Sailmaker branch

[RCN]

Sailmaker branch :

Sailmakers have been in the Royal Navy since day 1. Sailmakers were involved with anything to do with canvas, & in the days of sail were essential ratings on ships of that time. A skilled sailmaker could make anything out of canvas & probably any other kind of fabric as well.

After WWI the rate started to die out & by the end of WWII they were rare birds on warships.

Sailmakers did not receive a specialized rate badge until 1930 & their badges are illustrated below.

Bryan