Scarce WW2 Royal Navy Patrol Service Minesweepers & Anti-Submarine - M/S A/S – Silver Badge

Here on offer is a scarce WW2 period Royal Navy Patrol Service, Minesweepers and Anti-Submarine M/S A/S silver badge.

The men of the Minesweepers and Anti-Submarine trawlers of the Royal Naval Patrol Service were awarded this unique badge, in recognition of their brave service on these vessels.

It was exclusive the Royal Naval Patrol Service and could not be worn by other Royal Navy personnel. It was only awarded after six months service at sea, so land-based sailors where not awarded it.

It is often wrongly referred to as a “lapel badge’, but a naval rating uniform has no lapels!
It was worn actually worn on the left sleeve, four inches above the cuff. When a Patrol Service rating became an officer, he could still wear it on his officers’ uniform.

I am told that the First Lord to the Forth Sea Lord, made the following statement in 1939:

"I am told that the Minesweepers men have no badge. If this is so it must be remedied at once. I am asking Mr. Bracken to call for designs from Sir Kenneth Clark within one week, after which production must begin with the greatest speed, and distribution as the deliveries come to hand."

This Royal Navy Patrol Service silver badge, was created by artist and medal designer Kruger Gray, as the result of the above communication.

The badge had to include relevant motifs to represent both the Minesweepers and the Anti-Submarine squadrons.

The front of this small shield shaped badge, shows a sinking shark pierced by a marlin spike which represents the anti-submarine service. In the background, a net containing two trapped mines, represents the minesweepers. This is surrounded by a rope with a fisherman’s bend knot on each side, a crown above and a scroll below with the letter’s, M/S and A/S for Mine Sweeper and Anti-Submarine.

On the reverse it has a registered design number in tiny raised letters, that reads: RD. 837751. This dates it’s registration, to the years 1940/41.

It also retains its securing pin and “C” clasp, which I believe is the type used on the second style of badge that was issued.

The badge became a prized “medal” of WW2, valued above all other decorations the wearer might have earned.

The badge is in excellent undamaged condition, with just an aged patina to the finish.

It measures is 1.1” (2.9cm) high by 0.9” (2.2cm) wide and weighs 6.5g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51899