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#1
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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 |
#2
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The criteria varied through time (let grumpy give a proper reply).
Regular army in 1963.......... |
#3
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Leigh, I believe that your listing is just a alphabetical list of Army trades at the time.
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JERRY ROYAL ENGINEERS/BRITISH ARMY CORPS & SERVICES/BRITISH LEGION/ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (see albums) |
#4
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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.
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#5
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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
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#6
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Quote:
Andy
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Leave to carry on Sir please. |
#7
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You mean reading OR writing?
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#8
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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... |
#9
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I picked up some badges a few years ago that appeared to relate to the Artillery (a standard cap badge,etc.). The material looked to be WW1 and there may have been an OWS 1915 badge along with an SWB.
What has had me a little puzzled were two badges that were a brass wreath with a hand-cut capital letter "P" attached by two bars across the open wreath. The other one could be a "B" but I'd not swear to this and will have to hunt them out working to the rule that a picture is better than a vague description! Was wondering if "P" might be "PLOTTER"? |
#10
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Whatever else, the P badge is not official Great War issue.
A picture would help of course. P plotter existed from 1936, Plotter etc, but the official material was worsted. |
#11
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Michael,
They basically mean you have passed advanced courses in your trade. Paul |
#12
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Quote:
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 |
#13
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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.
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JERRY ROYAL ENGINEERS/BRITISH ARMY CORPS & SERVICES/BRITISH LEGION/ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (see albums) |
#14
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Brian Leigh Davis's book "British Army Uniforms and Insignia of WWII" lists the various trades & their "A", "B" etc classifications at that time.
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#15
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Quote:
I got some nice certificates though!! and a pay rise 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. Last edited by Paul Spellman; 26-10-17 at 11:54 AM. |
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