NAVAL BADGES - SOUTH AFRICA

[Mervyn Mitton]

Good board of South African bullion cap badges.

Top: Officer SA - RN Reserve 1913 - 20

Left: RN- Vol Res (S.A.) Petty Officer 1936 - 52

Centre: SA Petty Officer 1953 -59

Right: RN - SA Chief Petty Officer 1939 - 45

The SA Navy was very much under the influence of the RN during this period - so, I don't think there is much difference.

[milhistry]

During the Second World War, South Africans served in both the RNVR (SA Division) and the (rather curiously named) Seaward Defence Force. The latter was under South African command. RNVR (SA) officers wore RNVR "wavy navy" lace. SDF officers wore RN straight lace an inch wide "Orange, Sealed Permanent Force Shade" diamond above the executive curl of their dark jackets and an Orange tip to their shoulder boards when wearing whites. In 1941 the two elements were combined into the South African Naval Forces which continued wearing the orange flashes. Cap badges were as per the Royal Navy. I have some pictures to attach but haven't figured out how to do so yet :)

[milhistry]

- Lt (SANF) shoulder boards

- Diamon above curl (ratings also wore the diamond flash)

- Ratings' button with S A (officers' were similar but with a rope border)

[Mervyn Mitton]

Mark - the red diamond you show is - presumably - the Naval equivalent of the red band worn on the epaulettes of army personnel. This indicated that they were on overseas service. (I deleted the two unwanted posts - if you should ever make a mistake ask Brian or, myself and we can take it off)

[milhistry]

Correct.Originally it indicated that they had signed the "Africa Service" oath (to serve anywhere in Africa) & later the "General Service" oath (to serve "anywhere"). It was worn by anyone who had thus volunteered regardless of whether they actually ended up serving outside the Union or not.

Thanks for removing my previous blunders. Good to know who to contact in future.

Edited November 14, 2011 by milhistry

[Mervyn Mitton]

I was talking to two former members of the SPM at lunch yesterday - Mr. and Mrs Aissing (Bobby and Johny) She stood in for me when I was in hospital.

They remember you well and send best wishes - I remember you now too - you were tall, had dark hair and lived up near Kloof - am I right ? Mervyn

[milhistry]

I remember them too. Please pass on my regards to any members of that era. Yes, mostly correct (I didn't live in Kloof but the name of the road I lived on did end in "-kloof").