Royal Naval Division Army Insignia

[HMS-Troutbridge]

Might seem odd that I'm posting this here but the RND uniform did bear more of a resemblance to infantry than navy. I am interested in what types of army insignia were worn by the ratings of the Royal Naval Division. I do know already that standard army rank was worn on the right sleeve, naval on the left in blue thread on khaki backing e.g. a Petty Officer had a PO's rating badge on his left sleeve and Sergeant's stripes on his right.

Was army trade insignia worn where appropriate? Were good conduct stripes worn as inverted rank chevrons on the cuff, army style or coloured chevrons under the rating badge naval style?

If anyone can suggest any references I should look up on the wider topic of RND insignia I'd be extremely grateful!

[grumpy]

RN men in the RND were first and foremost RN men and so I very much doubt if GC chevrons were worn army style. The RN badge system was much more highly regarded and prestigious than the army one, with stricter criteria .... a totally different system.
I can't see a three-badge Leading Seaman NOT wearing his badges in RN fashion on his RN side.
Photos on this one would be much appreciated, people!

[Peter Brydon]

HMS-T,

Excellent illustrated article in Crown Imperial magazine of Autumn 1999 if you can get hold of a copy.

The article is called "Sailors in Khaki:Royal Naval Division Uniforms and Insignia 1914-18" by Martin Brayley.

P.B.

[Jim Maclean]

Interesting subject. I was on the Great War Forum yesterday and saw a photo of a RND chap with a hook on his left arm and a lance corporal's stripe on the right. No GCB but then it wouldn't be a given that he'd yet earned one.

I have a feeling, and no more than that - no claims, that RND would not have worn GCBs, the uniform would start to get a bit cluttered and colorful.

I find that uniform information on the RND is scarce and photographs scarcer. I would love to know for instance why the so called RND CPO's cap badge is modelled on a PO's badge.

[HMS-Troutbridge]

Originally Posted by grumpy

RN men in the RND were first and foremost RN men and so I very much doubt if GC chevrons were worn army style. The RN badge system was much more highly regarded and prestigious than the army one, with stricter criteria .... a totally different system.
I can't see a three-badge Leading Seaman NOT wearing his badges in RN fashion on his RN side.
Photos on this one would be much appreciated, people!

As you say but then what would the chevrons look like? As far as I know RND wore Naval rank in blue thread on a khaki background.

Any idea on the number of that issue P.B.? If you have it do you think you could oblige me with a scan of the article as browsing online has not turned up many old issues for sale excepting in bulk sales.

[Peter Brydon]

HMS-T,

If you send me a PM with your E mail address I will scan the article and send it to you.

P.B.

[Peter Brydon]

Some notes with illustrations on RND insignia in an article entitled "Landlocked Sailors" in Formation Sign 237 Jan-March 2010.

P.B.

[HMS-Troutbridge]

Thanks very much for all the forthcoming assistance, will send a message now, thanks!