Post war Commonwealth Navy Trade Badges

[Lee Ragan]

Do any of you know of any good references on post WWII British, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand Navy enlisted trade badges? I have several in my collection that do not appear in any WWII references or current references on this subject. From what I can tell, several of these "non-substantive" badges have come into use and then passed out of usage during this time period.

[Laurence Strong]

Could you post some photo's?

[Lee Ragan]

Lawrence,
I can't post photos as this is a work place computer & I don't have one at home. However, I can take 35mm pix and snail mail them to you. I still have your mailing address. I'll get this done in the next week or so.

[Laurence Strong]

Hi Lee

I have been racking my brain to place your name. I never could find the rest of the items you sent me last time. At this point in time I am at work up northern Alberta in the corner of the BC, Alta, NWT borders and won't be home for a couple of weeks, so this will work and I will post them for you.

[Laurence Strong]

Hi Lee

Here you go:

[img]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/883/file0315yb6.jpg[/img]

I would have to say it's Brit, post 1952 due to the "Queens" (Windsor) crown. the proper name is "Sick Berth Attendant"

The "PD" indicates the specific trade i.e. Pharmacy Dispenser - Crown / Red Cross / PD Trade: Blue On White QC Embroidered

[Laurence Strong]

Next

[img]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2484/file0316xj7.jpg[/img]

The one on the left is "Missleman", again I would say post 1952, The stars and crowns idicate level of training which usually is also somewhat rank specific

If I follow other trades correctly this one would be "Leading Missleman"

I have not fiqured out the other one yet, it would appear to have something to do with Radar

[Laurence Strong]

next:

[img]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/787/file0317tm2.jpg[/img]

This is the Torpedo Anti-Submarine rating.
In 1948, there was a complete re-organization of branches and responsibilities in the RN (and most other Commonwealth navies) in which the Torpedo Anti-Submarine (TAS) and the Electrical branches were created. The TAS Branch included all torpedomen who then became Underwater Weaponsmen (UWs) and all Sound Detectors who became Underwater Controllers (UCs). The UWs were given responsibility for torpedoes and all other ASW weapons, demolitions and mines.The LTOs provided the foundation for the new Electrical Branch and dropped all involvement with weapons. The Torpedo Coxswain was changed to Coxswain. This organization continued into the 1970s and 80s when there was another re-alignment of Naval trades to accommodate the changes brought about by the new world of electronics and then computerization. In this change the dedicated Torpedoman disappeared and his duties and responsibilities were taken on by the Weapons Engineering Mechanics branch

[Laurence Strong]

last one

[img]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4161/file0318na9.jpg[/img]

Again TAS rating, though I am stumped by what trade the "WA" indicates.

Hope this helps

Larry

[Lee Ragan]

Laurence,
Many, many thanks for the information. This sure helps out a lot!
Best regards,
Lee