Help ID WWII Trade badge

[Phill Lockett]

Hi Team

I have these 2 Trade Badges and would like to know what is the official name as have found 2 descriptions WWII Gun Layer 2nd Class and RN Director Layer WWII. I beleive its the former.

Also note ones embroidered on cotton cloth with yellow trimmings and the other embroidered on cotton drill(?) with bblack trimmings would that have any meaning (the trimmings).

cheers

Phill

[Markus Bodeux]

This trade badge was worn from 1935 until 1939 by "Gunlayer 2nd class".
In 1939 new badges for the RN gunners were introduced, and now this badge was always worn with an additional letter below the crossed guns (L=Layer, Q=Quarter, A=Anti-Aircraft, C=Control). First listed in the pattern list AFO 1485/1939, dated 1.6.1939.
In 1956 the badge without an additional letter was re-introduced with the designation "Seaman Gunner" without specific qualification.
I guess the "trimming" on the first badge was once also black, but the badge has been worn and washed.
I joined the navy and we used to wash our white shirts on the floor of the bathroom with mop and scouring powder to bring back the pure white. So i think the black faded away to a yellow-grey. The blue thread was certainly dyed through and kept the colour.

Regards
Markus

[Phill Lockett]

Thank you Markus

Thats cool to know they are pre WWII.

The thread is definitely a dull yellow and not discoloured to my eyes, I looked thru a jewellers magnifying glass.

cheers

Phill