What Does this Sleeve Indicate

[BRONNO]

Can someone point out for me the details on this Sergeant of the Robin Hood Battalion sleeve please, is it 20 years service etc. Notts and Derby Regt. BRONNO.

[Grovetown]

The four five-point stars are an Efficiency Badge (Volunteers), being "efficient in rifle drill and practice for five years". First year, you got a diamond and then the star after four more successive 'returns'. Star over diamond for six, seven, eight and nine years; then two stars etc.

So this is 20 years. Six (30 years) is known.

His layout for four (or five stars, if one is obscured) is incorrect: it should be three horizontally, with the fourth over the central one.

The four-point star at the top of the sleeve is for 'proficient sergeants' - not sure of the criteria to be judged 'proficient' other than a sergeant had to acquire it within a year of promotion.

The crossed swords, with what I presume is a crown above, is for either cavalry swordsmanship or gymnastic instruction, and if Notts & Derby we shall assume the latter.

As for actual rank, this is a dense minefield I'll leave others to cross.

And all of the above is to be credited to David Langley (Grumpy) and Denis Edwards's British Army Proficiency Badges, which I hope I have interpreted correctly.

Cheers,

GT.

[BRONNO]

Many thanks for your reply and it is a pre war Robin Hood Battalion picture. BRONNO.

[Kitchener's Bugle]

Thanks also for the book recommendation...........

[wainfleet]

Thanks also for the book recommendation...........

........but good luck finding a copy at a sensible price!

[Kitchener's Bugle]

I know you are looking at £40 - £70.....................