War Department Fleet badge? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

nbroadarrowz · #1 29-06-23, 11:22 PM

Hi All,
Is this badge an RASC War Department Fleet badge?
it does not have the WD so maybe a variation of Fleet badge as it has the naval wreath? maybe another government department?
Any suggests or leads appreciated.
Thanks
Barry

Rob Miller · #2 30-06-23, 06:08 AM

Royal Marines Warrant Officers rank perhaps?

Rob

nbroadarrowz · #3 01-07-23, 04:11 AM

The wreath is not the NCO pattern but is of a type seen worn by officer's and is similar to other WD cap badges I have seen.
Barry

Hoot · #4 01-07-23, 02:00 PM

All the cap badges worn by officers of the WD Fleet (1890-1945) and the RASC Fleet (1945-1965) bore the letters WD or WDF or RASC. On the formation of the RCT the lettering was dropped. Whatever your badge is it has nothing to do with the WD Fleet or the RASC Fleet.

nbroadarrowz · #5 01-07-23, 04:48 PM

Thank you.

nbroadarrowz · #6 26-08-23, 01:00 PM

https://www.regimentalbadges.com/en-...dge/prod_21618
This badge is very similar to mine. Which maybe a pattern of War Department badge.
This is a photo of the badge in use and to me there doesn't seem to be any letters
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/i...ject/205470230

Barry

Fatboy Ken · #7 26-08-23, 06:35 PM

These are my badges, note all of them have a cross centred within the Wreath. It is important to look closely at these badges and I feel that they could be genuine, but I would not pay too much for them, you can see the detail from using a flash on the camera.

The only Fleet Civilian Officers badge I'd look at closely is the QVC one, (1890-1901) as the QC is tight on the wreath, so there is no WD within.

I have also added the should epaulettes for the RCT and RLC, if a L/Cpl or Cpl/Sgt then they would wear Chrome metal rank badges, up until MTP etc. Someone was asking earlier on this month and I couldn't find the badges. Sorry

I have also added this single badge from Chairborne Militaria site, which is identical to the one shown above, (priced £200)

Added today27/08/2023 @08.00hrs

Could this badge be something to do with the RE's (Royal Engineers)
They also had the IWT (Inland Water Transport)
The IWT would have had a slightly different badge, "If they had Civilian Officers Only a thought ? eng 9266

Fleet Ranks (Off2).jpg Fleet Ranks (off).jpg Fleet Chairborne Militaria.jpg

nbroadarrowz · #8 27-08-23, 07:03 AM

This extract is from a local newspaper and gives insight into the War Department Fleet.
Barry

Fatboy Ken · #9 27-08-23, 07:23 AM

Hello Barry,

The WD Fleet actually split into two organisations.

IWT Inland Water Transport

Working along Canals & Sea Ports (Lines of Communication)

ASC (Fleet) then RASC (Fleet) then RCT/RLC

Their functions were loading, unloading and delivery of the British Armies; Food and Equipment via Ships, Barges (later) Landing Ships/Craft, also along lines of communication; bridge repairs, inspections, where roads crossed water (via) bridges.

See here; https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb%5Erets.html

An Engineer would be able to explain it better, as I drive trucks for a living

(I hope I explained it generally speaking, as a layman)

Ken (The Fatboy)

Cleeman · #10 20-10-23, 07:31 AM

Hi,

Could the badge in Post 1 be a Preventative Officer of H.M. Customs?

See https://www.webarchive.org.uk/waybac...GES_HMCE_METAL

Andy

nbroadarrowz · #11 20-10-23, 12:46 PM

A good site with some nice badges etc.
I do think that the reference to the badge in question is incorrect on the website.
The badge is also a modern reproduction.
Barry

Milmed · #12 20-10-23, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cleeman

Hi,

Could the badge in Post 1 be a Preventative Officer of H.M. Customs?

See https://www.webarchive.org.uk/waybac...GES_HMCE_METAL

Andy

The picture of the 1940's Women Search Officers appears to be wearing the same badge as in the first post.

Cleeman · #13 20-10-23, 02:13 PM

That is interesting. That would tie in with this one that is for sale on eBay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196021675...Bk9SR9iy8dbpYg

nbroadarrowz · #14 20-10-23, 04:09 PM

This is getting interesting.
The badge for sale on ebay and the historic photo in the listing are of two slightly different designs.
The badge in the historic photo seems to have the crown supported on either side, as can be seen in the small dots on either side. But these maybe buds of th wreath.?
The badge on ebay looks like the badges featured in previous posts

Barry

Cleeman · #15 20-10-23, 04:39 PM

Two more examples of it being worn by HM Customs Waterguard.

http://www.swanseadocks.co.uk/oldsite/HM%20Customs.htm

and https://ww2-movie-characters.fandom....on_%283%29.png

The latter being from a movie. I assume the badge was researched for accuracy.

Andy