SPECIAL BOAT SERVICE?? - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

1er-spahi · #1 22-01-17, 02:18 PM

Hi
This badge is Special Boat Service?
If yes, what period.
bruno

Mike Jackson · #2 22-01-17, 03:41 PM

It's a very poor representation of the design of the metal/enamel beret badge of the World War 2 2 SBS - an Army unit. Two examples attached - one reproduction and one genuine. Mike
2 SBS P Taylor.jpg 2 SBS Repro 1990.01.jpg

Mike B · #3 22-01-17, 04:05 PM

Please note the proper designation at the time was 'Special Boat Section'
The badge is for 2 Special Boat Section (ie 2 Commando Special Boat Section)
Red on Black titles read COMMANDO S.B.S. - see attached

Not to be confused with 'Special Boat Squadron' - under Lord Jellicoe in the Aegean etc (which derived from the original 'Special Boat Section' of Layforce.)

Attached is a blazer badge for 2 SBS.
Mike illustrates the correct, extremely rare and expensive enamelled headdress badge - to the left. Another example below

I hope this helps
Mike

Mike Jackson · #4 22-01-17, 04:20 PM

I've had the attached for decades - it's the same size as the metal badge:
2 SBS.02.jpg

Mike B · #5 22-01-17, 04:25 PM

Mike - your badge is extremely interesting - I wonder if it may have been a prototype?
Mike

Mike Jackson · #6 22-01-17, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike B

Mike - your badge is extremely interesting - I wonder if it may have been a prototype?
Mike

That crossed my mind although I think it is more likely to have been made up for a member (or members) of the unit who gave away both their metal badges to wives, girlfriends or other friends. With a unit strength of eight Officers and 17 Other Ranks about 50 badges were made (the order was placed with a manufacturer of enamelled badges and the artwork agreed on 16 Nov 42) it being assumed that members would keep one badge and give the other away to the lady (singular) of their life.
My informant (an officer of 2 SBS) stated that normally the regimental badge or no badge was worn in the beret - the enamel item being reserved for special occasions such as a group photograph or visit to a photographic studio.
Mike

Belly · #7 22-01-17, 05:06 PM

One such special occasion!
http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/...geViewsIndex=1

Belly · #8 22-01-17, 05:12 PM

This backs up your information Mike
I can't remember the source so apologies for any breach of trust and/or copyright!

Mike B · #9 22-01-17, 05:28 PM

Great information thanks Mike / Paul
What a bunch of likely looking lads they are!
Mike

Mike Jackson · #10 22-01-17, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belly

This backs up your information Mike
I can't remember the source so apologies for any breach of trust and/or copyright!

That's an outstanding image. Note the parachute wings worn by one soldier on the right forearm - very unusual. Mike

Belly · #11 22-01-17, 05:53 PM

A close up image

I've just discovered Ted Land sent me the image, so thanks to Ted!

Also note the unusual combination on the L/Cpl. Arthur Horner portrait. Cdo cash tape and cdo trained soldier as opposed to the Cdo SBS ST.

Belly · #12 22-01-17, 05:55 PM

For completeness, my SBS title for reference. Just need the cap badge now...

Mike Jackson · #13 22-01-17, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belly

For completeness, my SBS title for reference. Just need the cap badge now...

Do you want a Jackson special to be going on with? Mike

Belly · #14 22-01-17, 06:16 PM

I already have one thanks Mike, according to my records I purchased it from you on 29 Jan 2014. Very nice it is too, and highly recommended as a (probably permanent) placeholder!

Belly · #15 22-01-17, 06:25 PM

Note the original insignia here of the aforementioned Arthur Horner:
http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/...ignia.jpg.html