Hi
Richard,
I wonder if this little tale will interest some of the older members
of our fraternity. It was only a few weeks before Lt. Dick Place passed
away while we were having pub grub together, and as usual reminiscing
about old times, when he asked if I still had my "Geneva"
lapel badge. I'm afraid to say mine had got lost before I left the service,
but Dick assured me he still had his.
The Staff Band at Deal, plus some augmentation were on a visit to Geneva
in August 1952 for the Battle of the Flowers week. (We had done a similar
job in Jersey) It was quite a hectic week one way or another, and during
a reception at the Town Hall we were presented with a little lapel badge
and a book all about Geneva.
On arrival back at Deal someone suggested we wore the badge on future
engagements, so it was pinned under the flap of our tunic pocket. Anyone
not wearing his badge had to pay for the next cup of tea when we were
on the road and stopping for our usual toilet stop. I can't remember
getting caught, but once on the way to South-end for a Carnival etc.
Capt. "Dizzy" Lang paid the forfeit!
Why I am bringing this story up is that Dick's wife June, while sorting
out Dick's belongings came across his "Geneva" badge, and
remembered our conversation and has kindly sent it to me. I am wondering
now if there any more kicking around in some ones Ditty box.
I have enclosed a photo of the Badge, also a picture of the band during
one of our many appearances. The band photo hasn't copied very well
so it may not be worth printing. The other should be OK.
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The
Geneva Lapel Badge
