Description
Physical description
badges/card
A pair of wings crossed by a vertical lightning flash, embroidered in blue onto a white, rectangular, with curved top, trade badge. To be worn on white uniform.
'M' embroidered in blue onto a dark blue circular patch.
Label
Women's Royal Naval Service uniforms were based upon those of the Royal Navy but with a number of adjustments. For instance, rather than appearing in red or gold, all WRNS' badges were in a lighter shade of blue than the uniform.
Following the disbandment of the WRNS at the end of the First World War, the service was reformed in 1939. Non-substantive rating badges were again adopted, however, as those for wear with blue uniform were in blue, they had to be different from those worn by men. For white uniform, badges worn by men were used where applicable.
History note
This item was found with an exhibition caption card, which remains with the item, marked: 'Radio Mechanic; Radar Operator; S.O.; Wireless Telegraphist'.
History note
As this badge was found with an accompanying but separate 'M' badge, it has been catalogued as a WRNS trade badge. Many Women's Royal Naval Service non-substantive rating badges are supplied with separate specialisation and sub-specialisation letters (i.e. wings and lightning flash as separate from its accompanying letter). However, as the above indicates, this badge has also been used for different arms of the Navy with different trade titles: WRNS: Radar Operator 1942 - 1962; Telegraphist 1951 - 1962; Radio Operator 1962 - ; Fleet Air Arm (Wings, crossed with lightning flash above the letter: 'M') Qualified Radio Mechanic 1944 - 1947; Royal Navy: Ordinary Telegraphist 1909 - 1958; Radio Communication Operator, 3rd Class 1958 - 1962; Radio Operator, 3rd Class 1962 - ; Telegraphist, not trained 1934 - 1958; Boy Telegraphist 1909 - 1956; Junior Telegraphist 1956 - 1958; Junior Radio Communication Operator 1958 - 1962; Junior radio Operator 1962 - ; Radio Mechanic (unqualified) 1944 - 1947.
Inscription
M