Chromed medics badge

[Madziro]

Would be grateful if anybody could give me some info as to why this version of SAMC badge was chromed please. Has anybody else come across such a beast?

[Sonofacqms]

There has never been to my mind any solid evidence as to why British cap badges were chromed, it has been thought that they were units attached to Armored Regiments such as REME wore them, but again, badges such as the Manchester Regt were also chromed for a special parade I was told.

No doubt the more knowledgeable specialists will elaborate on these thoughts, but as to why the SAMC badge was chromed, maybe our South African members will know.

Rob

[magpie]

If it's a solid badge with red enamel then it may be from a car bumper badge, a picture of the back May help but that's what it reminds me of.

[Milmed]

Hi Madziro,
I have the SAMC badge in chrome as well as collars. Note the collar badges I have are chromed SAMC and SAMS badges, so this places the chroming post 1972.

Just as a side the SAMC became a service (i.e. South African Medical Service) in 1972 according to official documentation. Most people (and even the service themselves) refer to the changeover date of corps to service as 1979, but this date is when they became a separate autonomous service in the SADF.

Therefore we have the enamelled protea wreathed SAMC badge worn from 1959 through 1972. The similar badge with wording changed from SAMC to SAMS c.1972 and worn through to 1982/1983 when new Maltese cross SAMS badge was adopted. The original badges were in Gilt for W/O and Officers and in gilding metal for other ranks.

To date no one has been able to clearly give me an answer as to the Chrome badges, but here are my thoughts on the subject bearing in mind that they are fairly hard to come by so probably produced in limited numbers.

1. They were created when SA Army adopted its new uniform along with chrome badges c.1975. (If this were so I would expect to see more chromed SAMS badges)
2. They were created for Nursing staff. The SA Military Nursing Service was disbanded in 1972 and merged with the Medical Service in 1972. The nurses wore 'Staybright' collar badges as well as a collar badge on there small ruby cloth caps. They adopted the new womens service tunics and peaked cap in 1975 along with the larger enamelled badge, so it is possible they were badged with chrome badges for a period. The number of nurses were small, so it may tie up with the limited supply of chrome badges.
3. SAMC/SAMS had a brass band in the 1960's and 70's before they got a pipe band. The chrome badges may have been specifically created for the band. This would also justify the limited supply of Chromed badges.

Until I get conclusive evidence, these remain my thoughts on the chrome medical badges.

Steven

[Madziro]

Gents, many thanks for all the kind responses.

I am grateful for all the info. I am building some medics badge cards and wanted to include the chromed badge with a description. It all helps and I never stop learning.

[Milmed]

If you need any assistance with the medic/nursing stuff just give me a shout. I have a fairly complete collection (save for a few early items) and a lot of information. Served as a medic 87/88 and a few camps after that.

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by Madziro

Would be grateful if anybody could give me some info as to why this version of SAMC badge was chromed please. Has anybody else come across such a beast?

Dudley

Chromed badges seem to have also been a "band thing", I have my great uncles chromed SAAF badge, he was a member of the SAAF band in the 1950's.