New badge for Submariners (Brombers)

[royston]

Copy of new badge at attachment. Silver finish for 19 patrols, gold finish for 20 plus. The badge is worn with the "kissing kippers". Two pins at the back.

John

[Alex Rice]

Yet another one to look for...
Thanks for posting this, I expect they'll be like hens teeth. Do you know if they'll be numbered or anything like that?
Cheers,
Alex

[royston]

Hi Alex.

I have seen two ratings wearing the new badge (silver finish) with the "kissing kippers", hence managed to photograph one. They are not numbered and as I understand it, they are obtained from the Naval Stores. I will try to find more details.

There is, apparently, some debate about the fixings at the back as not being strong enough, two spikes with the usual clasp that slips over each.

John

[Jibba Jabba]

Fascinating. Could someone post the location of where one can buy both examples?

[Alex Rice]

Hi John
The 'kissing kippers' badge I have in my collection was from the skipper of a nuclear attack sub and the 2 spikes seem to have been ok for him, on top of that, all the similar South African naval qualification badges have the '2 spike' fastenings, so I'm sure they'll be ok.
Cheers,
Alex

[RBJ MIlitaria]

Originally Posted by Jibba Jabba

Fascinating. Could someone post the location of where one can buy both examples?

Not available for purchase and issued un numbered issued to entitled Nuclear submariners by naval stores at HM Establishments. But I have no doubt that will soon be aailable as copies - once on original is obtained by a "reputable badge dealer"

[Jim Maclean]

Four knot fudge packers only, not for "any old nuclear submariner".

May have one on the way

[Jibba Jabba]

........or just wait for myserious online auctions to appear offering them.........a lot like the now old SBS badges.

I'd imagine the very active submariner associations around the UK will probably have some comments to make regarding these new awards. I wonder if the award will be extended to veterans?

It is great that the service is finally being rewarded, its been a long time coming!

[royston]

Hi all

I have obtained a photograph of the new gold (20 tours) badge. I have heard again that the fixings have not been good and that the badge will be redesigned.

John

[54Bty]

Addition information for you all.

Antique Silver Officers & Senior Ratings (small)
1-19 Patrols
Antique Silver All Ranks (large)
1-19 Patrols

Bright Gilt Officers & Senior Ratings (small)
20+ Patrols
Bright Gilt All Ranks (large)
20+ Patrols

Marc

[Jim Maclean]

Originally Posted by Jim Maclean

Four knot fudge packers only, not for "any old nuclear submariner".

May have one on the way

I have now been reliably informed that they are no longer four knot fudgepackers as due to technology advances six knots is now the norm.

I've been told that these badges are difficult to obtain even if you're entitled to them, they won't be on ebay in their genuine form anytime soon.

By asking a favour and a good friend calling in a few more due I've obtained a "mess dress" size badge in silver, would have been full size but at the moment they cannot be replaced.

I don't think it will be long before the fakers hit this one so I'm not posting any pics, it's silver and looks like the posted picture. The back is not what you'd expect!

I'm happy to send pics to bona fide collectors with an interest along with dimensions/weights etc.

[GB71]

They do indeed come in the 2 sizes. They are poor quality; not a patch on the kissing kippers. They are stamped out on thin metal and the pin are prone to break off. I've had to repair one of mine already. Apparently, the Submarine Museum at Gosport sells them, but you have to go through the Submariners Association to get them.

Here's a photo of my pair (apologies for the bad quality, it was taken using my phone).

[ianh67military]

One of the buildings where I work covers Subs and I've seen a couple of blokes wandering about wearing these. I thought they had done an exchange tour with the Yanks and were wearing US combat tour badges with the little stars on!

Ian at Abbey Wood

[Paddy]

Picture attached of all 4 variants of the badges. Having spent the past 30 years in General Service I don't find it necessary to wear a badge to show that I have been doing my job for those 30 years (who's going to be the first submariner to rise to that one?)

Paddy

[RCN]

I guess perhaps viewed as a stupid question -

but ...

why the change??? what was wrong with the former 'double dolphin' insignia???


& I dont feel this new insignia was a change for the better either!

Bryan