UK Special Forces Group Epaulettes
 

I have seen these rank slides on many occasions and have heard differing views on them. Some people have even claimed that these were never worn.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...Sly/sf-110.jpg

Here is another from attached Signals (264 or 63 Sqn). I have seen these with 'Royal Signals' spelled out or the 'Royal' part abbreviated to 'R.', as below.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...--Sly/lcpl.gif

The following Ebayer seller seems to have many - Sigs, AGC, RAMC etc. What are members views on these slides?

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SUNSET-MILI...id=p4340.l2563

Thanks

Rank slides
 

My only advice would be - Don't imagine for a moment that there are any hard and fast rules about these items. There is certainly no overall policy to which the constituent parts of the British Army adheres.
As an example - both the attached were designed by me (and locally sanctioned by D Int Corps). The officer's slide as worn in Hong Kong and the other was exclusively for OCdts of Int & Sy Gp (V) (now 3 MI Bn (V))
Attachment 43535

Rank slides
 

hi Sly,

The SAS have worn rank slides for a long time on barracks dress (shirt order, woolly pully). They were embroidered black on green. Sometimes you can see custom made rank slides, like the one attached, which goes back to the sixties or so.

A lot of the rank slides on Ebay, specially the ones in DPM and desert colours are fantasy items.

I believe the practice of wearing rankslides like that has been discontinued recently in the Regiment.

Maybe other members can comment on the timing?

best regards,

Johan

100% worn in years gone by

Rank slides still being worn today?
 

hi Ben,

Are rankslides still being worn today?

best regards,

Johan

I think the top set were made by a company in Lancashire, who advertised in service papers/magazines. I had similar made to RAF Police in '86 or '87. Regards, Paul.

This one belonged to the SAS RSM from the Gulf War.

I was given a Sgts set by a friend that worked with the "Blades" so they were worn at one time and i remember TA SAS at BZN doing their Para course wearing them as well.

I can honestly say that, with the odd exception, I can't really recall anyone actually wearing any rank badge as a slip-on with CS95 let alone one with SAS emblazoned on it. Although I can say that I have seen SRR members wearing their version whilst on other courses.

I think it should be remembered that the official issue rank slide has just that, rank. Other versions that are approved either at Corps Director level or through the Army Dress Committee are generally purchased through the PRI or provided at Bn/Unit expense.

It may have belonged to the RSM but I don't think it would have been worn by him unless the SAS have a local tradition of having a captain for RSM.

SAS NCO
 

Hi,

It is not uncommon for senior NCO's in the SAS to take commissions, so that explains why the RSM of the Gulf War period (Peter Ratcliffe. He wrote a book about his time in the SAS: Eye of the Storm) became a captain and a major later on. You can even find him on Wikipedia.

Sometimes also Senior NCO's from 22 SAS take commissions in the territorial SAS units.

Cheers!

Johan

and there is a guy her in NZ (migrated from UK) in the NZMHS who was a RF Captain and then a trooper is 21 (interesting medal group GSM NI rank Captain and rank on TA long gong to a trooper).

Attributed SF Signals titles please?
 

Hi All,
Has anyone any attributed SF Signals rank slides to show?
KR
Jon

Only if you count SB Sigs Sqn - and they're exactly the same as the normal RM slides...

I do indeed
 

Morning Royal,
I do indeed include such items from my Booty brethren.
I would still be happy to see a photo please?
The RM rank was worn extensively by members of 264 in years gone by.