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  #1  
Old 10-07-19, 01:24 PM
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Default Royal Signals Blue / White Armband

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me what dates the blue and white armband was worn please?

I had been told it was when the Royal Signals was formed but I've just been looking at the photo albums showing RE Signal Service despatch riders wearing them.

Thanks,

Michael
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  #2  
Old 10-07-19, 01:46 PM
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Certainly worn by RE signal sections in WW1

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  #3  
Old 10-07-19, 02:00 PM
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Thanks, that had been my original belief but I was told otherwise and was starting to doubt myself. Does anyone know dates?

I've always wondered why the flags on the signallers badge and the flags actually used were blue and white. As the armband matches as well I wonder if there is some significance to the colour or if it was just chosen at random?

Thanks for the help,

Michael
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  #4  
Old 10-07-19, 02:46 PM
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Michael,

Is it something to do with semaphore flags, Royal Navy signal flags etc.

Just guessing really.

regards
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  #5  
Old 10-07-19, 03:31 PM
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Thanks Simon, it's just curiosity but it is something I have wondered about for a while.

Michael
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  #6  
Old 10-07-19, 06:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shiny View Post
I've always wondered why the flags on the signallers badge and the flags actually used were blue and white. As the armband matches as well I wonder if there is some significance to the colour or if it was just chosen at random?

Found this on a Royal Signals site.

'The Royal Signals .. Signalling with Flags'

"The following is taken from the Handbook of Signalling, 1913, produced by the British Admiralty (Chapter 3, page 14). But it is exactly the same procedure and instruction as that of provided by the Royal Engineers Signal Service.

2. There are flags of two sizes: the larger for greater distances or during lower visibility 3 ft square with a staff 5 ft 6 in long, and a 2 ft square on a staff of 3 ft 6 in long and for each size they are available in two colours- white with a blue horizontal stripe, for use against a dark background, dark blue, for use against a light background."


P.S Photo of me earning my 'flags' in 1979
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Old 10-07-19, 06:56 PM
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Hi,

For info here is one of my WWI images showing the armband in wear.

Cheers,

Roy
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  #8  
Old 11-07-19, 07:37 AM
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That's great, thank you both for the information.

Michael
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  #9  
Old 11-07-19, 08:05 AM
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G'day Michael,

There has been a lot of discussion on this subject.

Go to the Australian section and click on the "Formation signs & unit colour patches".
Go to the thread titled "Signal badges what are the flags".
See my post on page 2 dated 26.8.2017

This will tell you every thing you want to know on the subject.

Good luck

Regards Phil.
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  #10  
Old 11-07-19, 08:26 AM
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Thanks Phil, I'll have a look.

Michael
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  #11  
Old 11-07-19, 09:43 AM
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I have one for the home guard.
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Old 11-07-19, 11:24 AM
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Page from official "The British Signal Manual" from the Admiralty published 1912 , mentions that the position of the sun must be considered when deciding which flag to use.
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  #13  
Old 11-07-19, 03:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike_vee View Post
Photo of me earning my 'flags' in 1979
And what an excellent, outstanding Regiment to earn them in.

Marc
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  #14  
Old 11-07-19, 04:20 PM
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Quote:
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And what an excellent, outstanding Regiment to earn them in.

Marc

HQ Battery , I(Loc) Troop - Barker Barracks Paderborn.
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  #15  
Old 12-07-19, 11:52 AM
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They were also worn in WW2 by Home Guard signallers.
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