF was formed at RAF Northolt on 14 October 1925 as a unit of the Auxiliary Air Force, equipped with Avro 504 trainers and Airco DH.9A day bombers. It moved to RAF Hendon at the end of 1926, replacing its DH.9As, veterans of the First World War, with more modern Westland Wapitis in 1929. It was designated a fighter squadron in July 1934. On the outbreak of war day and night patrols were flown, experiments with airborne radar beginning in December 1939. When the Germans invaded Holland, the squadron flew patrols over the Low Countries but in view of the inadequacy of Blenheims for daylight operations, 600 Sqn was allocated to night defence only a few days later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn World War II\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eIn September 1940 the first Bristol Beaufighter was received, conversion being completed early in 1941. In October 1940 the squadron moved to Yorkshire and in March 1941 to south-west England, where it remained until September 1942. In November 1942, 600 Sqn moved to North Africa to provide night cover for Allied bases and shipping. It was transferred to Malta in June 1943, and in September, to Italy where it spent the rest of the war on night defence and intruder missions. Re-equipment with Mosquitoes began in January 1945 and on 21 August 1945 the squadron disbanded, having become the highest scoring night fighter squadron in the RAF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-war\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"\u003eOn 10 May 1946, 600 Sqn reformed at RAF Biggin Hill, as a day fighter squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force with Spitfires. It began to recruit during June and received its first operational aircraft in October. After receiving a De Havilland Vampire in October 1949 for jet conversion, it was allotted Meteors in March 1950 and flew these until the Royal Auxiliary Air Force disbanded on 10 March 1957.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52441491439944,"sku":"16.2.26","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1595.heic?v=1770494560"},{"product_id":"polish-medal-for-warsaw-1939-1945-with-ribbon","title":"Polish Medal for the Liberation of Warsaw 1939–1945 \n with ribbon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Polish Medal za Warszawę 1939–1945 (Medal for Warsaw 1939–1945), a WWII commemorative award from the Polish People’s Republic.\u003cbr\u003eMedal History\u003cbr\u003eEstablished by decree on November 21, 1945, it honors defenders of Warsaw in September 1939, resistance fighters (1939–1945), Warsaw Uprising participants in 1944, and liberators in January 1945 by Polish and Soviet forces. Designed by Stanisław Łoza and Stanisław Gepner, it was a one-time award managed initially by the Ministry of National Defense.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52614190891336,"sku":"6.3.26","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-1844.heic?v=1772998209"},{"product_id":"ww1-army-service-corps-silver-enamel-sweetheart-badge","title":"WW1 Army Service Corps, silver \u0026 enamel sweetheart badge.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW1 Army Service Corps, silver \u0026amp; enamel sweetheart badge. Rear pin works perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52769927135560,"sku":"6.3.26 (14)","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0006.heic?v=1774461503"},{"product_id":"ww1-2-british-commonwealth-colonels-o-s-d-rank-badges","title":"WW1\/2 British \u0026 Commonwealth Colonels O.S.D rank badges.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW1\/2 British \u0026amp; Commonwealth Colonels O.S.D rank badges. The matching crowns are 24mm across and 24mm high, the pips are 20mm size.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53009570529608,"sku":"29.4.26 (10)","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0417.heic?v=1777491773"},{"product_id":"ww2-british-made-allied-airborne-sleeve-patch","title":"WW2 British made Allied Airborne sleeve patch.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 British made Allied Airborne sleeve patch. Excellent example removed from uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53012727365960,"sku":"29.4.26 (15)","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0427.heic?v=1777534166"},{"product_id":"ww2-us-army-allied-airborne-enamel-di-badge-with-brooch-back-fixing","title":"WW2 US Army Allied Airborne enamel DI Badge with brooch back fixing","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 US Army Allied Airborne enamel DI Badge with brooch back fixing and locking swivel wheel catch\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53016294621512,"sku":"29.4.26 (25)","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0448.heic?v=1777563920"},{"product_id":"ww2-british-indian-army-6th-jat-light-infantry-cloth-shoulder","title":"WW2 British Indian Army 6th Jat Light Infantry cloth shoulder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a 6th Jat Light Infantry shoulder title, an Indian Army regiment title. The Jats are a martial community from the Punjab\/Haryana region, and the Jat Regiment has a long and distinguished history under both the British Indian Army and post-independence Indian Army.\u003cbr\u003eThe “6th” designation:\u003cbr\u003eThe fractional superscript visible on the “6” – reading as 6th – is the regimental numbering. The 6th Jat Light Infantry has roots going back to the pre-Mutiny period, and the “Light Infantry” designation is a historic distinction of some prestige.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDark green wool background with red chain-stitched lettering is characteristic of Indian Army shoulder titles. This style of curved rocker title was used through the late WWII and early post-independence period (roughly 1940s). \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53018879197512,"sku":"29.4.26 (30)","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0461.heic?v=1777583693"},{"product_id":"ww2-french-62e-rgt-d-arttillerie-d-afriquf-breast-beret-badge","title":"French 62e Régiment d’Artillerie d’Afrique (62nd African Artillery Regiment","description":"\u003cp\u003e62e Régiment d’Artillerie d’Afrique – Insigne de Béret\/Poitrine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the regimental badge (insigne) of the 62e Régiment d’Artillerie d’Afrique (62nd African Artillery Regiment), a unit of the French Army’s specialist North African forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnamel scene: A North African townscape in white enamel against a rich terracotta ground, featuring pyramids (almost certainly the Pyramids of Giza), a minaret, and flat-roofed buildings characteristic of Maghrebi architecture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaker marked DRAGO PARIS centrally, with a second impressed mark reading DÉPOSÉ DRAGO PARIS – confirming the design was registered\u003cbr\u003e ∙ Address stamp reads 25 Rue Béranger – this is the well-known Drago workshop address in Paris, which places manufacture in the post-war period, most likely 1945 to the late 1950s, as Drago used this address from around 1945 onwards\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53057165328712,"sku":"May26-025","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0598.heic?v=1778168851"},{"product_id":"colonial-forces-sudan-defence-force-supply-department-brass-cap-badge","title":"Colonial Forces, Sudan Defence Force Supply Department brass Cap Badge","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"shopitemTitle\"\u003eColonial - Sudan Defence Force Supply Department Cap Badge\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"itemDescription\"\u003eA heavy die cast brass cap badge of two part construction with two original loops to the reverse. As worn by the Sudan Defence Force Supply Department. A shamrock leaf upon a multi-rayed star. In very good condition. Circa 1925 - 1955.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBadge referenced Renfrew book, Vol 1, No 1294 refers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53085138977096,"sku":"May26-47","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0671.heic?v=1778609648"},{"product_id":"ww2-r-c-a-f-cloth-canada-shoulder-tiles","title":"WW2 R.C.A.F cloth ‘CANADA’ shoulder tiles.","description":"\u003cp\u003eWW2 R.C.A.F cloth ‘CANADA’ shoulder tiles removed from uniform in great condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gradia Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53142539206984,"sku":"May26-111","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0924\/1103\/5976\/files\/IMG-0803.heic?v=1779356159"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.gradiamilitaria.com\/collections\/ww2-allies.oembed?page=2","provider":"Gradia Militaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}