blackened cap badges for N.Ireland

[Jeff Mc William]

Hi all
Following an interesting chat with phil2m on the "visitor messages" site regarding blackened badges for use in N.Ireland, it was decided it would be a good idea to widen the discussion into a proper forum thread in order to include some further expert input :
It seems to be widely accepted that many units painted over their regimental cap badges in matt-black, while one or two adopted either a black plastic badge (ie the Royal Fusiliers) or had a "subdued" design (like the Royal Signals..I think).
Also, according to my note book, an entry dated 23/01/2008 says that Alan O mentioned a factory-made blackened a/a badge for the Argylls on the forum. I am still "kicking myself" now, because when challenged about this, I could not find the thread ! So I wonder Alan if you could confirm this, and possibly elaborate (ie makers name, and any other issues etc). Thanks.
Again, like many others, I am looking forward to Hagwalther's new book re a/a's and wonder if his findings can confirm this and perhaps reveal any other regiments in N.Ireland who had purpose-made blackened badges. Regards Jeff

[ANGLE IRON]

The Royal Anglians had a blackened one for Northern Ireland. I have one , it looks factory blacked over normal staybright.

[Fatboy Ken]

Hiya Jeff

The RCT (Royal Corps of Transport) used to blacken our badges with "matt black" paint up until about 1981, then the Corps introduced the "Blue" Subdued Cloth Beret Badge of which there were 2 designs (I know of). These badges were sewn onto the beret, and were well liked by nearly all ranks.
(I say "nearly", cos someones bound to disagree) lol

The RLC, (Royal Logistics Corps) now have a number of Subdued Beret Badges, of which I've lost count, these were of many various colours and designs, 5 or 6 I think, maybe more.

Also !! the Royal Green Jackets also had a purpose made A/A Black Badge, but it was gloss black, if my memory serves me right, rather than matt/dull black.

Hope this helps start off the tread

Ken (The Fatboy)

[Alan O]

There are several commercially made black badges in addition to locally painted ones. The Para regt bought theirs from regtl funds in the 90s and issued them to the troops; and they are still in production. I have seen commercially made RSIGNALS, Argylles, QDG and RHants and I have one of the RGJ and Scots Guards badges in my collection.

The RRF had theirs made and they come with 3 styles of fittings.

[Faugh-A-Ballagh]

Also !! the Royal Green Jackets also had a purpose made A/A Black Badge, but it was gloss black, if my memory serves me right, rather than matt/dull black.

Hope this helps start off the tread

Ken (The Fatboy)[/QUOTE]

Hi Ken,
As I found out in conversation with some ex members last year in London on remembrance Sunday, the blackened RGJ badge was a 2RGJ tradition hailing from their KRRC heritage. There is a previous thread on this. Although I'm sure members of 1 and 3 probably wore blackened ones in NI too.

John

[Phil2M]

The RRF's three fittings, complies with what i was told about them. The first design broke, the second one dug into the wearers head and the third one was disliked generally by all.

I have a blackened RGJ aa badge, I didn't realise this had been done for use in NI.

Phil

[Charlie585]

Hi Gents,

Here are three different blackened badges. The first is the QC Royal Engineers, these were blackened using black IRR paint for exercise and operational purposes. This was done as a personal preference in my experience and was generally considered optional.

The second badge is a factory blackened RGJ example, however, speaking to an acquaintance of mine recently that served with 2RGJ he stated that on the beret it was "never a shiny one" so these may have been produced for best/parade dress only.

The third is a Royal Hampshire Regiment QC and it appears that this badge was factory blackened also. MM J. R.GAUNT B'HAM.

Regards to all.

Ry

[Phil2M]

Hi guys,

Which of the factory blackened examples would have been made for use in NI specifically?

Cheers

Phil

[Fatboy Ken]

Jeff

I worked with the SG's, RWF, 40 & 42 COMMANDOS, RRW in NI as well as most of the Corps, RE, REME, RAOC, SIGS, RMP Etc and all wore a "painted" Matt Black beret badge, when on operational duties.

Our SQMS gave us the IRR paint and left us to do the job.

So in answer to your question, All units wore a blackened beret badge when out on ops, unless, in the border areas, where i believe they would have removed them, so as not to lose them.

Regards Ken

[Peter Brydon]

For the Kings Regiment see " Badge Backing and Special Embelishments of the British Army" page 90, which gives details of a specially made black "plastic" black badge worn for a short period in February 1975.

P.B.

[NEMO]

My Royal Fusiliers badge , sorry for the poor pictures its dark now out side, regards ,MICHAEL

[tynesideirish]

Hate to be a pedant but it's Royal Regiment of Fusiliers!

[Paddy]

Jeff

A few more which I believe were also factory blackened as opposed to painted black.

17th/21st No MM
RTR No MM
SG No MM
A&SH No MM
LI No MM
Para LB&B
RM is Firmin
UDR No MM
RGJ is LB&B
Royal Hants is JR Gaunt B'Ham.

Paddy

[Paddy]

2nd batch of pics

[Paddy]

Oops, forgot about this one, MM Firmin London.