Initially before I saw Albert wearing the badge I wondered if Jack’s cap may be a studio item with a ersatz badge for photographs. But that Albert wears it also in what appears to be a different cap discounts this.
Shape-wise the badge in question is more reminiscent of the large silvered harps sold as WO Caubeen badges. Obviously the badge in question is smaller and BB.
I note that Albert wears sergeant stripes in his portrait and the obituary cutting claims he was a CSM within 18 months of joining. In one of the poorer quality pictures he wears a crown above the left cuff.
Whilst it momentarily offered a theory in my head as a NCO item it seems both Jack and E G Archer above were ORs.
It’s a shame that the picture of Jack with his trench cap isn’t a little sharper to see if the badge is still the same.
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