1SG Edith( Nikki) Hayhurst ( Retired Army)   The other Women in Vietnam - The Proud Enlisted Hebron, MD April 7, 2021     January 1967.  1st Sergeant Marion C. Crawford, WAC Detachment, Vietnam, stands retreat with the detachment (Photo:  The Women's Army Corps, 1945-1978, p.247)

According to numerous websites it stated the "Elephant Butt" patch is a rare, often custom-made WWII-era insignia, with discussions indicating its usage by RAF, RAAF, or Allied personnel in the Southeast Asian theater . While not a standard official patch, similar elephant designs appear in RAF history, and such patches are sometimes found on customized flight jackets from that era.  What I learned was that in the beginning of the CBI campaign they were assigned Bombing/ Recon/ escort missions. Then close to the end they were re- assigned to the rear in search and rescue/ logistical operations and the "elephant butt" of Nellie came out of it.  That is only one story from an entry in a Document and also repeated in a Book written about the No 27 role in the CBI. The Story from the Home Forum tells of a carving of an Elephant sent from a son who was a member of the CBI campaign  No. 27 Squadron in Malay which was damaged in a Bombing raid over London and the name it was given was Nellie which started the " Make Do" Campaign to make Nellie toys out of scraps of materials-  just like what was done to repair the carving damaged in the raid.  Other sites stated this:   Squadron Origins: No. 27 Squadron adopted the elephant as its symbol during WWI because they were equipped with the Martinsyde G.100 "Elephant" aircraft, which was nicknamed for its large, cumbersome appearance  WWII Service: During World War II, the squadron operated in Malaya and Burma, primarily performing ground attack and air-jungle rescue duties  The Historic Flying Clothing Company . The elephant symbol also commemorated the unit's long history of service in India, The "Butt" Variation: This specific "rear view" design is a well-known bit of military humor. It was often worn by ground crews or as a "joke" patch to signify leaving a location or to poke fun at the "cumbersome" nature of their aircraft or duties.  In the 1960's No 27 Squadron  used the Flying Dumbo Disney design patch on their flight suits. 

Not Americans I know, but Britshers cooking in their Helmet in WWI, officers of the Grenadier Guard, Miraumont-le-Grand_ in France, year not mentioned. So we figure if they did we must of did too with the Brodies, will keep the lookout for Doughboys cooking in their helmet.

The cord uniform was used by all five branches of US service, two green and three blue, the same fabric color was used for each group although the pattern and cut were specific to each.  Worn by both Officers and Enlisted of any specialty or job, it was not exclusively for medical staff like the hospital whites.  The insignia was US standard for the time, ENLISTED; collar brass, rank on sleeves, ribbons, name plate,  OFFICERS; rank and branch on collar, ribbons and name plate.  That said in country various unit patches were worn similar to pocket patches and in many positions, see photos.  Cheers Armygas PS: the buttons on the Army version were "bronze color" initially and common brass after about 1962, both were same size at 30 ligne.

When did they start with the Black Twill Cloth, up till now I was only familiar with the OD ones, like in example when I was in Alaska 81-82, one of the Squad Leaders a E-6 wore one for previous duty as a recruiter, in Boston Mass he was, his, it was of course in OD cloth.

Thanks for posting that one. I know it's in the reference books but I've never seen an actual one "in the flesh" so to speak.

Hello Thanks for sharing. It's curiosus, I just acquired some of his belongings. It's a shame, who knows how many more of his things are scattered out there among other collectors...

You are talking about the Official Squadron Insignia-----It was members of the RAF who gave me the information about the Unofficial " Nellie" Mascot insignia as well as the Home Front Forum.   They have a new one now which shows an aggressive elephant

Of course that’s the entire package that weighs 1 kg.

Does this help?