Ordnance Insignia of the British Army

Trade Badges

Hammer & Pincers Crossed (EL 2A)

Depicting the basic tools of many trades this badge has been worn by most Regiments and Corps in the British Army since the mid-19th century. It was worn as early as 1802 by the Armourer Sergeant of the Board of Ordnance. It was worn within the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) and later the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) for many trades, including Artificer, Armourer, Fitter, Toolmaker and many other specialist trades. And continues to be worn in the REME.

Bit (EL 3A)

While this is mainly a badge worn by mounted units.
It was also worn by the AOC to identify tradesman such as Saddler, Saddletree and Harness Makers or Repairers.

Wheel 12 Spokes (EL 5A)

This is also fairly common trade badge of the British Army. Worn within the AOC & RAOC for such trades as Wheelwright and other allied trades.

It was also worn with the Hammer & Pincers badge above by The Corps of Ordnance Artificers (Royal Engineers) c1886 who transferred to the AOC in 1896 on its formation.

Modern Trade Groups

W.W.II saw a vast increase in technical equipment to maintain and service. So a new classification of trades lead down in ACI 1236 of 1944 defined 4 trade groups A,B,C & D to grade them. A Trades being the highest qualified, D being the lesser. C & D trades were discontinued by the early 1950’s

Skill at Arms to follow

M Comerford - August 2004