Proficiency and Trade Badges of the British Forces

So many and so varied were the occupations represented in the ranks of the Army, Navy, and Air Force that it is impossible to give more than a selection. Those chosen here however are among those which were most commonly encountered. A distinction may be drawn between badges of proficiency, in which there was often an indication of the superior qualifications of the holder, and those badges which indicate a specialist in a particular line of professional activity.

Specialists of the Royal Navy..​

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1: Gunner's Mate
2: Gunlayer 1st Class
3: Captain of the Gun 1st Class

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4: Rangetaker, 1st Class
5: Torpedo Gunner's Mate
6: Torpedo Coxswain

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7: Leading Torpedoman
8: Seaman Torpedoman

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9: Diver
10: Leading Telegraphist​

There were many more proficiency badges in the Royal Navy than in the Army. The reason was that a warship is a highly complicated piece of machinery for the working of which many skilled men were required. Guns, torpedoes, electrical equipment, signals, the wireless installation and, above all, the engines, can be dealt with only by men with the highest technical qualifications. Over the years, naval warfare developed, and many new badges were added, among the most recent being those that were borne by the men engaged in submarine detection.

1: Chief Yeoman of Signals
2: Leading Signalman and "Signalman"
3: Physical and Recreational Training Instructor 1st Class
4: Good Shooting Badge
5: Mechanican
6: Leading Stoker and Stoker 1st Class



7: Chief Armourer
8: Chief Shipwright
9: Shipwrights and Artisans
10: Submarine Detector Instructor
11: Submarine Detector Operator 1st Class
12: Master at Arms



13: Writer
14: Sick Berth Rating
15: Good Conduct Badges (One to three stripes)
16: Bugler
17: Supply Rating​

 

The Army Skill and Proficiency Badges

1: Best Swordsman of Each Squadron
2: 1st Prize Gunner
3: Bugler



4: Gunlayer
5: 1st Prize Driver



6: Wheeler and Carpenter
7: Pioneer in Light Infantry and Rifles



8: Best Shot od Warrant Officers (Class 2). Sergeants and Lance Sergeants of a Battalion
9: Armourer - Sergeant; Machinery Artificer; Machinery Gunner and Smith
10: Driver in Royal Tank Regiment



1: Gunnery Instuctor
2: Drummer of Foot Guards and Bands other than Household Cavalry
3: Range Finder
4: Trumpeter
5: Signaller



6: Orderly Class 1. R.A.M.C
7: Farrier and Shoeing Smith
8: Royal Tank Regiment
9: Riding Instructor
10: Good Conduct Badges​

 

Specialists of the Ryal Air Force Badges

1: Apprentices and Boy Entrants
2: Member of Central Band of R.A.F



3: Wireless Operator
4: Physical Training Instructor
5: Air Gunner​