Identification of SL proficiency badge? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Bill A · #1 10-12-13, 04:01 PM

Any positive identification for this proficiency badge? I checked Edwards & Langley and didn't see it in there.

David Tremain · #2 10-12-13, 05:02 PM

Bill, it's probably Searchlight Operator. I saw a couple of them while I was in England this Fall, one of which had more elaborate embroidery. Most likely it's British, as I'm not sure whether there was any need for such things in Canada?
Brian L. Davis's book lists it (but doesn't illustrate it) as a Group 'D' tradesman's badge.

David

Bill A · #3 10-12-13, 05:18 PM

Thanks David. There were searchlight batteries / regiments in Canada, and when these were disbanded, the AA regiment took over the roles. There were personnel that continued with the task of operating the lights. They may have, unofficially wore such a patch.
Your assessment that the patch is British fits my thinking. The patch was not on a uniform. It came from a trade/proficiency badge collection which was not necessarily Canadian in focus.

David Tremain · #4 10-12-13, 09:32 PM

I think in the UK searchlight batteries were (sometimes) operated by the RE, but I may be wrong.

David

REMEVMBEA1 · #5 10-12-13, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Tremain

I think in the UK searchlight batteries were (sometimes) operated by the RE, but I may be wrong.

David

They were originally RE units but all transferred to RA in , I believe, 1940.

Bill A · #6 10-12-13, 10:41 PM

The Canadian ones were listed on the RCA order of battle in 1939. When the batteries and regiments were disbanded, the duties were taken up by the AA regiments.