It's a for the Position of Leading Observer abbreviated as L/Obs, (there is a matching sleeve insignia) of the same design. The three bar version is for a Chief Observer abbreviated as C/Obs - again there is a sleeve insignia of the same design. In use from 1977 to the ROC being stood down in the 1990's. The original versions were issued unsewn and required those appointed to the rank of L/Obs to sew them together to form an epaulette. These earlier one's have longer bars and can be identified that way if they have been machine sewn. The later issue ones (which is the one you have in the picture) were issued in sealed packets of two, sewn together and often with a sticker indicating the manufacturer.
They were worn on the Shirts, Pullovers and Coveralls depending on the activity being undertaken by the L/Obs at that specific time.
There were odd occasions that Observers decided, for whatever reason, to adapt the sleeve insignia and sew it onto a cloth sleeve to form an epaulette. I suspect that this was linked to supply issues and impatience more than anything.
I have attached a few images to illustrate the points raised above.
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03-02-22, 05:31 PM
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