Badge and Button Help 1943

[Ashley1234]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and looking for some help. This is a photograph of my grandfather Reece Leonard (and my grandmother) whilst on leave in Southend-on Sea in 1943. I'm trying to ID the badges for the regiment etc. Chinese whispers from my mother says he was part of the Dunkirk evac and DDay.

[Bill A]

Hello Ashley1234, welcome to the Forum. Your account is active and open for posts.

[leigh kitchen]

The cap badge is Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the collar badges appear to be Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
It's probable that he was in the RAOC and transferred to REME when that corps was formed in 1942, taking on roles previously filled by personnel of the RAOC and some other corps.

[leigh kitchen]

If he was sergeant RE Leonard, REME, he possibly received the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1946 and the General Service Medal with clasp Palestine 1945-48 - someone of that name and corps did, but it may not have been him.

[Hoot]

I would say there is about three years between the two photos. About 1939/40 for the one on the left and about 1943 onwards for the one on the right.

[wardog]

Service Dress in left picture so likely early war- right one looks to be battledress. Would an SD cap have been unusual with BD, apart from Military Police? Regards, Paul.

[leigh kitchen]

Originally Posted by wardog

Service Dress in left picture so likely early war- right one looks to be battledress. Would an SD cap have been unusual with BD, apart from Military Police? Regards, Paul.

I have photos of an uncle in 20th Londons, in 1940 I think it is, SD with SD cap (RE badge), in 1944 in BD with SD cap (RA badge).

[wardog]

You live and learn, I remember now The Guards would have continued to use a cap. Also perhaps drivers? Regards, Paul.