It is terribly impressed, never seen one so bad. It should read MEA(P)1 etc. with regular spacing as shown.
MEA(P) is the successor to the ERA introduced in September 1969 when the training changed to remove the Shipwright Artificer who became MEA(H). This being Hull.
As Mike says the (P) is propulsion but was only used for Tiffies that joined as ERAs pre Sept 69. Likewise (H) for Chippes that joined pre 9/69.
All Tiffies that joined after Sept 1969 were designated MEA.
As to the 1 in MEA(P)1 this denotes CPO, 2 being PO, 3 being L/H. CMEA being a (Charge) Chief Artificer.
In late 1979 the number system for Artificers rates was abolished becoming CCMEA (Charge Chief). CPOMEA, POMEA,etc.
From looking at the inscription he was awarded his long gong after Sept 69 and before late '79.
Last edited by Jim Maclean; 22-09-21 at 05:05 PM.
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