Interpreting reference numbers on trade patches
Can anyone shed light on the different sequences of reference numbers used on Royal Navy trade patches? I am assuming that there has been a standard list of reference numbers at any particular point in time, which has been updated periodically over the years.
I am attaching pictures of some trade patches, of the same trade designations, but showing different reference numbers for the same trade patch.
I would interested to know if the lists of reference numbers can be found somewhere, as well as periods during which each list was valid?
I assume that the 3 digits plus letter are the oldest, followed by 5 digits starting with '30' (in this case) and then '33', and finally the most recent being the longer reference starting with 'V086' or 'V087'.
Last edited by DougSA; 23-03-20 at 06:16 PM.
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