What is it?

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Distinctive Insignia (DI's) are small enamelled metal insignia, chosen and worn by most regiment or battalion-sized units.

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More than 2,000 different designs had been authorised between 1923 and 1943. However, in 1943, owing to more than a thousand designs pending approval, and the general shortage of brass, the War Department suspended all further orders for DI's.

This didn't stop a soldier from privately commissioning a jeweller to make the DI for them

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According to regulations during 1944/45, Enlisted Men wore DI's on the left front of the garrison cap, and on each lapel of the Service uniform.

 

Officers wore DI's on the shoulder loops of the Service Coat. It was also pinned to the left side of the Officers garrison cap until 1942, when it was replaced by the rank insignia.

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What impression can I use this with?

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Early War

Mid War
Late War

 

Things to note when buying

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Not essential to your basic uniform, but a nice extra to own to show off the unit

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Repros can be purchased from SOF, and QMI.BE

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Interesting Information

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Approved on 24 November 1926, the 16th Infantry Regiment’s Regimental Distinctive Insignia, features the blue and white colours of the arms of Fleville, a French town in the Ardennes where the Regiment fought during the Meuse-Argonne campaign in World War I. The crossed arrow and bolo recall the Indian Wars and combat during the Philippines, respectively, while the five-bastioned fort is a variation on the insignia of V Corps, which the Regiment was assigned to during the War with Spain.

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