Serjeants Rank photo Any Ideas??

Discussion in 'General' started by Verrieres, Dec 19, 2011.

  1. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    I have an enquiry which I am hoping someone can help with it is in regards to a photograph published in September 1944 showing a Durham Light Infantry Serjeant and two young children(published in Picture Post) The Serjeants stripes seem to have a badge surmounted with a crown? in the centre of them.Anyone any ideas as to what if may be or represent? Sorry this is the best image I have at present.
    Best Wishes

    Jim
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=70330&d=1324288132
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    It's not a Platoon Sergeant Major's badge is it? I have seen that rank on headstones, but never known what the badge aspect looks like.
     
  3. Philip Reinders

    Philip Reinders Very Senior Member

    looks like a trade badge, maybe driver badge, with a crown?
     
  4. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    It's not a Platoon Sergeant Major's badge is it? I have seen that rank on headstones, but never known what the badge aspect looks like.

    Hello Paul,

    Honestly no idea,I`ve had a copy of the photograph for years and never even noticed it,last night I was asked `Whats that in the middle of the stripes?` and I had no idea whatsoever I`ve checked Brian L Davis and cannot find any badges positioned in the centre of the stripes themselves.I wonder if any of the veterans can confirm if its a Platoon Sjt Majors badge or not? Thanks for the suggestion Paul appreciate it.


    Phillip
    looks like a trade badge, maybe driver badge, with a crown?


    This was my first thought especially with the motor bike! The only thing puting me off is the position in the stripes?
    Best Wishes


    Jim
     
  5. Combover

    Combover Guest

    He's an instructor. That's why the badge is there, rather than by the cuff.

    ETA: He's an instructor in some form of driving (i'll check my textbooks when I'm back at home). All instructor Sjts had their 'trade' badges up on the stripes themselves or positioned just above them.
     
    Verrieres likes this.
  6. Steve Foster

    Steve Foster Senior Member

    It's not a Platoon Sergeant Major's badge is it? I have seen that rank on headstones, but never known what the badge aspect looks like.
    I believe a PSM's rank badge was the standard WO2 Crown (or other badge depending on unit) worn on the bottom of the sleeve.

    Steve
     
  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    It's not a Platoon Sergeant Major's badge is it? I have seen that rank on headstones, but never known what the badge aspect looks like.

    There's a thread on this rank that I started Paul.

    The badge is a Sergeant Majors Crown with a Wreath around it. The badge is still worn today many by (WO2) RQMS's in the British Army.
     
  8. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I think the Q has already been answered after reading the full thread. Re (I'm sure) a Driving Instructor. I'm sure I have a pic in one of my books of it. I'm up at 330am for another trip to Kew but if you want me to check drop me a PM on Sunday morning-My next day off at home.

    Cheers
    Andy
     
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  10. Combover

    Combover Guest

    This badge is an unofficial badge for a qualified mt driving instructor.
     
  11. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    This badge is an unofficial badge for a qualified mt driving instructor.


    Thanks all for your input.Combover Reps added:)


    Cheers

    Jim
     
  12. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

    Not listed in clothing regulations and therefore probably semi official. I imagine the one shown as DLI would be in Light Infantry pattern (colour) and not as shown here: Serjeant trade ranks often wore the trade badge over stripes. Driving Instructor.




    images.jpg






    I suspect there was a period when badges changed there was a possbility for confusion:


    The official Infantry drivers badge:





    1277757859-28802-0.jpg


    Whilst looking this up I found a site with a Light Infantry snipers cloth badge the usual crossed rifles with the S. Green on yellow background. The site claimed the badge was a wartime cheaper 'poor mans brass' copy of a pre war badge. Head of household shouted up -'have you got a Hyena in there?' I fell off my chair - yellow backing -poor mans brass!
     
    Verrieres likes this.
  13. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Not listed in clothing regulations and therefore probably semi official. I imagine the one shown as DLI would be in Light Infantry pattern (colour) and not as shown here: Serjeant trade ranks often wore the trade badge over stripes. Driving Instructor.




    View attachment 70350






    I suspect there was a period when badges changed there was a possbility for confusion:


    The official Infantry drivers badge:





    View attachment 70354


    Thanks Wills appreciate the confirmation


    Best Wishes

    Jim
     
  14. Belville

    Belville Senior Member

    Not listed in clothing regulations and therefore probably semi official.

    It did appear in Talbot-Booth's 'Rank and badges in the Navy, Army, R.A.F. and Auxiliaries', so could it still have been "semi-official"?
    Belville
     

    Attached Files:

  15. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

    Semi official? Maybe, it is possible that an amendment for 'Regulations for Clothing the British Army' was issued for new or updated badges. The pamphlet exists, finding one with all issued amendments might be unlikely. Badges would only be deemed official once the amendments had been published.
     
  16. Tonym

    Tonym WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    I have no idea but what is that above the stripes is it "INSTRUCTOR" ?

    Tony
     
  17. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Thank You all for the continued input.Appreciate your efforts/knowledge.

    Best Wishes


    Jim
     

Share This Page