New RN rate badges

[RBJ MIlitaria]

With the introduction of the new baseball caps as part of the working rig rate cap badges are now made with lugs instead of sliders Navy berets are also being manufactured with pre made holes to insert badges as oppossed to having to make a hole with a marlin spike and ending up inserting it in your hand ! Please see attached photos of new baseball cap, badge fixing and an older style PO badge with slider

[Paddy]

Marlin spike? Smally screwdriver for us more technical WEs

[altcar73]

Its a pity the RN don't become a little more adventurous with their badge designs. Or keep the same design and have a better quality item made. Just my opinion.

Dave.

[redadmiral]

Originally Posted by altcar73

Its a pity the RN don't become a little more adventurous with their badge designs. Or keep the same design and have a better quality item made. Just my opinion.

Dave.

For quality and design, in my opinion, you cant beat the pre '53 beret badge (Officer for use of).

Original with lugs for cotter pin

[Hoot]

To quote Victor Meldrew, "I do not believe it!!." Has the Royal Navy really taken to wearing baseball caps?, unbelievable!!. This has to be the most ludicrous item of Western headgear ever!. I cannot believe the RN has actually accepted these things. I know this is the 21st century and all that but this is beyond a joke!!.

[leigh kitchen]

And of course, in some circumstances it'll be worn back to front so the peak does'nt get in the way.....or maybe just worn at a fashionable angle, a gravity defying rakish tilt over one ear?
Ah, the glamour of the uniform.
All the nice girls love a hoody.

[navyfred]

At least its blue! I cannot get used to the current trend towards tri service cammo.

Redadmiral has posted a picture of a lovely pre 53 beret badge. It defintely looked good when new. However the designers did not consider its practical use. A few days at sea and the silver and gilt finish soon turns green.

Fred

[Belfin]

This combination doesn't seem 'right' - like wearing trainers with a tux! Surely a more appropriate (and cheaper) option would be a cloth badge, or even directly embroidered? Still, I'm sure the MOD knows best...(!)

Cheers, Paul.

[redadmiral]

Originally Posted by navyfred

At least its blue! I cannot get used to the current trend towards tri service cammo.

Fred

Completely Agree...Yanks seem to have gone completely disco over tricolour camo......And yes....... we see you still!!!!!

Sadly these days even pusser issue and also the likes of Gieves and Hawkes can't compensate for sea wear and tear. My first "slops" issue beret badge didn't survive more than a couple of "appointments" (yep not drafts, deployments, allocations or assignments from Dartmouth) to sea. Even bullion cap badges deteriorated after a a couple of tours.

Do apologise for poor quality pic but as Fred says these items just don't stand up to very much punishment...Or for that matter...Trafalgar day dinners!!

Best Regards

[Warspite]

My understanding is that the caps are only to be worn at sea at the discretion of the Captain. We still haven't seen the new uniform to replace No 4 AWD (No 8s to old salts) in the RNR. We have been told we might receive them by Christmas if we are lucky...
This has led to RNR chaps going on courses in old uniform and being issued the new one to match the regulars, then having to go back to wearing the old uniform when they get back in unit so they match the rest of the RNR unit!

[RBJ MIlitaria]

Originally Posted by Warspite

My understanding is that the caps are only to be worn at sea at the discretion of the Captain.

That is correct I can't see many captains approving it if in sight of land or any other shipping !

[Warspite]

The general opinion amongst most of us is that the baseball caps are completely gash! I think nearly all would rather wear our ferrets

[RBJ MIlitaria]

Here is the Commanders and above version of the baseball cap to which an officers beret badge is affixed , particularly gaudy can't see many senior officers wearing this

[David Tremain]

I love the idea that they might be worn at an angle or over one ear. Yo bro!

Next they'll be changing to a rap version of 'Hearts of Oak'. Baseball caps in the RN. Whatever next!

David

[redadmiral]

Originally Posted by RBJ MIlitaria

particularly gaudy can't see many senior officers wearing this

Gaudy...Agreed...However at sea...Worn

Sorry to nit pick but the march is "Heart of Oak"