Royal Navy Ratings Patch identification
 

Evening guys,
Hoping to get some assistance on IDing this WWII patch. I had him down as a Leading Seaman, but looking at the patch I think that is incorrect...

I think it may be either Higher Submarine Detector or Sailmaker? Leaning towards the former but maybe I'm wrong altogether.

https://i.imgur.com/F43IgEG.png

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

Will

Yes, definitely not a rank badge. Rank badges were worn on the left arm and trade badges on the right.

That's right. Mix up on my part, apologies.

Anyone can ID this trade badge? :confused:

Looks like a trade badge of a ships wheel.

If its a star above he is probably a Quartermaster 3rd Class or 2nd class if also a star below.

A post WW2 trade, 1948 & 1946.

regards

Perhaps, but I would say it looks more like the Higher Submarine Detector badge? Assuming that the quartermaster badge I added is the correct badge (I couldn't find one with a star).

The top right of the Sub badge aligns perfectly with the example picture.

https://i.imgur.com/WfYg5mt.png

P.S. I should have mentioned that the ship was sold in 1948 and picture was most likely taken on, or before 1945, as it was with a portrait display piece for Far East 1945. However, it is possible that the picture was taken in 1946.

I agree with you, that's what I thought it was but don't have any reference books to hand to look it up.
Cheers,
Alex

For sure. It doesn't really look like it could be any of the other patches aside from this one. Plus you can see the similarities from the picture I posted.

Neither do I. I just used this link for reference: https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/ro...ings_trade.htm

Is there a specific reference book that people recommend for WWII trade badges + rank badges? I would love to get one as I have a few more similar portraits and maybe it would also be cool to collect some badges in the future.

Many thanks,

Will

There is one by Carmen, May & Tanner. Can't remember the exact name though.

Thanks Alex. It looks like a fantastic and very useful book to own. I can't find one right now for sub-£40, but if I see one reasonably priced I will certainly be picking up a copy.

Many thanks,

Will

Have looked through my copy of Carman,May and Tanners book. The best match is the submarine detector badge. Also there is a ships wheel with a star above and below, denoting a Quartermaster 2nd class, 1948-51

John

Not sure how long after the war, if at all, the 'HMS' tally continued to be used but just by seeing that I would assume it is a wartime photo.

Cap Ribbons or "tallies" with ships names were reintroduced in early 1946 (AFO 1441). Issue of named ribbons was slow to say the least with just H.M.S. being worn for two or three years after hostilities ceased. Ratings would often source named ribbons from unofficial sources like naval tailors. Interestingly, gold wire wasn't reintroduced until the early 1950's

Great photo by the way :)

Andrew

1951 to be exact (AFO 2309)

Which Ship by the way?

Also, is there any more of the photo? It is definitely a coil of rope with harpoon and lightning, but if there is a letter "S" underneath, it could be a Harbour Defence Operator.