Royal Naval Barrackmaster?

[Guzzman]

Absolutely anything is worth considering!

I'm still convinced that these buttons were never worn by Royal Naval Barrackmasters. Actually their correct title was Barrack Master so to be correct the buttons would have to have read 'RNBM' not 'RNB'.

The position of Barrack Master in a Royal Naval Barracks was invariably a job for long-service Senior Rates or Warrant Officers nearing the end of their engagement. As such, and has been mentioned before, they would have worn their own uniforms and had no need for a special button. In more recent times such jobs have been largely civilianised and usually known under the title 'Property Manager' (PROPMAN). Such posts can still be filled by retired personnel but they are in direct competition with civilians for selection. Such modern day Barrack Masters tend to wear suits rather than uniforms. Though it should be remembered that serving personnel could fill the role in smaller establishments.

It is also worth remembering that there were no Royal Naval Barracks until the one at Devonport was established in 1889. A 'Description of Devonport Barracks, 1897' states that the Barrack Master at that time was a Chief Boatswain.

No other Naval Barracks were established until the early years of the 20th century - Chatham (December 1902), Portsmouth (1903) and Shotley (1906). Prior to the establishment of barracks ratings lived in hulks in the dockyards.

Admiralty Order in Council No. 132 (dated 16th February 1906) stated: -

"We have found it necessary to create the post of Barrack Master at the new Naval Barracks at Shotley, such posts to be filled by a Warrant Officer, a Commissioned Warrant Officer or a Lieutenant promoted therefrom.

Again, all would have had their own uniforms so no need for special buttons!

Having said it was nothing to do with Naval Barrack Masters one thought did cross my mind. If a Barrack Master was reponsible for maintaining the physical structure of the barracks, might he not have had a team of civilian maintenance staff under him? People such as groundsmen, plasterers, bricklayers. It is possible that such people might have worn issue clothing with a distinctive button such as this one - in which case the letters could have simply stood for 'Royal Naval Barracks'? Of course this is just total conjecture on my part. I hope we can properly identify these buttons one day!

Pete