Uniform ID

[Tony B]

Hello all,
I hope you can help identify this uniform more accurately than I'm able.
South African. From the collar badge I assume it's artillery? And the stripes – are they bombadier? and do I detect a third stripe?
Any help appreciated,
Tony

[Milmed]

Yes South African.

Artillery Specialist Womans Auxiliary Army Service.

They manned coastal gun emplacements doing search lights duties and gun position plotting etc.

They were allowed to wear Artillery cap and collar badges once qualified.

Steven

[milhistry]

The uniform on the left appears to be the so called "Union pattern" battle dress which was made from khaki drill rather than the serge and was apparently only worn in SA. The one on the right looks like the summer version of service dress that was khaki drill or light fawn gabardine depending on rank and manufacturer.

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by Milmed

Yes South African.

Artillery Specialist Womans Auxiliary Army Service.

They manned coastal gun emplacements doing search lights duties and gun position plotting etc.

They were allowed to wear Artillery cap and collar badges once qualified.

Steven

All of them were ranked, requirments were:
In a letter setting out the desired qualifications for volunteers the following were the requirements:
a) Physically fit, between the ages of 18 and 32.
b) Free from family ties.
c) Well educated. The Matric Standard is to be taken as a general guide but JC Standard may be accepted provided the applicant appears to be of an intelligent type.
d) The general type required is a well-educated woman of a good class possessed of self-reliance.

By the end of the last course there had been approximately 450 fully qualified ladies in range finding, radar and telephony duties posted to various sites, along the long South African coastline. 18 went on to become officers, 31 S/Sgts and 49 Sgts. The remainder held the rank of Bombardier or Lance/Bombardier. In June 1942 all ASWAAS trained ladies were permitted to wear Artillery badges and buttons, a privilege very highly prized by all as an indication that their acceptance into the Artillery was now complete.

Hope this helps....?
Brian

[Tony B]

Thanks Brian, You're awesome that's very helpful indeed.
Tony