This is a pair of Home Guard patches, complete with fabric loop for sliding onto shoulder epaulettes or shoulder straps, rather than sewing directly on.

When the Home Guard (originally the Local Defence Volunteers, or LDV) was formed in 1940, its members were issued whatever uniforms and insignia could be produced quickly.
By mid-1940, the War Office authorized these cloth shoulder titles marked “H.G.” to identify Home Guard personnel before full battledress insignia became standardized.

Made out of khaki serge or wool, the fabric loop on the back was so they didn’t need to be directly sewn on but also, so they could be removed easily, if for example, a unit transitions to a new rank or position. Being embroidered rather that printed makes these late war pieces. 1941 – 1944. The earliest Home Guard insignia (summer 1940) were cheaply printed on khaki cotton — made quickly when the force was first raised as the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV).

Both patches are in excellent condition, the wool is still fluffy, and thankfully there are no pulls or areas of damage. The embroidery is in perfect condition as well, with no pulls or damage either. Lovely little additions to any Home Front collection.