Help Appreciated to Identify WW1 Cloth 'Trade' Badge

[JRho2000]

Hi All. Hoping for some help from the hive-mind...

My brother and I are stuck identifying the cloth 'trade badge' on our grandfather's WW1 uniform. Photo below. Seems to be a sword - crossed with what at first glance looks like a flag, but could also be a cleaver?!

We know that he was Army Service Core 32nd Division from 1915 to end of war.

Many thanks in advance.

Jonathan.

[Bill A]

Welcome to the Forum Jonathan. Your account is active and open for posts.

[leigh kitchen]

Signal flags, a signals instructor? I think that may be a "false" flag and that the badge is more likely crossed swords.

[JRho2000]

Interesting. I'd spent some time looking at signal flags and couldn't find any with the flag in that 'upright' position.

Here's another image - diff angle - diff light...

[gb64]

Welcome to the forum Jonathan, tricky one as I think the shadow cast in the photo is deceiving the eye, looks to be the crossed cutlasses of a PTI , Physical Training Instructor, I’m sure others with more knowledge of this will confirm.

Gerard

[JRho2000]

Thank you Gerard and thanks for your thoughts...

I tried to attach a second photo to the original post, but can't seem to. Am including here in case it pops up in the thread.

My brother (Army Air Core 1980's) is certain that the flag-looking-object is a flag; but less certain about the sword-looking-object.

I feel the opposite! Anyway - second image included here...

Many thanks all!

Jonathan

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Signal flags, a signals instructor? I think that may be a "false" flag and that the badge is more likely crossed swords.

I've changed my mind - crossed flags, I think.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by JRho2000

Interesting. I'd spent some time looking at signal flags and couldn't find any with the flag in that 'upright' position.

Here's another image - diff angle - diff light...

I don't see an upright flag, just the conventional "X" shape.

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

I've changed my mind - crossed flags, I think.

I'd agree , one flag is reasonably clear and the other is partially 'hidden' by fold in sleeve.

.

[JRho2000]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

I don't see an upright flag, just the conventional "X" shape.

Good to know - thank you!

[JRho2000]

Thanks all for the responses. So good to discuss it with more knowledgeable people...!

I had also considered the point that only the furthermost flag is visible, and that the other flag could be lost in a jacket-fold...

But there's consistently a hard edge on the nearer one.

Here are some more photos that might help. Only if you're still interested!

Thanks.

Jonathan

[gb64]

Originally Posted by gb64

Welcome to the forum Jonathan, tricky one as I think the shadow cast in the photo is deceiving the eye, looks to be the crossed cutlasses of a PTI , Physical Training Instructor, I’m sure others with more knowledge of this will confirm.

Gerard

Yep I’ve changed me mind also, crossed flags as said one flag covered by fold of uniform .

Gerard

[Home Guard]

Looks like 4 bladed propeller for the RFC/RAF to e. The pennant part appears to be some kind of blemish on the photo.

Terry

[3dg]

I'm with Terry, first thing I thought was crossed propellers RFC.
The other bit is a blemish on the photo, I'm sure of it.
Chris

[leigh kitchen]

I discounted the propeller as he's ASC and I could'nt keep coming up with a list of maybe- so he's RFC?