Unidentified insignia at HMS Raleigh?
 

Hi all, can anyone identify the meaning of the badges pictured, seen on the uniforms of several ratings passing out of HMS Raleigh very recently?

Explanations I have had so far are: they are direct entry engineers. Join up as a Killick or PO dependant open their civvie qualifications. and that they are "Upper yardsmen” scheme . Officer candidates selected while under basic training.

So far I'm not convinced by either, anyone got any definitive answers?

Cheers

Tony

Upper Yardsmen sudying for their A Levels at HMS Caledonia in the early 70s certainly wore these rockers.

I think the UY scheme has changed greatly since then, many at the time were Artificers 1st and 2nd Class.

Thanks Jim. Upper Yardsman is what I thought, but having seen it worn on New Entry ratings passing out of Raleigh, on ratings who have been in the RN for some time, on Midshipmen at BRNC, on URNU Cadets and on officers wearing Sub Lt lace on their sleeve, I am thoroughly confused as to its meaning now?

Tony

I may be wrong but I believe it is worn by Direct Entry engineering ratings (possibly extended to other branches now) which would explain why it is worn by killicks and POs passing out of Raleigh.

Paddy

BR3 Vol 1 Chapter 39 para 3907 refers

Cheers Jim, fantastic, that clears that one up nicely!

Regards

Tony

A bit more from BR3.

Tony

Unfortunately that doesn't clear it up fully, the excerpt that Jim has attached only applies to young officers. If you look at BR3 under the SR & JR section you will also find-

Section 3916 Part L

Additionally, Probationary Leading Hands (see Chapter 68) employed and operating under the Accelerated Apprentice Scheme wear the standard Leading Hand insignia in conjunction with the following:
(1) White shoulder epaulettes (NSN 8455-99-978-8918) on all appropriate
uniforms.
(2) A white curved upper-sleeve flash (NSN 8455-99-978-8917) on the left arm of No1 uniform and overalls.

m. Royal Navy shoulder slides are issued on completion of Phase 1 Training. Phase.

2 trainees wear the Royal Navy shoulder slides with white epaulettes.

Paddy