Help needed - What rate is a PO M(E)?
 

Hello all,

I picked up group of medals and am trying to pinpoint his rate.

His NGSM 1915 medal has his rate as L.S.M.

His LSGC has PO M(E).

His service was from WWII thru 1963.

What would his rating badge look like?

Thank you for any help.

Petty Officer Engineering Mechanic. Also used to be called a Petty Officer Stoker from the days when boilers were coal fired.

I have just read your lead again Reference the badge, If 1WW, you mention 1915, then I assume LSM would mean Leading Stoker Mechanic in which case the badge would be a three bladed propeller with a star above, I then assume he was rated up to Petty Officer at a later date which would the place a "Kings Crown" above the propeller. If you do not know the difference a Kings crown is the type shown in the attachment,

Many thanks for the information.

May I ask what reference book the rating badge picture came out of?

I'm a bit confused by the dates your man was supposed to have served. In one sentence you refer to his NGSM 1915 and the next you say he served from WW11 to 1963? I take it you do not mean that he received his NGSM IN 1915! Now that really would be Long Service! I presume you mean the medal was introduced in that year. Don't worry, I'm only being flippant! Just got too much spare time on my hands ...

Pete

On a more serious note.

I meant to add that the illustration came from 'Badges & Insignia of the British Armed Services' published by Adam & Charles Black of London in 1974. As such it only covers badges up to that date. The Royal Navy section was written by Commander W.E. May. Once taken as gospel regarding whatever May said about naval badges, a subsequent 45 years of research has shown that May made several errors. However, it is still a volume worth having. It is now rather difficult to get hold of a copy and it can be rather pricy but persevere and you should be able to get hold of one.

Pete

Correct Pete.

He earned the NGSM 1915-1962 vice the NGSM. His NGSM has the Minesweeping 1945-51 clasp.

Thanks for your help. I found a copy of the book and ordered it.