WW2 Royal Navy cap tallies

[Lemataf]

Hello,

Attached an interesting picture taken first half of 1940 (inscription on the back indicates «*Jan 1940*», if exact datation, was then based in a warm location), on anti-submarine trawler HMS Kelt.

This snapshot offers a nice sampling of worn cap tallies, at a time when anonymized ones (HMS, ...) should have been worn (I tend to understand). From left to right, one can read: «*...lution*» (HMS Resolution?), likely from bearer previous assignment, then «*... Reserve*», then no cap tally at all, it seems.

This triggers me a few questions then:
1- After the outbreak of the war, when exactly was the requirement for all RN seamen to use only anonymized cap tallies (HMS generic ones) introduced?

2- What could be the full cap tally label for the one ending by «*... Reserve*»?

3- During ww2 time period, did the RN regulation allow to wear a cap w/o any cap tally? If yes, in what specific circumstances?

Thank you for shedding some light on this & all the best,

Jean-Daniel

[Nozzer]

I did a post some time back regarding the issue of ribbons during WW2.

I was fortunate in my early collecting days to be in contact with some very knowledgeable collectors and they were kind enough to share their notes with me. Unfortunately these notes were a little incomplete, but the book "Royal Navy Uniforms 1930-1945" by Martin J Bradley helped fill in the gaps. I would recommend anyone with an interest in Royal Navy Uniforms from WW2 to grab a copy.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...7&postcount=14

[Lemataf]

Hello Andy,

Thank you for your start of answer to my question #1 & reference to M. Bradley book. I had a look at your referenced & interesting post. I also already have my own copy of M. Bradley excellent book. Only problem is that my copy of this book and myself we are currently at a distance of approx. 800 km, one from each other, due to covid19 + business reasons.

I would assume that for the RN, same happened as for Marine Nationale & Kriegsmarine, first instructions were given quite quick after war outbreak (Sept/Oct 39) to use generic cap tallies. It then took some time to see all cap tallies with precise unit indications to be completely replaced by the generic ones.

Cheers,

Jean-Daniel

[Artynut]

Lemataf, not my field but I’ve seen references to “Fleet Reserve” . Would that have been on a cap tally? Regards, D.J.

[Lemataf]

Hello D.J.,

From what can be seen from the two last letters from the word before «*Reserve*», «*Fleet Reserve*» could indeed perfectly match.

Thank You & Best Regards,

Jean-Daniel

[Postwarden]

This may help.

Admiralty Fleet Order 4430 28/11/40 - Cap Ribbons
Economy in issue. Issue of cap ribbons lettered with ships names or with special lettering (eg H.M. Submarines, H.M. Patrol Service etc) will be temporarily suspended when stocks are used up. “H.M.S.” only ribbons to be supplied in future and to be used for all services. Issues reduced to one on first issue.

And isn't that a rather large gun for an armed trawler?

Jon