Earlier posts on RAA beret badges, were focused on the stamped metal items worn by Other Ranks. In this post, we get to take a look at Artillery Officers’ insignia sets and the bullion beret badges authorised for wear by Comissioned Officers and Warrant Officers Class 1.
The above (CB09) image set, shows the 1953 to 1965 period insignia for Officers and Warrant Officers Class 1. The verso image of the Commissioned Officers’ headdress badge, shows the detail of the AMOR makers mark and the rivet fixture for the rotating gun carriage wheel on the face of the badge. The bullion badge shows some fairly characteristic design distortion for used insignia of the relevant period. Meanwhile. the screen-print variant of the cloth shoulder title, is of the early production type.
The above image shows the CB11 anodised insignia set for Commissioned Officers and WO1s of the RAA. These anodised aluminium insignia were on issue from 1965 and were progressively phased out after 1996. Of particular interest here, are the backing cloth variations of the bullion badges worn by appropriate personnel of the RAA in that time-frame. The dark blue beret cloth backing is the standard item (of course). Meanwhile, the dull cherry cloth is (tentatively) attributed to wear by relevant personnel from Airborne Units of the period. N.B. Research on this particular point has yet to be established from either primary or secondary records and so, comment or feedback on this point is genuinely welcome… especially from ADF members with direct knowledge on this point.
Yours in research, in collecting and in scribbling about that
The Authors
charliebravobooks.com
“Metal Uniform Embellishments of the Australian Army”
Post 1953 (the ‘QEII’ era) Vol 1 and Vol 2
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To quote an old friend:
“If you are able to read this, thank a teacher.
If you are able to read this in English, thank a soldier.”
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