Royal field Artillery insignia

[malch]

This is 14829 Herbert Hole 123 Bde RFA, photo taken in 1918 (three service chevrons). He arrived in France on 30/7/1915 and was wounded at the end of october 1917 and evacuated to Blighty.

I have his service record and I am trying to work out precisely when this photo was taken. He joined the Regulars in 1919.

When has was wounded has was a Bombadier and was promoted L/Cpl on 23/8/1918.

I am confused about the insignia above the stripe. A highly experienced and well-respsected member of this forum has already seen the photo, and has cast some doubt on my possible interpretation........................

Thanks

M

[Muerrisch]

Almost certainly L in wreath, the qualified gun layer first class badge. The badge was an appointment, and therefore worn over the chevron. However, R wreath [Rangetaker] and O wreath [Observer] are in with a shout, as I have seen them worn upper sleeve.

[Muerrisch]

I am struggling with the concept of PROMOTING a Bombardier [ a full rank in the RA in 1919] to Lance-Corporal RA. As far as I know, the RA never had Lance-Corporals, and in any case such was an Appointment for a Private Soldier, not a rank, and therefore junior to a Bombardier.

Only in 1920 did the RA adopt a new rank structure, when all Bombardiers were promoted to become Corporals [2 chevrons] and retitled Bombardier [!]. Trust me!

And what happened to full Corporals RA? They became Lance-Sergeants.

[pjjobson]

Grumpy

You are quite correct, the RA have never had Lance Corporals, the rank structure being Gunner, Bombardier (one stripe) and then Corporal (two stripes). This lasted until the 1920's when the structure became, Gunner, Lance Bombardier (one stripe) and Bombardier (two stripes).

Phil

[Muerrisch]

Army Order 142 of 1920 did the trick.

[malch]

Thanks guys.

My mistake, he was promoted Cpl, not L/Cpl.

There is no mention of a qualification on his record. However my Dad's memory was jogged by mention of a gun layer.

Herbert joined the Regulars in 1919, retired 6/9/36, joined 'E' Reserve 9/10/38, was mobilized on 1/9/1939 and finally discharged at rank of BSM on 17/8/1945. Quite a career.

M

[wmfinch]

My Grandfather was a Bombadier with the Royal Field Artillery and I have a very clear picture of him wearing a brass badge with laurel leaves surrounding the letter 'L'. He was definitely a Gun Layer.

Hope this helps,

Wayne Finch