Q Service Corps
 

Hi guys

I am putting together a memorial to my grandpa who served in the South African army 1940 - 1943. I am looking for a set of Captains epaulettes (the ones with the orange tabs at the end) and a set of bi-metal officer collar badges for Q Service Corps.

I have his records and they clearly state that he was in QSC, but all the pictures I see of him show him with the UDF badges (springbok in the circle). Does anyone know of any reason why he didnt wear the correct badges?

Also, are there any suggestions on what else to include. I have his 1 SAI divisional patch, his 8th Army tie, his whistle, medals, a photo in uniform, his various badges and buttons. Anything that I might not be thinking of?

thanks
Jan

There can be a number of reasons for the badge. It depends when the photos were taken. If he was still in training then he would more than likely have worn the springbok badge or if he was an officer cadet. Sometimes people served in more than one corps or unit. A relative of mine was in QSC and GSC for example at different times during WW2 even though the job they did was basically the same. Junior staff officers who were not members if the Staff Corps for example also wore the springbok badge eg Staff Officer A or SO Q at a Command HQ. My relative was at times SO A and at times SO Q and is sometimes down as GSC and other times QSC.
As far as badges go I suggest getting a nice set of bronzed QSC badges as theycwere the standard WW2 issue and are also easier to find than the bimetal type. There are all sorts of theories about the bimetal badge when and by whom it was worn but I haven't seen a photo of anyone wearing one yet. WW2 QSC pics always seem to be the black or bronze variety.

Apparently the bi-metal versions were made in Italy, other say they were for officers...as yet to confirm both stories.

Brian

Yes. That's what I've heard as well. My personal theory is that they may have been intended to be worn by officers in undress blues or mess kit post war but again no confirmation found to date. WW2 QSC officer photos I've found (of which admittedly there are not many around it seems) always seem to be the blackened bronzed type.

I am coming back to this after 8 years of very bad health. Thanks for the replies guys, I literally have the display laid out on my table right now getting ready for mounting. I ended up getting a set of QSC cap badge and collar dogs (in the dark bronze colour)