1. | | [Bookplate by M. Trinque] | This bookplate includes both a pictorial image and a heraldic symbol. The image, in black ink, depicts three soldiers in the process of laying communications cable. One soldier holds the spool of cable, another cuts the cable with pliers, and the third soldier keeps a look-out, rifle on back. The heraldic symbol, in coloured ink, contains an escutcheon divided per fess by an engrailed line. The top half is a dark shade of azure, while the bottom half is a light shade of azure. The escutcheon includes a sinister bend of blue, white, and red, representing the French flag. From the dexter chief to the sinister base are three fleur-de-lis. On the top of the shield is a torch, possibly representing Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa during World War II. On both the right and left sides of the shield are signal flags, providing more indication that this coat of arms belongs to a communications unit. The left flag is a small red square within a larger white square, and the right flag is the reverse. At the base of the shield is a ribbon containing four stars. Below the image, there is space for entering a name of ownership, but it has been left blank. |