elgingero Posted 10 April , 2007 Posted 10 April , 2007 I recently took a closer look at my Great-Grandfathers Platoon photogragh and noticed that he had a badge/emblem/insignia on his right forearm. No-one else in the picture (who's arms I can see) has this badge. Can anyone tell me what it is? Also the drummer next to him has a badge on his arms, does anyone know what this stands for? He was in the 13th Cheshire regiment, if that is of any use... You help is much appreciated.
montbrehain Posted 10 April , 2007 Posted 10 April , 2007 The MG boys will confirm, But I think its the Heavy Machine Gun proficiency badge (IE Vickers etc ) ? "MO"
Andrew Upton Posted 10 April , 2007 Posted 10 April , 2007 Definately the MG circled by a wreath that denoted a Machine Gunner 1st Class - see this thread for a similar badge for a Lewis Gunner: http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...c=69138&hl=
elgingero Posted 10 April , 2007 Author Posted 10 April , 2007 Many thanks for the responses so far.... I'm new to all this, so as much info I ca get the better... If this is a MG in the wreath, is it for generic 'Machine Guns' or would it or could it be specific to Heavy or light Machine Guns? ... and what were the Heavy MGs Lewis, Vickers?... I've attached the badge on the drummers arm, any ideas on this one?
Graham Stewart Posted 10 April , 2007 Posted 10 April , 2007 It's a brass drum which signifies a 'Drummer'. Graham.
Andrew Upton Posted 11 April , 2007 Posted 11 April , 2007 Many thanks for the responses so far.... I'm new to all this, so as much info I ca get the better... If this is a MG in the wreath, is it for generic 'Machine Guns' or would it or could it be specific to Heavy or light Machine Guns? ... and what were the Heavy MGs Lewis, Vickers?... I believe the MG badge was fairly specifically linked to proficiency with the Vickers (which makes sense with the equivilent Lewis , Hotchkiss , etc Gunner badges), but most so qualified would likely to have also been fairly proficient with the other MG's available. The .303 Vickers was the main Heavy Machine Gun of the British Army in WW1, only being reclassified as a Medium Machine Gun after the introduction of the .50 Vickers in the inter-war period. The Lewis, Hotchkiss, etc guns were classed as "Light" Machine Guns (although anyone who's carried one will tell you otherwise!).
Muerrisch Posted 11 April , 2007 Posted 11 April , 2007 Come on chaps: wake up! The MG is on the wrong arm!
elgingero Posted 11 April , 2007 Author Posted 11 April , 2007 Come on chaps: wake up! The MG is on the wrong arm! So what can that mean? ... surely his superior officers wouldn't have let that go un-noticed?
auchonvillerssomme Posted 11 April , 2007 Posted 11 April , 2007 well the pics not back to front Mick
elgingero Posted 11 April , 2007 Author Posted 11 April , 2007 As far as I know GGrandad wasn't left handed Why was the badge supposed to be on the left arm instead of the right?
Staffsyeoman Posted 12 April , 2007 Posted 12 April , 2007 To be brutal about it... the badge was supposed to be on the left arm instead of the right because that was where dress regulations SAID it should be. Woe betide you in front of the Provost Sergeant or Company Sergeant Major for transgressing. MG for Vickers qualified; LG for Lewis and Hotchkiss (although an unofficial 'HG' exists)
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