Quote:
Originally Posted by grumpy
The Royal Arms in Wreath (1918 onwards) At the end of World War One it was decided to adapt the Royal Arms in the same way the Crown was in 1915 by adding a Wreath, as it was felt by some that the Crown in Wreath lacked a little in 'style' over the Royal Arms now in use by the 'Group 2' Warrant Officer Class One.
So at the close of World War One, Three badges were in use by Warrant Officers. The Royal Arms within a Wreath by 'Group 1' Warrant Officer Class 1. The Royal Arms by 'Group 2' Warrant Officer Class 1 and the Large Crown by Warrant Officers Class II. The Crown in Wreath no longer being in use.
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In the interests of historical accuracy I think you will find that AO 309 of October 1918 specified the crown and wreath for many WO II appointments: Master Gunner 3rd class [with gun], Artificer QM Sergeants [with crossed hammer and pincers], a goodly number of other QM Sgt appointments with appropriate horseshoe, crossed rifles etc] and all QMS of line infantry.
Incidentally, there were indeed two rank badges when the Sgt Major wore the crown: the WO Bandmaster badge incorporated the crown into a one-piece wreath lyre and crown.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for that interesting snippet about the crown and wreath in Oct 1918 Grumpy. Can you post a copy of it at all? Until now I had thought that the badge was only reintroduced just before WW2 vis:
The Crown within a Wreath (Second Use 1938 - 1947) In Army Council Instruction 398 of 1938 the Crown in Laurel Wreath was allocated to Warrant Officers Class II on the introduction of Warrant Officer Class III who in turn were allocated the Crown to wear. (This rank was placed in suspension in 1940, technically however this still remains as a rank)
The Crown & Crown within a Wreath (Final Use 1947 onwards) This was to continue untill 1947 (A.C.I. 991 of 1947) when it was decided that Warrant Officers Class II graded as Quartermaster-Sergeants would revert to wearing the Crown in Laurel Wreath and all other Warrant Officers Class II and any remaining Warrant Officers Class III would wear the Crown.