New Kid on the Block
Hi all, just thought I should introduce myself. Cliff invited me to join the forum even though I was an SR not a S&S sailor (very nice of him to allow me to join). My main interest is in the history of categories and rate badges and I am currently trying to pay particular attention to the S&S branch as it is not one that gets the historical coverage I think it deserves. Most people get hooked on the gunnery branch or technical branches. Apart from being a Vic copper I work at the Cerberus museum where I specialise in uniforms and categories / rate badges. I am always happy to hear from people who have information on the old S&S rates. I also have my own collection of rate badges (about 530 odd) and am always happy to scan one if anyone wants a picture of it. I have also put together a similar number for the museum display. Look forward to speaking to you all and thanks for letting a "white boat sailor" join in.

Howdy Allen and welcome to the site I have been out some time now 16 years and when pussers ships pull into Adelaide I sometimes go down and have a look and so many of the rate badges have changed im not sure of whos who And sounds like you have an extensive collection are there any books available on rate Badges Especially the new ones . perhaps you could write a dit on some of the chages and post on this site would make interresting reading once again welcome to the site and dont be a stranger Regards QUINNY

Hi and thanks for the welcome! When I paid off in '94 things were just starting to change. In the history of the RAN we have had a total of about 189 different categories, most had rate badges while some did not. Some categories passed the badge down when the name was change, eg: Quartermaster - Coxswain - Naval Police Coxswain. I have put together a pictorial reference guide to the different rate badges we have had over time. it simply shows the rate badge and identifies which category / ies have used it. I avoided listing periods of time when a particular category was in service. I tried this but it caused waaaaaay too many arguments amongst the guys at the museum so I decided to adopt the KISS principle. if there is an apropriate place on this forum I am happy to post a list of all the different categories we have had over time or I am happy to e-mail a copy of the book in word doc format if anyone wants it (beware, it is over 2Meg though!). Once again, thanks for the welcome and I look forward to joining in the conversations where I can.

Dear Allen Ta for the prompt reply to my last post. I would like a copy of the book sent in word I have a plan That allows unlimited downloads. I have kids that love music say no more so 2 megs is no prob. Its good to have you on line as your involvement with the museum could be of assistance to any cookies out there doing some research. Has the museum got a web page?, If so can you post it on this site for any one that might want a look . ill keep my eye out for old badges and if i luck in i'll send them to you my email is as follows quinn52_@hotmail.com I look forward to hearing from keep well Regards Quinny

Hi Allen It's interesting looking at the rates and categories over the years and how they have changed. When I was in pussers I had sewn tally bands from various ships onto a blanket I had and had done them in a shape of a wheel and also had numerous rate badges scattered on it as well. Not sure what happened to it whether I lost it in Cyclone Tracey or left it at Mum & Dad's and was misplaced during their moves. Shame cause it looked great. Down at TS Coral Sea, John Knight has made up a board with rates on it and has framed it. I will check it out and see what rates he has on it. Hope to get down Cerberus way one of these days. Dale Jones has told me about the Museum. Cheers Jude

Jude, I still have a very thread bare tartan blanket with tallies, rate badges,etc on it. I keep it in a bag in the linen press with plenty of moth balls to keep it safe. I remember how a lot of the Wrans used to swap badges etc. I can't remember her name but one girl had her blanket completely covered, with hardly any room to put another badge.

Kippy, it used to be something we did back then...........I must ask my brother whether or not he came across it when he was going through some of Mum's things after she passed away. Cheers Jude

I was at the Southport RSL club a fortnight ago and I saw a model of the HMAS Manoora from world war 2. Also the old crest. John the Secretary of the club was telling me the modern Manoora's crest was the first time a crest had ever been changed. Also I met a guy there non military who was the memorabilia man. We could have talked for ages but I had to catch the bus back to Sanctuary Cove. I have had all my pusser's memorabilia custom framed it looks great and will probably outlive me. (I'm only 26)