martinihenry Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 Gents, attached is a picture of my great grandfather, Leonard Berrington Atkin in his WWI uniform. Apologies for the poor quality of the shot, but I'm hoping you may have some thoughts on the significance of the devices on the cap and uniform. On the cap we can see crossed sabers with what I'm guessing is a crown up above. The insignia on the epaulettes looks to read "R.S.C.", but due to the low quality, I can't confirm this. Also, down on his left arm, you can see two crossed flags. It may be of assistance to know that he was either an Irish volunteer, or conscript (but I suspect the former). It doesn't look like any of these are rank insignia, so I'm guessing he was a very junior enlisted man. Many thanks in advance for your thoughts! Jason Atkin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDWARD1 Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 crossed sabres beneath a crown in brass is the Army Gymnastic Staff Eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EDWARD1 Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 With the signallers trade badge (flags) he could be Machine Gun Corps with MGC shoulder tabs and crossed Machine Guns under a crown cap badge. There is a Leonard Atkin on Anc.... in the MGC Eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinihenry Posted 11 July , 2012 Author Share Posted 11 July , 2012 Many thanks, Eddie. If only the resolution of the picture were better, we'd know a bit more. What did you mean by "..on ANC...in the MGC"? Not fully up on my Great War acronyms. Comparing his cap badge with pictures of the Army Gymnastic Staff and the Machine Gun Corps badges, I think the MGC is the one. Thanks again for your help! EDIT: Oh, I think you meant Ancestry. Got it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffsyeoman Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 Without a shadow of a doubt he is Machine Gun Corps. With the MGC shoulder title and a signaller's qualification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 I concur with Staffs Yeoman, there is no doubt that the soldier shown is a member of the Machine Gun Corps. 1. http://www.machinegun.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ 2. http://www.machine-gun-corps-database.co.uk/intro_page.html 3. http://www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted 11 July , 2012 Share Posted 11 July , 2012 I think Eddie is being a bit shy. He means Ancestry (Anc) in the MGC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony paley Posted 26 July , 2012 Share Posted 26 July , 2012 Army Physical Traini9ng Corps was not formed until 1940, definately Machine Gun Corps. Tony P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 27 July , 2012 Share Posted 27 July , 2012 (edited) On 26/07/2012 at 21:43, tony paley said: Army Physical Traini9ng Corps was not formed until 1940, definately Machine Gun Corps. Tony P They were known as Army Gymnastic Staff in WW1 and wore the same badge that was retained later when retitled as APTC. Their original title was the genesis for the tradition of referring to their NCOs as 'Staff' even when ranked as a Sergeant. Edited 3 October , 2022 by FROGSMILE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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