Material: Cloth
Size: 45mm w x 40mm h
Description: This military insignia is a Tactical Recognition Flash (TRF) worn by personnel within the British Army's 7th Air Defence Group, a formation operating under the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division. The design showcases a golden centaur Archer—traditionally representing the astrological sign of Sagittarius—aiming its arrow upward to symbolize anti-aircraft fire and the projection of defensive power into the skies. Historically traced back to World War II formation signs, the symbol commands all ground-based air defense assets for the United Kingdom. It is typically affixed to the upper sleeve of the combat uniform to signify assignment to this specialized artillery command structure.
Circa: 1944 to present
Notes:
The centaur emblem was first adopted in 1944 by the 7th Anti-Aircraft Division during World War II and survived through various reorganizations, including the 7th Army Group Royal Artillery and the 7th Air Defence Brigade, before settling into its current Group designation in April 2019. Because these items are actively fielded by major regiments such as the 12th and 16th Regiments Royal Artillery, variations abound in the collector market, ranging from this full-color dress uniform style to olive-drab and khaki subdued desert variants designed for field operations.