Neck Scarf

The Free Wales Army (Welsh: Byddin Rhyddid Cymru) was a paramilitary Welsh nationalist organisation, formed out of Lampeter, West Wales by William Julian Cayo-Evans in 1963 as a replacement for the then supposedly moribund Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru. more...

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The Byddin consisted of a number of commanding units leading a structure of ranks and volunteers. These commanding units were often isolated and worked within the tight precepts of army directives. Activities were largely limited to training in the Welsh countryside armed with surplus IRA equipment, and small–scale operations. Although the media treated this surreptitious movement with some ridicule, the authorities took them seriously enough to bring court action against the leading figures in 1969, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for them.

The Army's motto was "Fe godwn ni eto", Welsh for "We shall rise again". Its crest was Eryr Wen, a white eagle mounted on dark green shield, commonly seen in shorthand. Also incorporated in the national flag on the top left hand corner.

Their objective was to establish an independent Welsh republic which had the sole allegiance of all her citizens. The Byddin's White Eagle of Eryri symbol became a familiar sight painted on walls and bridges throughout Wales.

The exact number of active members is unknown. Conservative estimates approximate the membership at 50, whilst at its most popular the byddin claimed a nationwide network consisting of 2000 active members and many more sympathisers. However, in August 1968 only 200 volunteers attended the Abergewsyn training camp, indicating that the actual membership was probably between the two figures.

Uniform

All volunteers wore a bottle-green peaked cap or beret with eagle crest. A bottle-green combat jacket, civilian trousers, neck scarf, combat boots, and bottle-green webbing belt rounded out the uniform for Privates and NCOs and black or leather webbing belt with peaked officers' cap for officers.

The color of the beret and neck scarf varied depending on the unit of the soldier's attachment.

General service dress uniform consisted of a dark green blazer with an eagle crest.

Decorations and Awards

These decorations were rarely issued and often crude in appearance. Only ribbons were worn on field uniforms. Medals were worn in order of importance, with the most important on the left.

Order of St.David Awarded for outstanding furtherance of the freedom movement and recognising outstanding achievements. Ribbon: Black and yellow. Medallion: Gold cross;

Cross Of Llewellyn Awarded for leadership in addition to bravery. Ribbon: Two vertical red and green bars. Medallion: Silver Celtic cross embossed with eagle.;

Cross Of Glyndwr Gallantry in the face of the enemy, and individual acts of courage. Ribbon: Violet. Medallion: Bronze Celtic cross with dragon rampant.;

Read more at Wikipedia.org