WW1 or WW2?

[kingsley]

Last week we had a thread on various cloth trade and skill badges. I have always wondered just how to distinguish between the first and second war types. Can anyone positively identify the ones shown?
I am interested only in WW1, specifically those worn by Australian forces. I have never been sure whether they wore ALL the standard British trade and skill cloth badges.
Thanks.

[sapper533]

Hi
Bugle, small crossed flags and crossed swords are all modern current pattern badges, larger signallers flags and cannon look Ww2 to me but continued to be worn after the war. The drum looks older and I haven't seen a British one on this backing before.
Cheers
Sean

[MH331]

I agree with Sean. The Signallers Flags are certainly WW2 period possibly a bit earlier. The Drum I think is early manufacture based on the heavier thread, coarse backing cloth and general quality of the badge. Its difficult to be definitive with Trade, Appointment and Proficiency badges that span several decades. I would be comfortable having the drum as a WW1 period badge in my collection.

regards

Mark

[grumpy]

The drum? I have never seen a worsted drum badge in wear in a Great War photo.
Always the small gilding metal.

Glad as ever to be shown to be wrong

[Jackhr]

These items came with his medals and other personal items for your reference .

Cheers

[kingsley]

Thanks for the scans and all the replies to my questions. The Sigs hat badge is 1903-12, I doubt if it was used in WW1. Never seen the cloth S flags, only pictures. Very nice!
Still not quite sure about the drum, I hoped the backing would positively identify the period.