RN Marksman Badges

[Guzzman]

Hi Simon

I've done a bit of research on the mysterious photo of the Royal Yachtsman with the star above his crossed rifles. I've found some information but I'm afraid I haven't reached a definite conclusion. This photo has appeared on several sites on the internet and the mysterious badge has caused a great deal of discussion everywhere it has appeared - but unfortunately no-one else can explain it either!

The photo depicts the Royal Yachts Communications Staff aboard the S.S. Gothic in 1954. The Gothic was a brand-new merchant ship being used as a temporary Royal Yacht whilst awaiting the work-up of the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Britannia took over as the Royal Yacht in May 1954, so the photo must have been taken between January-May 1954.

The rating in question is wearing the badge of a Leading Telegraphist on his right arm (this title was in use between 1948-58 and between 1934-48 was known as a Wireless Telegraphist). On his left arm he is wearing a single Good Conduct badge denoting four years 'undetected crime'. Prior to 1950 this badge had been award for three years Good Conduct.

Now to examine the Marksman's Badge. The Crossed Rifles with a Star above was the badge of a 1st Class Marksman between 1890-1920 but it continued to be used as the basic Marksman's Badge between 1920-32. The following list explains the sequence:-

Crossed Rifles, Star above 1st Class Marksman 1890-1920
Crossed Rifles 2nd Class Marksman 1890-1920
Crossed Rifles, Star above Marksman 1920-32
Crossed Rifles Marksman 1932 to date

So he seems to be wearing a Marksman's badge which was last issued in 1932. Although it is feasible that a rating who joined in 1932 might just still be serving in early-1954 (though unlikely). The man in the picture appears to be too young for this.

Finally, the question of whether Royal Yacht badges were issued in white on blue prior to 1954. I have been unable to find any documentation to confirm this. However, amongst my own collection of Royal Yacht insignia I have three items which bear the King's Crown. One is a King's Crown 'Royal Yacht' cap tally. The remaining two items are King's Crown above 'ROYAL YACHT' shoulder flashes. One is in red and the other is in white. The white badge still has its hessian backing although this is missing from the red badge. I have no other information on these badges so I am unable to say exactly when they were in use. However, it does show that white badges existed in some form prior to 1954.

I hope this is some help!

Regards

Pete