Machine Gun titles - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Sonofacqms · #1 30-11-13, 10:04 PM

A few of my titles for positive ID, the HBMGC/C I presume is cavalry, the HS/MGC is I think heavy section which became the Tank Corps.

All thoughts and ideas welcome.

Rob

2747andy · #2 30-11-13, 10:29 PM

Rob,
Household Battalion Machine Gun Corps/Cavalry? But more likely Heavy Branch?

Andy

Sonofacqms · #3 30-11-13, 11:03 PM

Andy, thanks for your ideas on this one, the title is so long that I have always wondered whether it was worn on the brim of a slouch hat, the "C" is not even centred below, which to my mind as a former designer/compositor makes me think that the "HB" was added as an afterthought.

As to whether it's Household Btn, it's a possibility with the "C" below. I would love to see a pic of the title in situ, it's happened on the forum before . . !

Rob

Staffsyeoman · #4 01-12-13, 03:19 PM

MGC with C below is MGC (Cavalry).

No such thing as Household Battalion MGC; it would be Heavy Branch - i.e. Tanks pre-Tank Corps. But all photographic evidence is an H above or below an MGC title, not a linear HBMGC. Which is logical, as the Infantry and Cavalry were also 'Branches' but you never see IBMGC or CBMGC.

Not very happy with a title that says HBMGC/C - too long to be worn; the Heavy Branch did not have a 'Cavalry' sub branch. If it is all one piece I think it is suspect.

Sonofacqms · #5 01-12-13, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staffsyeoman

MGC with C below is MGC (Cavalry).

No such thing as Household Battalion MGC; it would be Heavy Branch - i.e. Tanks pre-Tank Corps. But all photographic evidence is an H above or below an MGC title, not a linear HBMGC. Which is logical, as the Infantry and Cavalry were also 'Branches' but you never see IBMGC or CBMGC.

Not very happy with a title that says HBMGC/C - too long to be worn; the Heavy Branch did not have a 'Cavalry' sub branch. If it is all one piece I think it is suspect.

Thanks Staffsyeoman,

An interesting subject, if you look at my second post you will see my views on this title/badge are mentioned, as a former typographer the badge is to my mind incongrous to say the least. In actual fact it is doubtful to my mind as to whether it would fit across a shoulder strap, however, as this type of title has not to my knowledge turned up on online auction sites in vast quantities and is such a diverse item I will not discard it yet.

Thanks Rob

2747andy · #6 01-12-13, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

Thanks Staffsyeoman,

An interesting subject, if you look at my second post you will see my views on this title/badge are mentioned, as a former typographer the badge is to my mind incongrous to say the least. In actual fact it is doubtful to my mind as to whether it would fit across a shoulder strap, however, as this type of title has not to my knowledge turned up on online auction sites in vast quantities and is such a diverse item I will not discard it yet.

Thanks Rob

Rob,
A view of the rear would be good and may encourage more comment?

Andy

Sonofacqms · #7 01-12-13, 10:03 PM

Andy,

Of course your right, I just took this pic with a whole lot more when I last visited the odds and ends. Sometime in the future I will post more.

Regards Rob

ANGLE IRON · #8 01-12-13, 10:17 PM

very interesting badges , Ive seen a few variations to these units, a good friend has the title that belonged to his great grandfather , it is MGC with a seperate C no backing plate though.

Sonofacqms · #9 10-12-13, 03:41 PM

Here's a picture of the reverse of the HBMGC/C shoulder title, sorry it's been a while. From careful examination it looks like it could have had new loops put on it, comments welcome.

Rob

GreenTankie · #10 24-11-14, 03:40 PM

HBMGC/C is definitly Heavy Branch Machine Gun Corps. The best guess for this particular shoulder is that it is C Battalion, HBMGC.... the forerunner of what eventually became 3rd Royal Tank Regiment.

If orginal, it would date, specifcaly, to the 8 months between 18 Nov 1916 and 28 July 1917.

Prior to 18/11/1916 it was the Heavy Section MGC and from 28/7/1917 it was the Tank Corps.

If you ever consider selling that particular one, and/or the HSMGC one, I would be extremely interested as an ex member of 3 RTR.

2747andy · #11 24-11-14, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

Here's a picture of the reverse of the HBMGC/C shoulder title, sorry it's been a while. From careful examination it looks like it could have had new loops put on it, comments welcome.

Rob

Rob,
Looks suspect to me?

Andy

Sonofacqms · #12 24-11-14, 09:18 PM

Andy, as you probably know titles can be "made up" quite easily, if this title appeared on our favourite auction site or at fairs regularly I would discard it, but as knowone else seems to have seen one as far as I know and they are not appearing on a regular basis I am keeping it at present.

Remember "never say never" with badges . . !

Rob

#13 25-11-14, 11:59 AM

There was a pair of HBMGC sold by Greybear55 some time ago that was the same construction as these, they sold for over £50.00.

Hope this may be of help.

Paul.

2747andy · #14 25-11-14, 01:22 PM

That seller sells mostly reproduction items!

Sonofacqms · #15 25-11-14, 03:59 PM

Paul,

Many thanks for this information, this seller is someone who I have never bought from so I cannot comment on his items.

Rob