Can anyone help please? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

lesleym · #1 26-08-10, 12:32 PM

Hi everyone, don't know if this is the right forum for this but I am sure all you knowledgable people would know.

Below are three photos of two of my Great Uncles.

William Birch, I know, was in the RAF, by the badge on his right arm. Was there different 'divisions' in the RAF, if so does his uniform or badge tell which unit/division he was in?

Kenneth Birch, there are two photos. To me it looks like different uniforms, but I really do not know. Can anyone tell by the Cap Badge, which unit/division of the Army, Ken was in.

I have tried to enlarge just the badges, but they completely lose any detail and become a white blur.

Hope someone can help, many thanks

Faugh-A-Ballagh · #2 26-08-10, 12:42 PM

Hi Lesley,
The third picture looks like the badge of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers.
Not sure about the middle photo. 1st one definitely RAF.
Best of luck in your quest.

John

lesleym · #3 26-08-10, 12:51 PM

Gosh, that was quick.

Would Ken have been in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers if he was born and lived in London.

As Ken looks a lot younger in the first photo, could he have been in some sort of 'Army Cadets'?

54Bty · #4 26-08-10, 01:52 PM

The first image is RAF as shown by the Eagle at the top of the sleeve, the other badge is his rank badge of Leading Aircraftman (or is it Aircraftsman). The RAF did not have Divisions and Regiment like the Army, but Squadrons and Stations.

The second image could be a member of the HOME GUARD as the shoulder designations are of a light colour, also he is wearing a leather belt with brass buckle and a bayonet which I am unable to see properly. The badge in the cap could possibly be that of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, but again unable to see clearly.

Old War Horse · #5 26-08-10, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesleym

Gosh, that was quick.

Would Ken have been in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers if he was born and lived in London.

As Ken looks a lot younger in the first photo, could he have been in some sort of 'Army Cadets'?

Hello - Ken was probably in the Home Guard due to being under-age for enlistment into the army (a Private Pike). Having reached enlistment age, he presumably joined-up and was posted to the King's Own Scottish Borderers. During wartime, allocation of unit was based upon the strength and needs of the units rather than a recruit's preference, or even where he lived. OWH

David Tremain · #6 26-08-10, 04:00 PM

The RAF badge is Leading Aircraftsman (LAC). I don't think there was a badge for Aircraftsman, the lowest rank when he joined up. David

lesleym · #7 26-08-10, 05:20 PM

Excuse my complete ignorance in this, but what is a Leading Aircraftsmen?

Alan O · #8 26-08-10, 06:35 PM

The RAF version of Private.

lesleym · #9 26-08-10, 06:40 PM

Thank you for you help

lesleym · #10 27-08-10, 11:15 AM

Just to let you all know. I contacted Kings Own Scottish Borders Archives and they have confirmed that my Great Uncle Ken is wearing their cap badge.

Thanks to all for pointing me in the right direction.