RMLI rank stripes

[domwalsh]

Morning everyone.

Just wondered if someone could clarify what various stripes mean. I'm assuming:

1 stripe: L/Cpl

2 stripes: Cpl

3 stripes: Sgt

But my real query is what a Lance Sgt would have had: 3 stripes or 2? Whichever it is, would there have been a distinguishing feature to differentiate it from standard rank?

Many thanks,

Dom

[joseph]

Dom,

The chevrons are right, For Lance Rank;

Kings Regulations and Admiralty Instructions 1913 Chapter XXXIV Section 1139

1139. Appointment of Lance, and Acting Ranks.- If the Captain should deem it expedient to increase the number of non-commissioned officers embarked with a detachment, Corporals may be appointed to act as Sergeants, to be styled Lance-Sergeants ; Privates, R.M.L.I., as Corporals, to be styled Lance-Corporals ; and Gunners, Royal Marine Artillery, as Bombardiers, to be styled Acting Bombardiers. Efficiency in the performance of the duties of the superior rank will be considered as advancing their claims for promotion.

Captains of His Majesty's ships bearing Royal Marine bands may similarly appoint, at their discretion, the Band Corporal as Lance-Sergeant; and in such case they may also appoint a suitable Musician as Lance-Corporal, if they consider it desirable in order to maintain discipline.

2. Pay and authority of Acting Ranks. - Lance-Sergeants, Lance-Corporals, and Acting Bombardiers appointed as above shall have the same authority as if they were confirmed non-commissioned officers of the ranks in which they may be severally acting; but their pay and other allowances will be those of their permanent grade with the exception of those for whom allowances are sanctioned in addition by the Regulations, which allowances are to be credited to them on the ship's ledger. (See Appendix XV, Part 3, No. 57).

They are liable to revert to their permanent rank by order of the Captain, and notations are to be made in the ledger, company conduct sheet, and in the column for promotions and reductions on the service certificate, whenever any such acting rank is awarded or taken away.

3. Distinguishing chevrons. - The appointment of Lance-Sergeant is to be distinguished by a three-bar chevron and that of a Lance-Corporal and of an Acting Bombardier by a one-bar chevron, worn on the right arm.

Gold-lace chevrons will be worn by Lance-Sergeants and Acting Bombardiers, Royal Marine Artillery, and worsted chevrons by Lance-Sergeants and Lance-Corporals, Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Regards Charles

[domwalsh]

Thanks v much for that Charles. Does that mean a Lance Sgt RMLI is indistinguishable from a full Sgt? Or are worsted stripes made of something different for full sgts?

Cheers,

Dom

[joseph]

Dom,

One for Grumpy this, I can not fint a distinction in Kings regs. Worsted are normally white and the gold is gilt?.

Regards Charles