Rank or Rate

[Mike Jackson]

Could someone tell me whether in WW2 Quartermaster was a rank or rate in the Royal Navy? And what would his duties have been (the question raised by a certificate of attendance on a two day course in AA HMGs for DEMS by a QM (as stated)? Thanks. Mike

[elgee45]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Could someone tell me whether in WW2 Quartermaster was a rank or rate in the Royal Navy? And what would his duties have been (the question raised by a certificate of attendance on a two day course in AA HMGs for DEMS by a QM (as stated)? Thanks. Mike

There was a QMG rate, Mike - Quarter Master Gunner. I've not heard of a RN/RAN quartermaster rate. 'Stores' rates, Stores Victualing (a 'V' in as star worn on the right arm, and Stores Naval (an 'S' in a star worn on the right arm) had much the same role as army quartermasters.

Lawrence

[RCN]

Hello Mike,

Th designation Quarter Master(Qr Mr or QM) in the RN (& other Empire/Commonwealth navies) of the timeframe you mention (2WW period) would have been the man's RATE - ie: his specialization or 'trade'.

Qr Mr had nothing to do with Stores or Victualling as it was in the Army.
A naval Qr Mr was chiefly involved with Seamanship duties - any thing to do with Seamanship. He was also usually a senior rating - ie: a PO or CPO (that would have been his RANK) & regularly took watches on the bridge steering the ship. He might have also been qualified in navigating (or assisting the Ship's Navigator) in his duties.

He also would have been an Instructor of Seamanship to junior ratings on board & likely would have had his own watch - ie: in charge of ship's watch on the Ships Watch & Quarter Bill.

A Qr Mr could also be qualified in Gunnery duties (as was your man), he could have qualified in one of the specialty gunnery ratings of the period - ie: Anti Aircraft rate, Layer rate, DEMS gunner rate etc.

As I am away from home at this time I am unable to include any photos of the rate badges he may have qualified in, as I don't have my data base with me, but I hope this helps you somewhat.....

Best.... Bryan