Yellow Embroidered Rate/Trade patches

[Leonard D]

Hi All, I have it on good authority that the RCN used yellow embroidery to replace gold wire for No1's as an economy measure during WWII.
Was this practise also followed in the Royal Navy during the war years?
Appreciate any information on this topic.
Cheers.
Len.

[Guzzman]

Hi Len

It was a similar situation with the Royal Navy during World War II. Gold wire badges were discontinued at the outbreak of war in 1939, with the suspension of No. 1 dress for the duration. Gold wire badges were hand embroidered, were costly to produce and used up vital labour needed elsewhere for the war effort.

Admiralty-issue badges produced during the war were only made in red or blue, although gold badges remained on sale from Slops until supplies ran out.

Until well into the war naval outfitters continued to produce and sell gold wire badges, including new wartime patterns, until gold wire became unobtainable. The outfitters maintained their market by continuing to produce badges in yellow silk or rayon.

So all yellow embroidered badges produced for the Royal Navy during World War II were produced by naval outfitters and were not Admiralty-issue.

Pete

[Leonard D]

Hi Pete, that was quick and most informative.
Appreciate the response.
Cheers.
Len.