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#1
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HMAS FAA Rating photo
Not too long ago I acquired this studio photo of an HM Australian Navy FAA rating. I had never seen a good clear photo of an HMAS FAA rating & I thought this was an excellent example. H
He was an Aircraft Handler with two stars on his rate badge(right sleeve), with a singe GCB (Good Conduct badge) on his left sleeve. I expect he is likely qualified for leading rate as well. His ship was HMAS Albatross. I expect 2WW period but I have no idea of his name, at the bottom of the print is signed what I think is the photographers studio, but on the reverse is handwritten a name, handwriting not too good, looks like "mother" [?] Thought some of our Australian mates like to view (&/or comment on) the photo.... Bryan |
#2
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Thanks Bryan
HMAS Albatross was a seaplane carrier built in Australia and entered service in 1929. We gave her to UK as part payment for HMAS Hobart in 1938 so some dates for the period. There was also a depot named Albatross, but post WW2. |
#3
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HMAS FAA Rating Photo
Hello Bryan, bit of info . . .
The RAN did away with the stars on the right-arm rate around 1964. Ratings from Ord, through to Able Rate and Leading Rate all wore the same (star-less) right-arm badge. POs wore a crown above the device. Around end of 1964 or early 1965 (I forget) "Australia" flashes were introduced to be worn on both sleeves just below the shoulder seam. These came in gold or red thread for ratings' No. 1,2, and 3 uniforms. The Australia flashes may have had something to do with the country's involvement in Vietnam. The White Ensign was changed to the Australian Ensign about the same time . . . to differentiate Aussie warships which were operating off Vietnam from RN ships, I suppose. Anyway, NAS (Naval Air Station) Nowra - HMAS Albatross was commissioned in 1948, so that makes your picture taken most likely between 1948 and 1964/5. On a tonsorial note the lad's haircut looks 1950s - ish. Regards - Lawrence Last edited by elgee45; 15-05-16 at 08:35 AM. Reason: typo |
#4
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Quote:
http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chr...-Albatross.htm A fascinating record of service that in effect ended in Aug 44 when torpedoed off Normandy beaches. Mike |
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Thank you for your comments & links mates, I had looked up HMAS Albatross & found out some of her pre war & 2WW history.
I assume this photo was taken when she was in RAN service(pre '39) judging by the HMAS Albatross cap ribbon, but perhaps pre war - did the RAN wear non ship name HMAS only cap ribbons during 2WW as did the RN & RCN? Be interesting to actually find out his identity? Don't feel much of a clue with the poor handwriting on the reverse. Again, appreciate your feedback! Bryan |
#6
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I thank you for the information concerning the RAN rate badge change. The RCN went thru a similar change during 1949 when a definite attempt was made to "Canadianize" our Navy. & this at the time was quite a good move . The stars & crowns were abolished & a new set of rate badges was issued commencing early in 1950, many of the old designs were retained but many of the badge designs were new & the result was a very attractive set of rate badges that lasted until the 1970 period when the Canadian Forces underwent a not so great period of change. Like the RAN, the RCN retained the gold, red & blue embroidered badges with the distinctive (but improved) ratings uniform. Canada shoulder flashes were introduced in the RCN during 2WW. Bryan |
#7
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Quote:
Again, thanks for your input! Bryan |
#8
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Quote:
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wils...e-george-12048 Quote:
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#9
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This may be a longshot, but I came across this photo while looking through the July 18, 1958 issue of "Navy News". (page 12) http://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default...ly-18-1958.pdf
The proud father does bear a resemblance to the sailor in your photo and the rate badge seems to match. |
#10
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Coombe, Barrie Francis
From the National Archives of Australia. A bit out, timeline-wise . . . dunno.
Coombe, Barrie Francis. D.O.B. 22-Nov-1935, Place of birth: Taree, NSW. Enlisted (RAN) 08-Apr-1958. Place of enlistment: Sydney. Home port: Sydney. O/N: R50179. Naval Airman, Aircraft Handler. Promoted to Leading Airman AH 10-Aug-1963. Chief Airman AH 14-Feb-1969. Multiple postings to HMAS Albatross. Don't know when he paid off. The archived scanned images only go to 1970. Regards - Lawrence Last edited by elgee45; 16-05-16 at 09:09 AM. Reason: added stuff |
#11
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Quote:
Bryan |
#12
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Quote:
appears as if he had a pretty good career, likely rec'd the RAN LS medal perhaps Bryan |
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