Photo of Combined Ops Artillery/Navy Forward Observation Unit
 

I was having a bit of a clear out and came across this posed photo of a Royal Artillery/Royal Navy Forward Observation Unit from the mid 70’s(?). It’s not my field but I thought the ensemble of insignia was quite unusual (particularly the RN member’s ‘choice’ of beret badge) and that it might be of interest to the Combined Ops and Commando buffs amongst us.

Great photo Harry Katyn. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Great photo
Not my area of collecting, but fascinating all the same,
may I ask what the badge is the RN chap is wearing please?

Chris

It's the badge of a Royal Navy Ordinary Telegraphist as per the attached.

Jon

Again not really my field but I believe the star above the two wings indicates a RN Radio Operator 2nd Class (formerly known as Wireless Telegraphist). I believe it to be a trade patch which would normally be worn on the arm.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable on RN insignia can correct me if this is wrong.

I agree with you and it looks to be in gold as was worn on best uniform.

David.

Thanks Jon and David,
Most odd, a trade badge on the beret, I wonder if this was common practice?

Chris

I would suggest the posed photo, is of a Forward Observation party from 148 Meiktila Bty of 29 Cdo Regt Ra. As is usual the Captain is the OP officer and the L/Bdr with the bino's is the OP 'Ack' (assistant). The RN signaller sending the fire control orders to a ship providing naval gunfire support.

Hey, were you a Gunner? :D

Marc

Who me? Ha ha!

I thought he was a stitch counter!

Oh Toby . . . . Ha ha!

Great pic. Thanks Harry.

Bit before my era but I've never seen the Rad Op badge worn on a green lid before. Live and learn.

The original photo shows the Radio Telegraphist badge to be red on black.

"Looks too early to be 29 commando, 148 was in 95 commando pre 1976.
Wooden stocked SLRs and old stlye lance bombardier tapes."
Quote from work colleague ex 29 Commando.
Tony.