Jump to content
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

ID of Star cuff badge and Medal Riband please.


GWF1967

Recommended Posts

Hi,

I purchased the photo of a group of RA soldiers. There are several Imperial Service Brooches on display and some proficiency badges I recognise, but I can't identify the Medal Riband worn by the Sgt. nor the stars around his right cuff. Could someone please enlighten me. Identities of the officers would also be welcome.

Guy.

post-119457-0-11179200-1429814687_thumb.

post-119457-0-77686000-1429814710_thumb.

post-119457-0-68222900-1429814729_thumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many thanks for the info Scalyback, 3 stars showing 12-15 + yrs service according to a previous thread I've now found.

Guy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not 100% certain, but given the Sergeants age and length of service from the stars the ribband could well be the QSA for service in the Boer War, typically rendered pretty dark by orthochromatic film. Just a hint of the various stripes can be made out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Andrew. I wasn't sure if it was striped or just highlighted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think he is senior to sergeant: BQMS I believe seeing the crown above gun. Also sitting in senior position!

Yes, I believe you are right Grumpy. I recall that you and I discovered that in an earlier period the crown and gun were worn together with 3 stripes by plain sergeants and third class clerks, but by WW1 that had changed. In 1914 three stripes with separated crown and gun were worn by both, BSM and BQMS, but in 1915 the BSM had become WO2 leaving just the BQMS with the badge arrangement you have explained.

I suppose it depends on the date of the photo, if it is early he might even be the BSM, he certainly looks old enough but perhaps not fierce enough!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

as the officers also have Territorial badges perhaps one of the RFA T reserve brigades/depots ?? - but interesting in painted camouflage on building..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many thanks for your thoughts and info.

Frogsmile: Not sure I'd want to get on the wrong side of him!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frogsmile: Not sure I'd want to get on the wrong side of him!

Yes, on second look he does have a mean look. It's the moustache 'wot' does it!

Interesting again to see the officers with their walking sticks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As Blackadder opined " you wouldn't want to face a Hun machine gun without a trusty stick now".

Would Ya??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...