Unidentified Navy Insignia - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

DJT · #1 25-05-12, 08:13 AM

I recently bought a collection of cloth insignia and included were various navy bits (of which I am largely clueless). I thought I might post a small selection here to be positively identified. When I got these, I realised my reference library is extremely weak in the naval insignia department. I had a quick look on Amazon to try and rectify this and noticed a 2 volume set called Rank & Rate by E.C. Coleman. Can fellow members recommend these? Anyway first up are some Naval officer shoulder boards. These look like WW2 vintage to me but perhaps you can confirm. Thanks very much.

DJT · #2 25-05-12, 08:16 AM

A few more bits.

DJT · #3 25-05-12, 08:21 AM

and finally...

Eddie Parks · #4 25-05-12, 08:40 AM

As far as I can see all the officer ranks are Merchant Navy. Engineer officers wore purple backings, medics scarlet and pursers white.
Eddie

RBJ MIlitaria · #5 25-05-12, 09:42 AM

the 2 stars with lightning badge is a Radio Electrical mechanic qualified for Leading hand rate, ( 1970 ish ) the wings with lightning flash is a Radio Operator 1st class ( able rate )

David Tremain · #6 25-05-12, 04:43 PM

I can't add anything to what Eddie has said, but will have a look in Coleman. I only have the officers' "Rank and Rate" volume at the moment, but hope to get the "Other Ranks" volume soon. It looks to be very comprehensive and well iluustrated in colour. There's not much out there on RN insignia, so I'd say go for it. I'm not really a collector of RN/MN insignia but was given some by a cousin who was a former CPO in the RN, so now I need the books to catalogue them. Maybe this will encourage me to collect RN stuff as well as all the other badges I have. As if I need another sub-set!

David

DJT · #7 25-05-12, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Very helpful indeed.

Staffsyeoman · #8 25-05-12, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBJ MIlitaria

the 2 stars with lightning badge is a Radio Electrical mechanic qualified for Leading hand rate, ( 1970 ish ) the wings with lightning flash is a Radio Operator 1st class ( able rate )

If WW2 is the latter not Telegraphist? Partner's father was an 'L/Tel' on corvettes for all of the war and his badges were all of this pattern.

Nozzer · #9 25-05-12, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staffsyeoman

If WW2 is the latter not Telegraphist? Partner's father was an 'L/Tel' on corvettes for all of the war and his badges were all of this pattern.

Yes, you are right

In WW2 the winged lightning badge was for the Wireless Telegraphist branch. However, in the 80's the same badge was for a Radio Operator (General).

Andy

Alex Rice · #10 26-05-12, 09:53 AM

Hi DJT
Eddie is correct, the rank badges are merchant navy. The hard shoulder strap with purple backing is a Chief-Engineer, hard with 3 stripes and green backing (I think, colour isn't great) would be a senior electrician or radio officer; 3 stripes with purple backing, second engineer, though in some companies the position is called first engineer, and 2 stripes with no backing is a second mate. The diamond indicates a the person is certified for that rank as in the past it was possible to sail in a more senior rank under a dispensation.
Cheers,
Alex