Hi i am looking for a neadle in a haystack i brought a lighter with a reconnaissance corps badge on and scratched on the back a name E.Renwick . odd thing is its a Ronson lighter made in the USA, any help please would be great . i am thinking WW2. regards
An interesting find, never seen a Recce lighter before, I wonder if it was in production or home made, perhaps from a Reconnaissance Corps badge. For comparison I have attached a photo of a badge – wonder if yours is the same size? Definitely WW2 as the Corps were formed in 1941. E Renwick is not listed on CWGC so looks like he survived the war. Have looked through the Reconnaissance book ‘This Band of Brothers’ and there was a T Renwick MiD of 4th Recce. Note this book is not a complete list of personnel and that it does contain errors with initials – my father for one! Can find no mention of that name in ‘Only the Enemy in Front’ Ps. I wonder if this post should be moved to the Recce section to ensure it catches the eye of others, perhaps one of the Moderators could oblige.
hi Tony, thank you the lighter is a ronson, with a recce cap badge added called trench art, can you please tell me more about T Renwick MiD of 4th Recce , like what does MiD mean please ? and where did the 4th recce serve ? yes I might get a few reply's if the form is send to the recce section. regards ian
It does indeed look like a Brass Recce Cap Badge lead soldered to the lighter. Probably self made and soldered locally or by REME or RE friend. Regards Tom
Ian, afraid I can't tell you much about T Renwick other than he is mentioned in the book, there is more information here: 4 Recce War Diary & Map or here Reconnaissance Journal MiD = Mentioned in Despatches. One of his Officers included his name in an official report noting gallant and distinguished service, one level down from a medal. My father was recognised but unfortunately, unlike a medal, there is no record of the actions involved.
