Hi, Hope someone could help. This is a picture of my father Albert Broomhead in Ismailia Sep. 1942. He was in signals I would like to know what the insignia is on his right arm. Is it for signals or is it radar? Also not to sure what the smaller one is above wondered if anyone might recognise that as well. Sorry the photo is not the best but it's the only one I have. Many thanks for any help. regards Sue
Sue, I believe it is for a wireless operator, and the one immediately above that would be the eagle of the RAF (Royal Air Force - Insignia). If you scroll down the page linked you will find the tropical version of the wireless operator insignia. Mark
Hello Mark, Thank you so much for your help. I recently purchased miniatures of my fathers medals for my grandchildren to wear on ANZAC day and I thought I would do them a booklet with pictures of the medals and a bit about the ribbons. I also wanted to include the very few photos I have of my father. So to take it a step further I thought I would also explain what the different insignia's are that he is wearing. I was able to find the wing as I have another photo which clearly showed an S. I also have his records from England which told me a bit. I am slowly putting things together and have recently found a bit about the squadron's he was with. So I think I will be able to put together quite a bit of information. With your help I will be able to explain the one in this photo. At first it did look like a rather large spider which I am sure the grand kids will think it is. Many thanks regards Sue
Sue, I am pleased I was able to help. I enlarged the photo a bit on my PC, and while the image does become fuzzy, it does seem to me, that the wing looks as if it has AG with in it, in fact it may even be WAG. If it is the latter, your father may have been a wireless air gunner (https://www.amazon.com/British-WW2-Royal-Force-WING/dp/B00PUO5DG2). Is this indicated within his records? I may well be seeing things due to the enlargement. Mark
Hello Mark, Unfortunately when I loaded the photo it said it was to big I had to resize it and reduce it. I had a look at his service record there is no mention of him being a wireless air gunner though I though I had heard that somewhere it did sound familiar. I have attached the two pages of his service record. perhaps you may see something I don't. Hopefully you will be able to read them. Cheers Sue
Sue, His records show he was a WAG, it is within the previous service section, initially in 1941, then remustered in 43. Mark
I suggest you re-apply for his service records. You'll get copies of the actual documents rather than a typed out summary.
Hello Mark, You are quite right it is there plain to see. It was late at night when I was reading through it again. Many thanks
Hello Owen, It was some years ago that I applied for his records. At the time I was a bit surprised that is all I got. I will send for copies though at the time I applied it was free for the summary not sure if they charge now. I also need to send for his records here in NZ. 30 years ago when I was able to visit the MOD in Wellington they allowed me free access but was only permitted to see a small part of his records. I was told it was due to the official secrets act back then that his records could not be viewed until the 50 year embargo was lifted. Well that has well and truly passed so must send for copies. Cheers Sue
Agree. Sometimes another set of eyes helps. Mind you it has been some years since I even read through his record. The past month I dug it out as I paid to go onto Forces War records I did find some information. They did have my father mentioned but nothing I didn't all ready know. What I did find interesting is I found out a bit about some of the places he was stationed at. Which gave me a bit of history which I will add to the booklet for the grand-kids. I am finding it interesting find new information. I am more use to search WW1 records and earlier conflicts and regiments. Cheers Sue