Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

The Royal Navy (RN) ratings’ branch structure recently underwent another reorganisation with new branch specialisation badges appearing from 2015 for, eg. ‘Weapons Engineering Technician’ (ET(WE)) and ‘Marine Engineering Technician’ (ET(ME)) specialisations. More recently a new qualification badge for the ‘Photographer’ (P) specialisation has appeared, along with the reintroduction of the ‘Writer’ (W) logistics sub-specialisation after it was replaced by Logistics (Personnel) (PERS) in 2007.

Tracing the genesis of, and rationale for, the current crop of RN ratings’ qualification and specialisation badges is no easy task. Various online sources reveal an often-changing picture since the late 1990s to reflect the rapidly changing backdrop of demands on the Senior Service and the nature of warfare more generally. However, official RN/MOD announcements, instructions and guidance around the various changes to branches and ratings’ badges are difficult to find.

I am interested in researching and plotting out the timeline and background of RN branch and qualification badges to the present day to share with Forum members. Do any members have, or are able to point me to, any official (or unofficial!) references that help illustrate the evolution of RN & QARNNS branch insignia from, say, 1995 onwards? For example, earlier versions of the RN uniform regulations and relevant Chapters of the Book of Refence (BRd), RN insignia posters, or updates to the June 2016 version of BRd 3(1) on the RN website.

Thanks

Peter

Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

A bit before your time frame, but I served in Royal Navy in the 1970s and can help with branch badges from 1970s till early 1980s if required.

I am away from my home computer at the moment, but when I get back I will see what I have in the way of documents for the more modern items.

Ian

Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

Hi Peter

Try this link for the latest list of RN badges as of 2016

https://rmhistorical.com/files/conte...20Jun%2016.pdf

Regards

Ian

Naval ratings handbook BR 1938 revised many times shows branch badges in the rear

1975 edition

see also BR 81 Dress regs supplements which had pictures and AFO Admiralty Fleet Orders e.g AFo 2550/55 issued 1955

Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

Thank you Ian and RBJ for your helpful replies.

A couple of questions on your posts:

Ian - The link to the pdf (rmhistorical.com) you included doesn't appear to work - not from my PC anyway! Have you an alternative?

RBJ - Thank you for the illustrations. What year was the page (second image) from BR81 you posted? It looks mid-1990s.

The BR81 supplements look like exactly what I'm after. Can either of you advise where I can get hold of past copies of BR81 please.

PM me if needs be.

Thanks

Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

Hi Peter

It looks like the site is down at the moment as I can't open page either

Will check when I get home to see if I managed to save anything to my computer.


Ian

Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

Hi Peter

Have just managed to check the rmhistorical site today and found it is back up and running again

Regards

Ian

Evolution of Modern Royal Navy Branch & Qualification Badges
 

Thanks Ian. Managed to access the site. Lots of other useful references on there too.

hi sorry for the dalay 1975 edition of ships book and BR81 about mid 90s as you say i have copies of both in my shop
BJ