Letter Trade Badges - What do they mean?
 

Hi All,

I've got my hands on a bag of badges recently, one of which was the A in a wreath as per the attached photo.

I know it is a trade badge and I know there is a series of them with different letters but is there a list anywhere of what they all are - as in what would you have to do to qualify to wear an A trade badge or the B trade and so on?

What classes as an A trade?

Thanks a lot,

Michael

The criteria varied through time (let grumpy give a proper reply).
Regular army in 1963..........

Michael,
They basically mean you have passed advanced courses in your trade.
Paul

"A" CLASS TRADESMAN/TRADESWOMEN

Leigh, I believe that your listing is just a alphabetical list of Army trades at the time.

Yes, I didn't make it clear - images weren't posted to detail the criteria re. the badges, merely to list trades as at 1963.

Thanks a lot for the help everyone, so presumably the B and C ones were not quite as advanced in your trade?

As regimental signallers we used to wear the crossed flags on the right wrist for class 2, once you passed the class 1 course you moved them to the left wrist then once you passed the RSI course they went above your rank badge. Does that mean in theory you could have worn a C badge as well as the flags for class 2, B for the class 1 and A for the RSI? I'm not saying they would but I'm trying to get my head around how they could be used.

Michael

I was pleased to see amongst the trades that tempted one into the Regular Army in the early 1960s: Interrogator (Int Corps), Special Treatment Assistant (RAMC) and a Saw Doctor (RE _ not to be confused with Sore Doctor). Mike

If my Memory serves me correct (1969 - 1993) you could only wear 1(one) trade badge along with any Para wings, Commando etc badges.
During my time as a Sapper I qualified as a "B" trade and onto a "A" trade but I did NOT wear any trade badges.
Jerry.

Brian Leigh Davis's book "British Army Uniforms and Insignia of WWII" lists the various trades & their "A", "B" etc classifications at that time.

Me neither Jerry,
I got some nice certificates though!! and a pay rise:D
The trade badges were wore mainly by Corps whereas the Infantry went up to Class 1 soldier, A bayonet(s) would indicate those qualifications.
Paul
Michael, I only ever saw A and B trade badges worn in the mid 80's like many Formation signs around that time they seemed to cease being used, A was the higher qualification and they would generally run with rank, in my Corps you would have to pass Military Proficiency and Trade qualifications to be eligible for promotion.

I will add that in some trades these ran with civilian City in Guilds qualifications now NVQ I believe.

The principal of the trade badges in question was that the employments with the most demanding skills were A, and so forth down to D. From memory, it was not usual to progress up through the letters whilst doing one trade: a riveter's assistant [I made that up] would need to learn a new trade to get to a higher letter and more trade pay.
Another aspect is that these badges were used when there was not a recognised/ recognisable traditional emblem.
Lastly, as signalling was mentioned, not only did it have its unique badge, but [somewhat oddly] it was classified with the skill-at-arms badges and so worn on the left lower sleeve. There is always a "however".
However, a signalling instructor wore the flags above rank on right hand side.

Leigh, was there not a reading and writing one for the Para's ?????
Andy:D

You mean reading OR writing?

I was an 'A' tradesman.
I initially trained as a Data Telegraphist, B trade.
I then did the radio side and thus gained my A trade.
I also did the Tele Mech course but didn't qualify for a T trade and prefered to be a A3 RTG as it had more kudos than being a 'failed' tech.
87 Sqdn/38 Sigs Regt were not that keen on us wearing trade badges.
However, my mate Pete was RAMC and the 'Doc' told him to wear his trade badges as he came under RAMC not R Sigs.
There was a badge for Para reading and writing but, apparently it was never achieved...;)