KATANGA Gendarmerie pocket badge, 1960- 1963

Was worn by mercenaries who served with- 5 Commando under Colonel Mike Hoare. Hot enamels. Made and marked by the maker: "DRAGO PARIS". Two loops on the reverse.

-Katanga was a breakaway state that proclaimed its independence from the Republic of Congo-Léopoldville on- 11 July 1960 under Moise Tshombe and existed as an independent state until- 1963. Katanga's military force, designated the Katanga Gendarmerie, was raised by the Tshombe government, and was initially organised and trained by regular Belgian officers and subsequently by European mercenaries from various nations.