SUBMARINE BADGES AND

INSIGNIA OF THE WORLD

SUBMARINE BADGES
AND INSIGNIA OF THE
WORLD
An Illustrations Reference for Collectors

Pete Prichard

Schiffer Military/Aviation History

Atglen, PA
 Dedication
To my wife Judy Parker Prichard, a terribly ane woman, who, nonetheless, has put up with
my manias, crazes and fixations for more than three and a half decades.

Arma virumque cano.

Of arms and the man, I sing.
- The first line of Virgil's Aeneid

Book Design by Ian Robertson.

Copyright © 1997 by Pete Prichard.

Library of Congress Catalog Number: 96-72253

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Acknowledgments
In the beginning I really must thank William Crosby
of Perrysburg, OH, Lee Lacey of Mu kogee, OK and
Eric Swendsboe of Dedham, MA, all of whom graciously
opened their files, shared their data, supplied me the pic-
tures of badges I did not have, reviewed and commented
on my manuscript and generally gave me every possible
help and encouragement a person could ever hope for.
The re t are listed alphabetical order as there is no other
fair way:
Sergeant Major Alan Beckman, AUS (Retired) (For
Military Equipment)
Captain Dong II Baek, Millitary Attache, Korean Navy
Commodore K. V. Bharathan, Naval Attache, Indian
avy
hris Brooker (Canadian Navy)
run ancellari (Italian Navy)
apitano Alberto Cervone, Assistant Naval Attache,
Italian Navy
apitan de Navio Jorge Arancibia Clavel, Commander
in Chief, Submarine Force, Chilean Navy
hiefWarrant Officer Dave Collar, U.S.A. (U.S. avy)
Rear Admiral Salvador Paz Comacho, Military Atta-
che, Venezuelan Navy.
Capitan de avio (Retired) Gustavio Conde, Argentine
avy
Capitan Galo Davila, Naval Attache, Equadorian Navy
Mister G. B. Dobbin, Deputy Director, Royal Navy
Submarine Museum
6 7
Commander . A. Duinker, Director of Sea Cadets,
Canadian avy
Lieutenant Commander Peter Elistve, Asst aval Atta-
che, Canadian avy
Brian Fagin (Royal Navy)
Lieutenant Colonel Vidar Falck, Naval Attache, Nor-
wegian Embassy
Captano Peiro Francini, Naval Attache, Italian avy
Amm. Isp. (GN) c. a. Gino Galuppuni, Italian avy
Francisco Gomez Gomez, Spanish Navy
Joao R. Goncalves (Portugese Navy)
Richard A. Hall (German Navy, WWI & WWII, Austro-
Hungarian Navy)
Erik Helenius, President, Finnish Navy Retired
Submariner's Association
Lieutenant Commander 1. Hulgaard, Flag Lieutenant,
Admiral Commanding Danish Fleet
Lieutenant Commander Rune Hvass, Norwegian Navy
Contre-Amiral Kessler, Chef du Service Historique de
la Marine, French Navy
Petty Officer (Wtr) S. N. Kumar, Indian avy
Commander R. J. Letts, aval Attache, Royal Austra-
lian avy
Technical Sergeant, USAF (Retired) Baldwin P. Jenning
Mr. Masao Narita (Flying Tigers/FedEx, Tokyo, Re-
tired) (Japanese Navy)
Teniente 2 0 Luis Morale Ortiz, Submarine Force, Chil-
ean Navy
Acknowledgments
Teniente 2 0 Christian Oxley, Submarine Force, Chil-
ean avy
Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Allen Phillips, US
Submarine Force
Luis Antonio Munos Pino (Chilean avy)
Harry Pugh (Pakistani {Special Service Groups} and
Indian avies)
Alejandro M. de Quesada (Austro-Hungarian avy)
Lieutenant Commander Jan Rahm tro m, Swedish
Navy, aval and Air Systems
Dr. P. C. van Royen, Director, Institute for Maritime
History, Netherlands Ministry of Defense
C. Amm.(GN)(a) Attilio Ranieri, Director of the Sub-
marine School, Italian Navy
Rear Admiral Asciepiades 1. Colmerauer Dos Santos,
Brazilian Navy
Commander Michael Setzer, German Navy (German,
Turkish and Korean Navie )
Colonel Bambang Susanto, aval Attache, Indonesian
Navy
Capitam de Corvette Temporal, Service Historique de
la Marine, French Navy
Lieutenant Commander W. M. Thornton, Royal Navy
(Retired), (Romanian Navy)
Captain Victor Zaikin, Naval Attache, Navy of the Rus-
sian Federation
Photography
The majority of the badges pictured in this book came
from the author's collection.
Photography by:
David Schwartz
Camera & Palette Inc.
Staunton, Virginia
With the exception of GER-21sv, PAK-3b, PAK-1b,
PAK-2b, USN-Sv, USN-10m/lOmv and USN-19.
Photography by the author.
Badges contributed by William J. Crosby are BLG-3,
COL-2e, FIN-1, FR-1, GER-21s, GER-21wk, GER-
23bwk, INO-1, LIB-1, NET-1m, NET-1e, POR-6v,
POR-8v, ROM-1, SWD-1, THA-1, TKY-3, USN-10v,
KSSS-1, YUG-1, YUG-6, YUG-7 and VEN-3.
Photography by:
Jame Sielicki
Perrysburg One Hour Photo and Custom Lab
Perrysburg, OH
Badges contributed by Lee Lacy are CHI-1, INO-2ev1,
INO-2ev2, KOR-3, KOR-4, NOR-1bv, SAF-2wk,
SAF-2wkv, SPN-9b, SPN-10b, USN-lv4 and USN-20.
Photography by the author

Foreword
It is ironic that the first combat submariner was an
army sergeant named Ezra Lee, sailing David Bushnell'
Turtle, against HMS Eagle, 6 September 1776, off ew
York City. He used as a weapon a clockwork activated
explosive charge designed with a screw auger to attach
it to the bottom of the wooden ship of the day. Due to
the ship's copper sheathing, the attack was unsucce s-
ful, with the Turtle barely escaping the first example of
an antisubmarine attack, a rowed picket boat filled with
riflemen.
It was some ninety years later that the first success-
ful submarine attack was made. The ill fated Confeder-
ate submarine CSS Hunley that sank five times before it
wa deployed in anger, attacked the Union corvette USS
Hou atonic at anchor in Charleston Roads. Using the
sui idal par torpedo, a contact explosive charge on the
n of a long pole, Lieutenant George Dixon rammed
lh Yank vessel, unhappily sinking both it and the gal-
lant little Hunley itself.
The fir t modern submarine action was by the Greek
e sel Delphin, commanded by Lieutenant Commander
Paparrigopoulos, that attacked the Turkish cruiser
Mejidieh off the Dardenelles, 9 December 1912, in the
First Balkan War. His torpedo ITli sed.
The hi torical honor of the fir t uccessful modern
ubmarine attack must go to Oberleutnant Hersing. As
commander of the U-21, he sank the British cruiser HMS
Pathfinder, 3 September 1914.
8 9
Almost two hundred and six years after th Turtle's
attack, May 2, 1982, Commander Christopher Wreford-
Brown, captain of the nuclear sub HMS Conqueror, fired
three torpedoes and sank the Argentine cruiser General
Belgrano, becoming the la t submariner (so far) to sink
a ship.
It is doubly ironic that, iii the history of the subma-
rine to date-a strictly naval weapon-the beginning
started with an American Army sergeant and ended with
an Argentine Army general.
If the definition of an elite unit is the hazardous war-
time challenge they face, then, by that standard alone,
submariners are the elite of the elite. In both world wars,
these units on both sides suffered casualties significantly
higher than any other special group.
The Dolphin is the symbol of the submariner in most
of the undersea services today. More than half use it,
while the others use a submarine or a combination of
both. In the United States Navy a submariners' badge is
called his "Dolphins." It is then somewhat fitting that
the first modern submarine to sail into combat was the
Greek sub Delphin (Dolphin).
Commander Max Horton, R ,made the first uc-
cessful British submarine attack while commanding E-
9 against the German cruiser SMS Hela off Heligoland,
13 December 1914. He was known for his "good luck"
ring, his family crest, aptly incorporating a dolphin, al-
beit impaled on a spear that might have presaged his
Foreword
later successes as an antisubmarine expert as C in C,
Western Approaches in World War Two. In 1971, Great
Britain authorized a dolphin badge for submariners. Not
all depict the dolphin; some have sharks, and the or-
wegians call their badge their "Cods" from the fish de-
picted thereon.
As this is a proud badge for the elite of the elite it is
rarely given a unfavorable sobriquet. Only one example
comes to mind; the British sailors named their first sub-
marine badge issued in 1958 "sausage on a stick" or "sau-
sage roll" because of the plump little submarine shape.
As wearing of this badge was optional, it was rarely worn.
Qualification badges for submariners were sparse in
the early days. Probably the Imperial Russian Navy is-
sued the first official badge in 1909, followed closely
by Austria-Hungary in 1910. The United States first is-
sued theirs in 1924, Officers in gold metal, Enlisted in
cloth embroidery, either blue or white worn on the right
lower sleeve (replaced in 1950 by a silver metal badge
like the Officer's). Cap tallies for the other ranks were
the only indications up to at least 1954 in the Royal and
German Navies; though Germany issued U-Boat War
Badge, there was no distinctive for submarine qualifi-
cation. In the early 90's Saudi Arabia became the latest
(to date) to i sue a badge.
In this book, the insignia of miniature submariners
are shown as such if they are different from the large
boat badges. Miniature submarines sank or damaged over
53 warship in WWII.
Collecting military insignia, though a slightly eso-
teric hobby, has many proponents and has generated an
abundance of publication on their history, provenance
and value. For medals, shoulder patches, and flight and
parachute wings, a whole spectrum of references can be
found. For the collector of Submariner's Badges, sparse
indeed are the pickings. Here and there in books on whole
countries' military heraldry will you find an obscure ref-
erence to these most elite insignia. They are indeed out-
numbered by books on military buttons and Celtic war
swords. Information on the con truction material, classes,
qualifications, dates of issue or location on the uniform
is rarer than books on bamboo collecting.
Janes Fighting Ships, 1995/96 edition, lists at least
41 countries that operate submarines. This does not even
take into account other, uch as Austria-Hungary, Im-
perial and Nazi Germany, Imperial Russia, Estonia, Fin-
land and Imperial Iran, all of whom operated subma-
rines but are no longer extant. At thi writing even Saudi
Arabia is preparing to join the underwater club. Yet there
are few collectors and Ie information.
This small book is trying to remedy this ituation
with a collation of the available information. Where ac-
cessible and amenable, aval sources of the pertinent
country were queried; otherwise collector, dealers and
photographs were used. In some places, guesses were
ventured. In the final analysis, any mistakes are mjne.

Caveats and Conventions
Though a great many people offered their input and help, all of
which was greatly appreciated, any errors are mine and mine alone.
In cases where there was contradictory information, I made the
decision which data to keep and which to discard. This was based
on conventional wisdom, logic, just plain stubbornness or delusions
of grandeur. All the foreign embassies and maritime forces were
queried for the accuracy of these pages, but not all answered my
letters.
The Republic of China is listed under Taiwan to avoid confu-
sion. This convention is good enough for Jane's All the Worlds Fight-
ing Ships so I will follow it here. The USSR is listed under Russia!
USSR, and Great Britain is under the United Kingdom. Where
known, the official names of the particular navies were added un-
der the country heading. Current submarine listings were based on
sources up to date in late 1995-early 1996.
Countries that currently operate submarines, did operate sub-
marines, or are planning to operate submarines that had or have no
kn wn badges ordistinctives are grouped together in the beginning
( the bo k.
Certain descriptions of tlie badges deal with the heraldry of
their appl iques, of National Arms or the Ii ke. In these descriptions
h raldic convention was used. Dexter refers to the right as seen by
the person bearing the arms not the observer. The same is true when
inister is used referring to the left.
When speaking of left and right breast it should be intuitively
obvious which is which, but if not, it is the left and right side of the
person of whose breast we speak.
Starboard (right) and Port (left) are used to describe what side
of the boat is displayed, and thus in what direction the submarine
appears to be sailing (making to the left or to the right ambiguous).
Any other time left and right refer to the viewer's left and right.
/0
Caveats and Conventions
warriors are the uniform ones. I myself spent my entire uniformed ers followed suit for the general market late in the war. The military
military career after jump school wearing an unofficial and non- decreed the horizontal pin in their specifications for manufacturer's
standard pair of parachute wings that were in heavy bas relief re- bids well into the sixties. As late as 1959, both parachute and flight
felTed to as "Pregnant" wings. They were purchased at the Post wings with the horizontal pins were issued from government stocks.
Exchange and were never questioned during any inspection. I was At the same time, the base exchanges and military stores only
not in the minority. In the case of Brazil, I was assured that the stocked badges with clutchbacks. The point is that even reputable
single full size metal badge was the only badge authorized and worn dealers sell as WWII vintage, wings or badges based only on the
by the Brazilian Submarine Force. All others were taboo. However, fact that there is a horizontal pin attachment. This includes offering
a miniature, referred to as a Mess Dress version, was given to a silver metal USN enlisted submariner's badges as World War II
friend of mine by a Brazilian Admiral. I bought cloth embroidered vintage when this badge was not even authorized or issued until
badges across the street from the Submarine Base in Rio and saw 1950-a full five years after the war. World War II enlisted
sailors wearing them on their coveralls. I spent an hour or so con- submariner's badges were in cloth and were sewed on the right arm
versing with a nice Brazilian Lieutenant Commander about the between the wrist and elbow.
Brazilian Submarine Force (and Naval Aviation) who was wearing The finish or fine appearance of a badge may not be indicative
a bullion (metal thread) version of the authorized badge. All of these of provenance. In some cases the fact that a badge is somewhat
badges did not exist if one asked the regulation bound at the top, primitively rendered may mean that it is genuine, as in the case of
but there they were. Indonesian badges that are usually machine shop creations made
Another point that I would like to put to rest in this book is that especially for the new awardee.
in the United States, the fact that a badge has a horizontal safety pin Where I can, I have put wrongly considered or bogus badges
attachment does not date it to WWII, nor does having clutch pins in with the real ones, labeled as such of course. In many cases, the
keep it from being worn during that period. Jewelers added vertical fake badge is more detailed or better looking than the original. I
Dimensions are gi ven in inches and I OOths of inches because I clutch back pin attachments for individuals who were tired of fum- believe that one should be forewarned about those that are not ex-
find that an easier system to work in. Those that desire centimeters bling with the government issued horizontal pins and manufactur- actly real. I myself collect bogus badges and enjoy the art of the
simply have to multiply by 2.54. The width is given first, followed faker, but I hate to see people paying real prices for phony pieces.
by the height, and then any other dimension that might be perti-
nent. This sizing applies to the actual insignia and not the back-
ground in the case of cloth or bullion badges unless otherwise noted.
Small letters after the code letters and numbers of the badges
refer to the construction or kind of badge. The primary badge,
whether metal, bullion or cloth will have no following code letters.
If there is more than one variant, they will be numbered after the v.
If the badge falls into more than one category, both will be shown.
Thefollowing letters are used in the book as subdesignations:
b bullion
c cloth
m min iature
leather
me metal (used when the primary badge is cloth or bullion)
p plastic or mylar
s summer
sd subdued
tt tie tack
v variant
w winter
wk working
x bogus or faked badge
? provenance unknown or suspected
Some of the badges depicted in the book are not officially au-
thorized. That does not mean that they are bogus or not worn-
they may be de facto if not de jure. As an ex-military type I can
assure you that the first regulations to be broken by newly recruited
JJ

Glossary
Albacore: This refers to the shape of the hull, not the actual ship. Tt only concerns the standard nuclear submarine hull that followed the
Guppy type boat.
Bas-relief: Slight projection from the surface.
BeVo: BeteiLigung Vorsteher .. .Insignia woven by the Jacquard loom method. Normally found in German WWTT and current Tsraeli Air
Force insignia.
Bullion: Referring to a badge made out of metallic wire sewn to a wool or other heavy background. Mylar thread is sometimes used
currently.
Cliche: A process of stamping thin metal between two matched dies, giving strength and lightness to the badge. German WWl & WWTI
badges are sometimes found made this way as well as current Soviet. Also referred to as hollow-back or repousse.
Clutch-back: Method of attaching insignia to uniform by having two or more vertical short pins that pierce the material and are held by
brass or steel clutches on the inside. (See pin-back)
ap ally: A black silk (now nylon) hat band worn around the base of the enlisted cap. It originally had the wearer's ship or shore
stablishment in BeVo (qv) woven gold bullion.
i onne: Fused powdered glas or enamel placed in separate cells formed by thin strips of metal.
CPO: Chief Petty Officer. Highest enlisted rank in most navies (some navies have multiple grades within this classification). Also
considered a Warrant Officer in some navies.
Dexter: Heraldic term meaning right. Normally the right side of a heraldic shield from the perspective of the one carrying it.
Displayed: Heraldic term meaning (usually in the case of a bird) that the wings are open and down but not spread.
Fleet Sub: This refers to the tandard U-Boat and U.S. submarines up to and after World War If. The term is used only to identify the
shape of the submarine.
Foul Anchor: Often found in Naval heraldry, it is an anchor that has its line or chain wrapped (fouled) around a fluke.
12
Glossary
Gilt: Gold colored.
Guppy: This refers to the upgraded U.S. and other country' streamlining the fleet boats to make them faster and more efficient. There
were other boats built from the ways in this style. Guppy stands for Greater Underwater PropuLsion Performance. Again this
only refer to the general shape of the submarine, not any actual boat.
Hauriant: A fish, here normally a dolphin, in the act of swimming to the surface. Heraldic term.
High Relief: Sculptured figures which project by more than half from background.
Incised: Where the lettering or de ign is lower than the surface of a badge.
Jumping Wire: The heavy cable that extends fore and aft from the periscope shears. Found on older submarines, it was used to prevent
jamming in anti-submarine nets.
Medal Bar(s): The row (or rows) of medal ribbons worn normally above the left pocket.
MGNR: Marina da Guerra Nazionale Repubblicana. National Republican Navy. Naval units of the RSI (1943-45.)
Merrowing: The over-sewing of the edges of a cloth badge to retard unraveling.
Marina Militare: Italian Navy (1946-)
Mufti: Civilian clothes.
aiant: A fish, here normally a dolphin, in the act of swimming horizontally. Heraldic term.
Non-Substanti ve: A term (British) referring to a badge that denotes a job or specialty but not rank. A trade badge.
0.0: Olive Drab, the color of U.S. Services fatigues (non-c.amouflaged): Sometime referred to as olive green (OG) or khaki if one
uses the British meaning.
Open: See Pierced.
Pierced: When portions of the insignia are incised or cut out. Also called open.
Pin-back: Manner of attaching insignia to uniforms by having a long, hinged horizontal pin that pierces the material going in, then out,
and is secured on the other edge by a clasp much like a safety pin. (See clutch-back)
PO: Petty Officer, a naval non-commissioned officer.
Port: The left side of a vessel from the perspective of a person aboard facing forward.
Reefer Jacket: Standard double breasted open jacket worn by officers and petty officers.
Relief: Where the lettering or design is raised above the surface of the badge.
Reverse: Exterior back of object.
RM: Regia Marina, Royal Navy (Italian thru 1946)
RSI: Repubblica Sociale Italiana. Italian units that fought on the German side after the 1943 capitulation of Italy in II
Screw-back: A vertical screw post on the back of a badge that holds the badge on with a threaded nut. Prevalent in I n I~ur p .
13
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World

Sinister: Heraldic term meaning left. Normally the left side of a heraldic shield from the perspective of the one carrying it.

Square Rig: Standard sailor's dress in most navies. Jumper, with or without neckerchief, and bell bottom trousers. Usually dark blue
wool for winter, white cotton duck for summer.
Countries Without Badges
SS: S!.lbmarine, General

SSA: Submarine, Auxiliary

SSB : Submarine, Ballistic MissilefNuciear Powered

SSe: Submarine, Coastal

SSG(N): Submarine, Surface to Surface Missile (Nuclear Powered)

SSK: Submarine with ASW capability. (Hunter-Killer)

SSN: Submarine, Attack (Nuclear Powered)

Starboard: The right side of a vessel from the perspective of a person aboard facing forward.
These are countries that operate or operated Submarines but
Suntans: A U.S. military term referring to light tan summer cotton or tropical worsted uniforms. have no known Submarine Badges:

2061209 Class: Modern German diesel-electric boats that are being used by many countries. Reference is to the shape of the hull. Algeria Algerian Marine
Algeria has 2 Kilo Type Submarines acquired as new construction
Urinant: A fish, here normally a dolphin, in the act of diving. Heraldic term. from the Soviet Union 1987/88. These replace two aging Romeos
acquired earlier from the USSR. No known badges.
Warrant Officer: Usually a highly specialized and senior ex-enlisted man (appointed as opposed to commissioned) who has the pay and
privileges of an officer but not the executive function. In ome navie , Chief Petty Officers are considered Warrants and are in a Cuba Marina De Guerra Revolucionaria
total clas apart from both officer and rankers. Cuba has 3 ex Soviet Foxtrots which at the time of this writing are
all non-operational for lack of spare part and maintenance. It has
White Metal: Here, any metal that appears to be silver. been rumored that the Cuban Submarine Commanders wore the
Soviet Sub Commander's Badge (RUS-2) when they qualified.
Yellow Metal: Here, any metal that appears to be gold.
Estonia
In 1937 Estonia bought two Kalev Cia s mine laying submarines,
Kalev and Lemhit, from Vickers Armstrong in Great Britain, which
were integrated into the Soviet Navy when they occupied Estonia
in 1940. Kalev was sunk off the south coast of Finland during WWII
while Lemhi! served till stricken in 1979. No badges or distinctives
were issued during the 3 years the subs served in the independent
Estonian Navy.
Korea (North)
North Korea's Submarine Force con ists of 4 ex Soviet Whiskey
SS and 20 Romeo SS , 7 of which were transferred from the
People's Republic of China, 13 built in Korean yards. Also, there
are 40 plus Korean built midgets for infiltrating commandos and
saboteurs.
Latvia
In 1937 the Latvian avy commissioned 2 French built subma-
rine , probably mine-layers. Mo t likely done to stay even with
Estonia. Little is known about the disposition of these vessels after
the Soviet Occupation. There were no known badges struck.
Malaysia Tentara Laut
The Malay ian Navy is currently training for two used Swedi h
boats and have 2 more building. None in current commission. There
has been no Submarine Badge issued as yet.
Singapore Republic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy has 2 GenTIan 206 Class SSKs on
order. No submarines in commis ion or Submariner's Badges is-
sued.
Syria
Syria has one ex-Soviet Romeo on its naval I ist at this time. Prior to
this they had 2 more Romeos and a Whiskey as a charging station
and there was talk about acquiring 3 Kilos but not done 0 far. No
known badges have been i ued.

/4 /5
 Albania Argentina

Armada Republica Argentina

In 1960 Albania acquired 2 Whisky type submarines from the Soviet Union along with a submarine tender. When the Soviets were
ordered out in 1961 after a political falling out, the Albanians seized two more. Only two were kept operational and by 1980 no boats
were operative. Now it is thought that two of the boats are operating and a third is used as a harbor training boat and charging station. The
4th boat has been deleted from the naval lists. All boats are based at Sazan Island.
Little is known about Albanian Submarine Badges as to when issued or qualification for wear. The upper badge is in grey thread
embroidery on dark blue wool backing, and was probably worn by all ranks on the left breast on the dress uniform. (ALB-I) The lower
badge is in silver bullion on dark blue backing. It is a known copy and may not reflect a real Albanian Submarine badge. (ALB-Ib?)
Argentina ordered its first submarines in the late twenties. These three, made in Italy, were the first Santa Fe Class and served in the
fleet from 1932 to 1959. In 1960 the Armada Republica bought two Ballao class boats from the U.S. These were not modified to Guppy
configuration. They were replaced in 197 I by two U.S. made Guppy type boats, strangely given the same names, Santa Fe and Santiago
del Este. Two German Type 209s(1200) were delivered and assembled at Astilleros Domecq Garcia, Buenas Aires, in 1974. These boats
are of the Salta Class, Salta and San Luis. Santa Fe was caught on the surface during the Falklands campaign by ASW helicopters and
damaged beyond seaworthiness, giving it the dubious honor of being the first submarine defeated by helicopters. She carried no anti-
aircraft facilities after her refit. San Luis hunted in the general area of the Falklands, thereby causing a large ASW effort by the main
British fleet, though she didn't sink a ship. Presently Salta, San Luis, and two Type 209s (1700), Santa Cruz Class (Santa Cruz and San
Juan) comprise the Submarine Force, the Guppys having been stricken. There are two boats on the ways in Buenas Aires that are planned
to be shipped to Emden for completion. Only Argentina of all the South American Navies has used their submarines in an armed conflict.

Argentinian arms appliqued on current submarine badges. Light blue enamel at top, white at bottom. Wreath clasped arms and staff in
gold. Phrygian cap at top of staff in red enamel.

World War II Officer's Submarine Badge. (OjUiales en submarinos)

(ARG-I) Worn on left breast, later the right. An oval representa-
ALB-I 3.33" X .79"
tion of the Argentinian flag in enamel is at center. In matte finish
only, this badge was used from 1933-1945. It has a safety pin at-
tachment.

ARG-I 2.99" X .87"

World War II Enlisted Submarine Badge. (Personal en submarinos)

(ARG-2) Worn on left breast, later the right. Stamped rope encircled
anchor device at center. In matte finish only, this badge was used
from 1933-1969. It has a safety pin attachment.
ALB-Ib? 3.33" X .79" ARG-2 2.99" X .87"

/6 /7
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Argentina

ARG-3 2.99" X .87" ARG-3v 2.99", X .87" RG-3c 2.79" X .90" ARG-4c 2.79" X .90"

Current Submarine Officer's Badge (Oficiales en submarinos). Comes in both a matte (ARG-3) or polished (ARG-3v) finish. National 'urrent Submarine Badge in embroidered cloth Officer with yellow thread sub (ARG-3c). Enlisted with grey thread sub.(ARG-4c). On
arms at center in enamel. Currently worn on the right breast. Used from 1945 to date. Pinback or clutchpin attachment. dark blue wool, National arms at center in light blue, white and red thread. Currently worn on right breast of fatigues and coveralls.

ARG-3m 1.42" X .44"

There are miniature versions of the Officer's and Enlisted Submarine

ARG-4 2.99" X .87" ARG-4v 2.99" X .87" Badges. Officer's Shown. (ARG-3m). Safety pin attachment.

Current Enlisted Submarine Badge (Personel en submarinos). It comes in both a matte (ARG-4) or polished (ARG-4v) finish. National
arms at center in enamel. Worn on the right breast. Used from 1969 to date. They can have either a safety pin or clutch back fastening.

A new Badge, the Submarine Support Officer's Badge (Officiales

de Apoyo) was introduced in 1991. This badge is like the standard
officer's badge, except that the National arms are stamped in gold
but not enamel filled. (ARG-S)

ARG-6

Drawn from a verbal description, this badge (ARG-6) is supposed to be the new issue r r
senior, long serving Chief Petty Officers. Colors, size, qualification or where worn is un-
ARG-S 2.99" X .87" known.

/8 /9
 Australia
Cloth version of the Submariner's Badgc. Embroidered in colored
thread on a dark blue mcrrowed backing. This is worn on coveralls
and working uniforms. This badge is unofficial but is condoned
within the submarinc squadron. The background measures 3.45"
Australia by 1.62" (AUS-lc)

Royal Australian Navy

Commander Henry Cook, RAN, was the mover behind the creation of an Australian Navy Submariner's Badge. The Royal Navy had AUS-lc 2.83" X .80"
come out with their cloth "Sausage on a Stick/Sausage Roll" in 1958, and because of its innate ugliness the crews refused to wear it
(wearing was optional). Commander Cook thought that the submariners deserved a badge that they would be proud to wear. He per-
suaded the Australian Naval Board to consider the badge if a suitable design could be devised. The design was the work of Commander
(Later Captain) Alan H. MacIntosh, a non-submariner, who was a co-worker of Commander Cooks. The dolphins were inspired by the
dolphins on his submarine supporter's tie, and the crown was drawn from a florin coin. The badge was produced by Stokes, Melbourne. Bullion version of the Royal Australian Navy Submariner's Badge.
Commander Cook was given the distinction of being the first officer to wear the "Dolphins" after RAN issued Naval Order 411 on July Made from bullion gold thread and colored silk on a navy blue
25, 1966, detailing eligibility. Ironically, the crew of HMS Trump, the final British submarine based in Sydney, was given the Australian hacking. This is neither authorized nor worn. It is probably a Sub-
Dolphins to wear for a year, and they so obviously approved of them that in 1978 the Royal Navy issued a badge closely based on Captain marine Association blazer badge (AUS-lb?)
McIntosh's design (qv). Prior to the acquisition of the Oberon class, enlisted submariners wore cap tallies with "HMA SUBMARINES."
After the introduction of the Oberons, RAN submariners wore the name of the ship on their tallies. Personnel posted as standby crews to
the new Collins class wear "HMA SUBMARINES" until their submarines are commissioned.

Currently, the Royal Australian Navy operates 3 Oberon Class built in Greenock, Onslow, Orion and Drama. 6 Collins Class boats are
being built by the Australian Submarine Corp. in Adelaide. At this writing only the Collins is probably in commission (due late '95)-the
other 5 are still building.

The Royal Australian Navy Submarine Badge. Worn by all quali-

AUS-lb? 2.76" X .87"
fied ranks over the left pocket or medal bar. It is formed by a dark
blue plain shield supported by two dolphins, topped by a Queen's
crown. Unlike the British, there is no anchor on the shield. Worn by
all ranks. Clutch pin attachment. (AUS-l)

AUS-l 2.86" X .85"

Miniature version or the RAN Submariner's Badge. Worn with

mess-dress. Clutch pin attachment. (AUS-lm) AUS-lm 1.97" X .60"

20 2/
 Austria-Hungary
Brazil
Marinha do Brazil

Brazil bought her first three submarines, F-I Class, from Laurenti-Fiat, La Spezia, in 1913. Though Brazil joined the Allies in
Though both Austria and Hungary are currently landlocked, until 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire consisted of a great deal of
October 1918, it was too late for her small submarine force to play any part in the war. Humaita was bought from Italy in 1927 and was
Yugoslavia and Romania, as well as Austria and Hungary. Pola (Pula) and Fiume (Rijeka) in present-day Croatia were Austria-Hungary's
~he only operating ~ubmarine fro~ 1933-1938 when three !upi Class boats were bought from Italy in 1938. These submarines operated
principal naval bases on the Adriatic. Fiume was the home of the Whitehead (inventor of the modern torpedo) Naval Factory, and Pola
III home waters dunng WWII, aga1l1 as a member of the AllIes, but saw no action with the enemy. In 1958, the USN transferred two Gato
was the main base for the twenty or so vessel Austro-Hungarian V-Boat fleet as well as submarine units of the Kaiserliche Marine.
lass fleet boats. to the Marinha, which was followed by a transfer of two Balao Class in 1963. They were replaced by five Guppy IIs and
two Guppy IIIs 111 1972-73. These were supplemented by three new British Oberon Class boats between 1973 and 1977. In 1982 Brazil
ordered 209 Class (Type 1400) boats from Germany. These are the beginning of the Tupi Class boats, Tupi and Tamoio, with four more
First authorized April 15, 1910, the original Submarine Crew Member's Badge (Abzeichen fur v-
planned or building. The current Submarine Force consists of these and the lhree Oberons, (Humaila Class) Humaita, Tonelaro, and
Boot-Besatzungen) came with a spring clip attachment. They were of solid construction, made of
Riachuelo. The Guppys have been stricken from the lists.
silver colored Thio-metal. Later during World War I a pin back arrangement was used. This badge was
made post war by Rothe, Wien on the original dies with a broad pinback. Worn on the left pocket or

l
below. The badge was worn by all ranks.(AH-I) .' I'
"'I~;
I ..
'~II~I'''~''
".''.'.1".'.. .•. ,.•. .:~.~
"l:'."'\""';;~·
Many versions of the Austro Hungarian Submarine Crew Member's 1
' ;)1
II~ , " .
~'; ~
. f. I ...
:. .:

Badge (Abzeichenfiir V-Boot-Besatzungen) were made privately. 'I ,. I!;u':':i'

1
t~J"
j
1
This example, larger than the standard version, has a gold anchor
.\ ! "'1" (
and silver "V" and "B". It is mounted on a navy blue wool oval. '..
!\,
Worn on or below the left pocket. (AH-2)
\.
- (/ .(.
..:!.J .j . f '.. '1'"

AH-I 1.39" X 2.14"

V-Boat Veteran's Badge, a large

1\11-2 1.65" X 2.39" white "V" with a Austro Hungar-
ian Naval ensign in red and white
enamel sporting the arms of Aus-
tria and Hungary waving through
the gap. Shown here twice nor-
mal size. (AH-3)
BRZ-I 3.34" X .88"

Dating from the 1920's, this badge is a representation of the original 1913 Fiat Type F submarines first ordered by [he Marinha Brazileira.
AH-3 .68" X .72" It is worn by both officers and enlisted men on the left breast. Depending upon manufacturer, it comes in a dark yellow or a bri hl y II w
gold metal. According to official sources, this is the only authorized version of the Submariner's Badge. (BRZ-I)
This is the only badge duplicated on more than one page since it
was awarded to Austro-Hungarian submariners as well as Imperial
German ones. The Imperial Navy, V-Boat War Badge, (V-Boot
Kriegabzeichen, Kaiserliche Marine) dates from 1918. Further
GER-I 1.95" X 1.90" information under the German badge section. (GER-I)
23
22
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World

Bulgaria

Voennomorski Flot

BRZ-1b 3.24" X .87" Bulgaria's first submarine was Podvodnik (Submarine) #18, ceded from Germany at the end of World War I. Bulgaria may have operated
submarines under German hegemony during WWII, but details are unavailable. Currently, the Submarine Force consists of 2 Probeda
The bullion version is worn on dress uniforms. This badge is not authorized, but is being sold near the Sub Base in Rio. The submarine (Romeo) Class, Nadezhda and Slava, which replaced two Whiskeys in c 1972.
and wake are differentiated by matte and shiny gold wire. The rectangular 4.02"X 1.22" background is navy blue wool with a merrowed
edge. (BRZ-1b) This rendering is of the WWII Bulgarian Submariner's Badge
(BLG-l ?), which is probably the rarest of submarine badges. It is
described in a Bulgarian book printed in German and is called
Unterseesoldat Abzeichen, or Under-water Soldier's Badge. It is
most likely struck in silver metal. The attachment method is un-
known. Dated 1940-1944, it is unknown whether Bulgaria actually
operated submarines during this time.

BLG-l? Approx. 2.5" X .75"

The Bulgarian Submarine Badge (BLG-2) is worn by all qualified

BRZ-1c 3.57" X .86" ranks on the right breast. It was issued in 1984 to celebrate thirty
years of the People's Republic's submarine service. It is quite remi-
niscent of the Soviet commemorative distinctives (qv). Hallmarked
Worn on fatigues and coveralls, the cloth version has the wake and submarine differentiated by different tones of yellow thread. Again, 415 K on reverse.
n t officially authorized, but I personally have seen this badge worn on working uniforms (coveralls). The 4" X 1.2" background is navy
blue cotton with a merrowed edge. (BRZ-1c)

BLG-2 1.53" X 1.55"

BRZ-1m 1.92" X .56" BLG-3 1.53" X 1.55"
The miniature version is similar to the full-sized version but has less detail. It is about 2/S's size. Though this badge is not officially Bulgarian Presentation Badge (BLG-3) is given to important visi-
authorized, it was given to a fellow collector by a Brazilian admiral. (BRZ-1m) tors to the Submarine Force. It is not a qualification badge.

24 25
 Canada

Canada Maritime Command of the Canadian Armed Forces

Royal Canadian Navy

At the end of the First World War the RCN had four submarines on its books, H-14, H-IS, CC-I and CC-2-all Holland types. During Worn on the right sleeve Worn on the right sleeve
WWII Canada's main thrust was antisubmarine warfare, leaving submarine operations to Great Britain. Canada had a Balao Class boat between the wrist and el- between the wrist and el-
operating from 1961-69 and a Trench Class from 1968-74. Canada currently operates three Objibwa (Oberon) Class submarines, Objibwa bow by enlisted personnel bow by enlisted personnel
(ex Onyx), Onondaga and Okanagan, all named for American Indian tribes. on winter blue uniforms. on summer white uni-
Badge is red embroidery forms. Badge is dark blue
Through two wars Canada followed the British convention in having the submarine service denoted by a cap tally showing the sub's on a navy blue, 1.98" X embroidery on a while,
name or HM Submarines for enlisted men, and nothing for officers. In 1961 the Royal Canadian Navy authorized a distinctive badge 2.48", wool background. 2.00" X 2.72", COllon
showing a single bottle-nosed dolphin, urinant, which was worn above the left pocket in metal for officer's and on the right sleeve for Worn from 1961 to 1970. duck background. Worn
other ranks. A two dolphin with maple leaf version was authorized for officers in 1970 when the RCN became part of the Canadian Armed (CAN-2w) from 1961 10 1970.
Forces This badge was extended to all ranks in 1989 on advent of a new blue uniform. (CAN-2s)

The Officer's Submarine badge, authorized in 1961. This is in gold metal with a
pin back. Worn on the left breast until 1970. (CAN-I)

CAN-2w .96" X 1.92" CAN-2s .96" X 1.92"

In 1970 when the uni form Worn on the # I green un i-

was changed to green, the form sleeve, this badge is
enlisted badge changed to of metal wire bullion on
yellow thread on a dark rich green wool backing.
green padded background. . It is an enlisted badge.
Worn on right sleeve. Worn on right sleeve
(CAN-3) (CAN-3b)

CANol .88" X 1.55"

A bullion version of the previous badge on navy blue wool. For

POs and other enlisted men, it was worn on the right sleeve of the
#1 uniform until 1970. (CAN-2b)
CAN-2b 1.04" X 1.96" CAN-3 .85" X 1.58" CAN-3b 1.22" X 2.12"

26 27
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Canada

CAN-4 3.35" X 1.60" CAN-4v 3.35" X 1.60" CAN-4b 3.20" X 1.52" CAN-4p 3.20" X 1.52"

In 1970 when the RCN was consolidated into the Canadian Armed Forces, the officer's badge was redesigned, incorporating the then new
maple leaf national symbol. The wearing of the badge was extended to all ranks in 1989 when the Navy went back to blue uniforms.
Embroidered on cloth, a gold maple leaf encircled by a red wreath supported by two gold bottle-nosed dolphins and topped by a Queen's
crown in gold and red. The background is padded and was originally dark green and changed to black in 1989. Worn on the left breast.
Crown has gold (CAN-4) or colored jewels. (CAN-4v)
Bullion version of the Canadian Submarine Badge in colored thread and metal wire. The background is padded. Originally dark green, it
was changed to black in 1989. Crown has gold or colored jewels in variants. (CAN-4b) Currently, all these badges are made in Mylar
instead of metal bullion. (CAN-4p)

Mess dress version of the badge. Gold mylar and thread on a red
wool background. Worn on the red or white mess jacket. (CAN-
4mp)

CAN-4me 2.86" X 1.22" CAN-4sd 3.28" X 1.58" CAN-4mp 2.45" X 1.20" CAN-4mme CAN-2m
Metal version of the Canadian Submarine Badge first issued in 1970. Garrison version of the Canadian Submarine Badge in old gold on These miniatures of the metal Canadian Submarine Badges are not
The dolphin supporters are in gold, and the maple leaf is amber on OD cloth with merrowed edges. (CAN-4sd) officially authorized, but are probably worn as tie-tacks or used as
a green field with a red and gold crown. This badge did not change sweetheart pins. (CAN-4mme/Can-lm)
when the uniform changed to blue. (CAN-4me)

1.39" x .63" .30" X .50"

28 29
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Chile

Armada de Chile

Thanks to the successes of the Chilean Navy under British Admiral Cochrane during the War of Independence from Spain, 1817-
1819, Chile has tended toward British naval products. Chile's first six submarines (H Class) were ceded from Great Britain as partial
payment for ordered warships not delivered because ofWWI. The first arrived in 1917. The last of these boats was finally written off in
1953. In 1928-29 Vickers built three boats of the Capitan O'Brien Class (Odin Class), Capitan 0 'Brien, Capitan Thompson and Almirante
Simpson, for the Armada (Profile is the current submariner's badge). The last of these were stricken in 1958. Two Balao Class fleet boats
were purchased from the United States in 1961-62, with one serving through 1982. The long service life of these boats is an indication of
the excellent maintenance programs of the Chilean Navy. 2 Oberon Class subs were received in 1976 and two German 209 Class (Type
1300) in 1984. The two Oberons, O'Brien and Hyatt, and the two German boats, Thompson and Simpson., constitute the current Chilean
Submarine Force.

CAN-6
The first Chilean Submarine Badge (called the "H" badge) dates
from 1920 unofficially and was recognized in 1927 by the Official
Bulletin of the Army, 25 Aug., 1927. Bronze or gold for officers,
aluminum for enlisted men, it was worn until the upgrading of the
fleet in 1929 to "0" type submarines. (CHL-l)

CAN-5 Whole Patch 2.75" x 3.0"

CAN-6v 2.55" x 1.30"

The three badges shown here are unique to all other submarine badges in the book as they are awarded to a civilian group. They belong
to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, an official youth group sponsored by the Canadian Armed Forces The upper right drawing is taken
from the 1987 dress regulations for Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Force Cadets. The one at upper left (CAN-5) is awarded for
completing a submarine course and is worn on the upper right sleeve, while the one at upper right (CAN-6) is for on the job training while
serving on a submarine. and is worn over the right breast pocket and supersedes the arm patch. They are in dark green with white
embroidery. The badge on the lower right (CAN-6v) is a more current variant of the badge above it in white thread on a dark green
merrowed background. Modeled on the Canadian Submarine badge. As Submarine subjects are no longer part of the Cadet courses, this
badge as well as the two earlier are now obsolete.

CHL-2 2.62" x .55" CHL-3 2.62" x .55"

The second Submarine Badge (Piocha de Submarinos ) was insti- This badge is the same as the badge on the left but in ilver metal. It
tuted in 1929 and worn until 1971. Gold badges are worn by all is worn by personnel in the Auxiliary services like Medical, Supply
ranks qualified in submarines on the left breast. It is called the "0" and Engineering. Worn on the left breast as well. (CHL-3)
badge (CHL-2)

30 31
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Chile

CHL-4 2.62" X .55" CHL-5 2.62" X .55" CHL-6v 2.62" X .55" CHL-6tt .80" X .15"

The Submarine Badge was upgraded in 1971 because the original
die was showing considerable wear. It was requested that the frag-
ile jumping wires fore and aft from the periscope shears be left off.
As before, all submarine qualified ranks wear this badge in gold on
the left. (CHL-4)
This badge is the same as the badge on the left but in silver metal. It In 1990 a new manufacturer, Leiva, came on line with another die. Probably not an authorized miniature, but used unofficially as a tie
is worn by personnel in the Auxiliary services like Medical, Supply The finish is matte and much rougher. (CHL-6v) tack (CHL-6tt)
and Engineering. Worn on the left breast as well. (CHL-5)

Beret Badge for Submarine Personnel (Diademas Submariniste).

A wreath around the standard "0" type badge with a heraldic Naval
crown above, in gold metal. In two pieces. (CHL-8)

CHL-6 2.62" X .55" CHL-? 2.62" X .55" CHL-8

The current Submarine Badge is the same as the one above except
that the jumping wires were reinstated per Rule 7-31-67 Annex B"
of Regulation. Worn in gold by submarine qualified personnel on
the left breast.(CHL-6)
Inner 1.30" x .30"
This Submarine Badge is the same as the badge on the left but in Outer 2.15" x 2.95"
silver metal. It is worn by personnel attached to the submarine de-
tachment in certain auxiliary skills, Engineering, Medical and Sup-
ply. Both Milleo manufacture (CHL-?)

32 33
 China Colombia

People's Liberation Army Navy Armada De La Republica Colombia

China's first 6 submarines were received from the USSR in 1954-55. They were obsolete Series XV types. China, desiring their own
shipbuilding capability, received the parts for 5 Soviet Whiskeys which were assembled in Jiangnan. After this, 16 Whiskey Types were
built in China. After receiving parts for three Romeo types in 1956, China manufactured 87 for themselves as well as 8 more for export
(North Korea, 4 and Egypt, 4). The Ming Class was the first Chinese designed and built type. They were built in the 70s and had early
operational troubles which seem to have been corrected.
Though the Peoples Republic of China has an impressive number of submarines on its, roster many of them, especially the ex-Soviet
Romeos, are non-operational. China's interest is more in coastal defense than in strategic operations. The Chinese Navy is now building
their own designs and improving their Submarine Force toward this end. At present China operates 49 submarines, 1 Hia Class SSBN, 1
Gold Class SSB, 5 Han Class SSNs, 1 Kilo, 10 Ming, and 30 Romeo Class SSKs, as well as 1 modified Romeo SSG (cruise missile boat).

The Colombian National arms, as found on the early Submarine Badge. In chief a yellow and red pomegranate between two conucopiae
on a blue field, at center, a red Phrygian cap (Cap of Liberty) on a white field, and at base, two ships and a representation of the Isthmus
of Panama in light and dark blue. The shield is supported by a silver condor below which is the legend "Libertad Y Orden" (Liberty and
CHI-I 2.42" X .40"
Order), and is flanked by two draped Colombian flags in yellow, blue and red.
Chinese submarine crews do not wear an elite distinctive, but it is purported that they do wear this gold tie pin with their dress uniforms.
It is a silhouette view of the starboard side of a Han class submarine, with an alligator clip type attachment on the reverse. (CHI-I)

Colombia is fairly new in the submarine community. They got their first boats in 1971, two Italian Cosmos midgets, lntrepedo and
Indomable. These can carry up to eight underwater swimmers. In 1975,2 German 209 Class (Type 1200)s were commissioned, Pijao and
Tayronna. These 4 constitute the current Colombian Submarine Force.

Early version of the Colombian Submarine Badge. A fleet boat, it

has the National arms on the saddle tank below the conning tower
in colored enamel. Shark supporters to the arms. Gold badge is
worn by all ranks. With a parachute behind the conning tower and
no arms this badge was used by the Colombia Navy for S.E.A.L.s.,
also replaced by a later type. (COL-I)

CHI-2? 2.30" x 1.00"

Purported to be the Chinese Submarine Commander's Badge, but, as the Chinese military rarely condone the wearing of elite badges, it
is questionable at best. Per the Chinese Naval Attache, though this is not official and there is no special badge for submariners, it could be
a private presentation. Topped by the Red Chinese star symbol, rolling waves define the horizontal segments. On the reverse are Chinese
ideograms which mean as the included English-PRC NAVY. (CHI-2?)
COL-I 2.55" x 1.20"

34 35
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
Current Submarine Badge is a German 209 Class submarine in gold
metal with the Colombian Naval arms on the side tank under the
conning tower, instead of the sharks of the older badge, this one use
bottle-nosed dolphins. Gold badge is worn by all ranks. Of interest
is that the same submarine used here is also used on the Ecuadorian
Submarine Badge (qv). (COL-2)
Denmark

S0vaernet

COL-2 2.55" x 1.20"
Current Submarine Badge in cloth to be worn on working uniforms.
In gold, blue, red and white thread on gold background. (COL-2c)
Denmark's first submarine, Dykkeren, was a Fiat design, built in La Spezia in 1909. Between 1911 and 1914 a new Havmanden (A) Class
was introduced. 3 were built by Whitehead in Fiume and 3 in Copenhagen. These were followed by 5 Aegir (B) Class boats in 1917,
shortly followed by 3 Rota (C) Class. Two small classes, Daphne and new Havmanden, followed these. After WWII, 4 Delfinen Class
boats were constructed in Copenhagen. These were replaced in the 1980s by 2 Narvhalen Class boats, Narvhalen and Nordkaperen, based
on the German 205 Class but built in Denmark and 3 Kobben (Tumleren) Class boats, Tumleren, Saelen and Springeren. These are all
SSK Coastal boats and comprise the current Danish Submarine Force.

The Danish Submarine Badge can be worn by all personnel who have taken the Submarine Course and have served 5 months aboard
submarines. It becomes a permanent for all personnel who have served at least three years in submarine service regardless of subsequent
assignment.

During the late 1960s, the Danish Submarine Service, coming into
contact with other NATO submariners with badges, decided they
should have one of their own. This badge is the one they designed.
In gold bullion, two bottle nose dolphins urinant, supporting with
their tails a circled foul anchor, Danish royal crown surmounting
COL-2c 2.80" x 1.0" on a navy blue backing. Dating from c 1971, it was worn unoffi-
cially by Danish submariners on the right breast by all ranks. (DEN-
1)

DEN-l 3.30" x 1.45"

Miniature of the current badge is authorized for the dress uniform.

It is approximately half size. (COL-2m)

The current Danish Submarine Badge, in gold bullion, was offi-

cially authorized in 1973. It is worn on the right breast by all ranks.
It contains basically the same elements as the one above, but the
supporting dolphins are hauriant and there is no circle around the
anchor. Embroidered on a navy blue wool 2.85" X 2.85" back-
ground. The dolphins and anchor are slightly larger. In the Danish
Navy bullion badges are primary, metal secondary. (DEN-2)

COL-2m 1.62" x .58" DEN-2 2.15" x 2.00"

36 37
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
The previous design, in metal, issued unofficially c 1988. The Royal
crown is pierced and the badge is attached by a horizontal pin back.
(DEN·2mev)

Ecuador

Armada de Guerra

The applique on the Ecuadorian Submarine Badge is from the arms of Ecuador. It uses the Andean condor encircled by an oval torse, all
in dull silver metal.

The Ecuadorian Navy only lately commissioned submarines into its fleet. It has 2 German 209 (Shyri) Class (Type 1300), Shyri and
DEN·2mev .85" x .85"
Huancavilca. Except for some high speed missile boats, they are the main strength of the Ecuadorian Navy. These boats dating from 1977
are based at Guayaquil.

The Ecuadorian Submarine Badge (Insignia de submarinistas, Naval Ecuadoriana) is a large German 209 Class submarine in gold atop
a wreath formed by two oak boughs, with the pewter condor from the National arms appliqued below the sail at center of the hull. The
same badge is worn by both officers and enlisted men. It comes in four varieties, whose only differences are the dull silver star applique±s
on the bow. The stars, if normal convention is followed, represent five cruises each. Thus, ECU-l is less than 5 cruises, ECU-2 is less
In the case of the official metal version, which is for wear on the than 10 cruises ECU-3 is les~ than 15 cruises and ECU-4 is 15 or more cruises. It is worn on the left breast. Interestingly, the submarine
right breast of the sweater or shirt sleeve order, the crown is portion of the badge is the same as the current Colombian Submarine Badge (qv.)
unpierced and the badge is attached by clutch pins. (DEN·2me)

ECU-3 2.80" x 1.30" ECU-4 2.80" x 1.30"

DEN·2me .85" x .85"

ECU-3 2.80" x 1.30" ECU·4 2.80" x 1.30"

38 39
 Egypt
The same badge again but smaller is supposedly the qualified
crewmember's Submarine Badge. It is about one third smaller. Docu-
mentation is very spotty on Egyptian Badges. (EGY-3)

Egypt

EGY-3 2.20" x .70"

Egypt's early submarine force started soon after WWII with battle weary U.S. and British submarines. In 1956, after the nationaliza- Picture, drawn from a description, shows what is supposed to be a
tion of the Suez Canal, Egypt aligned with the Soviet Union, who transferred 10 older Whiskey types to the Egyptian Navy. Six of these Chief Petty Officer's Submarine Badge. The depicted submarine is
were transferred back to the USSR and were replaced by Romeos. Anwar Sadat closed Egypt to the Soviets in 1972 and these boats fell the same size as EGY-2 but with the added circle. (EGY-4)
in ill repair due to a lack of parts and maintenance. Between 1982 and 86, orders were tendered to Spain for their Galerna Class copy of
the French Agosta, but funds were unavailable and 6 Romeos were acquired from China, who was interested in tweaking Libya's (and
thereby the Soviet Union's) nose. Currently, the Egyptian Submarine Force consists of 6 Romeos with 2 German 209 Class on order and
some 2 man Swimmer Delivery Vehicles of Italian design.

EGY-4

The Egyptian Arms found on the Submariner's badge. Shows a Eagle of

Saladin, displayed, the colors of the national f1ag.on a shield on the breast
and clutching a banner with the names of the states in Arabic. The colors
are not shown on the badges.

Purported to be the Commanding Officer's Submarine Badge, this

piece is a cliche construction stylized gold submarine with the Eagle
of Saladin national arms on the conning tower and side tanks in
silver. Pinback. (EGY-l)

EGY-5? 3.10" x .80" EGY-6? 3.10" x .90"

If we know a little about the badges with the national arms, these two badges are really an enigma. Said to be issued c 1950 on the
EGY-l 3.10" x .95"
establishment of the Egyptian Submarine Service. They are in gold/officers (EGY-5?) and silver/enlisted (EGY-6?). They appear to have
Arabic numbers on the side tanks. Slightly different in their finish and stamping, they are made by the same company. Communication
Purported to be the Egyptian Officer's Submarine Badge. It is with the manufacturer (Bichay, Cairo) elicited that they were not sure of their authorization or even their provenance.
slightly smaller than the above badge but is exactly the same in
color and shape. (EGY-2) EGY-2 2.55" x .85"

40 41
 Finland France

Suomen Merivoimat Marine National

The earliest boat built for the French Navy was Plonguer, launched in 1863. It had a compressed air engine and was more of a
curiosity than a weapon. Two all electric types, Gymnote and Gustave Ze±de±, were quite successful in the development of hydroplanes,
conning towers and periscopes, but the requirement to return to base to recharge batteries was a very large disadvantage. It was followed
by Narval, powered by steam and electricity, in 1899, and followed closely by Nai"ade in 1904, employing gasoline and electricity. The
first practical working submarine using diesel-electric propulsion was the Z (Q-36) also built in 1904.
At the beginning of World War 1,79 submarines were on the Navy's lists of which 39 were in service. Due to poor torpedoes and lack
of targets, the French submarine effort during the war was not particularly effective.
Between the wars the French operated 10 German subs received as war reparations and at least 7 French sub classes were built using
these boats as models. A famous submarine of this period was the giant Surcouf, which carried two 8 inch guns and a recon aircraft.
World War II saw some 7 French submarines, captured in various British ports, handed over to the Free-French. These, along with
captured Italian and loaned British boats, had the Free French Submarine Force numbering 20 boats at the end ofWWII.
The new Narval Class, based on a war reparations U-Boat (U-2518), a type XXI, was very successful and 6 were built. After these,
Logo of the Finnish Submarine Veteran's Association. 4 Are±thuse, 9 Daphne± and 4 of the Agosta Class were built. 5 SSBNs of the Le Redoutable Class and 1 SSBN of the L'Inflexible Class
followed these, as well as 2 classes of SSNs, Rubis and Amethyste.
Though Finland did not have submarines during WWI, she designed a class 'of boats based on the Imperial German Navy's VB-III Currently on the Naval lists are a total of 18 boats, 5 L'Inflexible Class (SSBN), 6 Rubis Class (SSN), 4 Agosta Class (SSK) and 3
Class of 1918. Ironically, the Finnish Class was used as the basis for two WWII Kriegsmarine U-Boats, the Type II coastal and the Type Daphne Class (SSK).
VII medium. Named the Festinate (a mythological Finnish evil water spirit) Class. Three of this class, Vetehinen, Vesihiisi and Tku- Turso
plus two smaller types Vesikko (Mink) and Saukko (Otter) made up the WWII Finnish Submarine Flotilla (Sukellusvenelaivue). Used
against the Soviet Union in the Gulf of Finland, these boats did a yeoman's job. During the Winter War of 1939-40, submarine operations ~ •.' • ~ .• , J . .. ,
1["...... 1 • '" • • : 'L', ..I r .!..
were limited due to the heavy ice, but mines were laid close to the Soviet occupied Estonian coast. Though a 400 ton merchant ship was
sunk in July of 1941 by Vesikko, bad torpedoes from Italy limited the luck of the other boats. The boats were moved to the Aland area in .~l~ "", - ~. : .:-'-.¢~.
' _ '""!f.r.''k.'':'j' . '. ~._'I
~:..... ~'~ ..... ./ .,1.
1942 on anti-submarine patrol to secure the sea lanes to Sweden. At least three Soviet submarines were sunk, one by the current head of l 0:'' .p. ~ . i
I
..-
~. ,."..
•
the Submarine's Veteran Society, Erik Helenius, boat, Tku Turso. In 1944 the eastern portion of the Gulf of Finland was the patrol center, r} r ••••
but only mining operations were done. The 1947 Treaty of Paris banned Finland's use of submarines, so all were scrapped except the ......:.lJ ',.:., ,
:t--.. '''J'''J,.I''~'
~..t:r. . \~.
. u • '. .
Vesikko, which the Submarine Veterans use as a museum. , •• '
'.) ". '''.'V
..•' .. of

Though the Finns had no submariner's distinctive for wear on their uniforms during WWII, they did wear the badge below in mufti. The .J. .;
. ...'
" \. .. , 1 '1 ~ II.~·'" ' •

.' "" ,- ~ ..' .····tt-;l·1~~; .~... ./".-;').: .

w- i .. - . . I,

badge (FIN-I) is currently worn by members of the Finnish Submarine Veterans Association. SuvLv is an abbreviation of
Sukellusvenelaivue, or Submarine Flotilla. It is in goldish copper, circled, the port side of a submarine on three sets of waves. It is small, ., ~ ·"!'.
r";
• \. •
r . .u 1.1. 'd'.' ~""'.',,-",,'
-.N:Tr.•. I"" I
. '~~. :. '. . 'r ~"-I".. I." .
.. ~ ......~~
.~.... ........ ,1.
only .60" in diameter. • ... ."
",:..,. f) ."....
.J.:.' . .n,.}., ,~
.' ""
.•
... • 0"

FR-I FR-2
From prior to World War II junior ratings wore the above specialist badges if they served in submarines. The one on the left (FR-I) is in
red embroidery on medium blue for seamen and on the right (FR-2) in gold bullion on dark navy for POs, Used until cl961. They could
be ranked as elementary and advanced for enlisted personnel. Not worn by officers. Worn on upper left sleeve,

FIN-I

42 43
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
The following badges, all made by DRAGO, are a departure from most French distinctives as they have a clutch-pin attachment and not
the standard loop and bar so often found.
Advanced Submariner (certificate superieur). Authorized in 1946
for officers. This particular older badge can be identified by the
step in the sail. Enlisted personnel wore the above cloth badges.
Sword blade and compass rose are in silver metal, hilt and the sub-
marine in gold. Worn on right breast. (FR-3)
FR-3 2.15" x 1.95"
Basic Submariner (certificat elementaire). Confusion exists as to
the date of issuance. One official source ci tes 1946, another 1961.
This was worn by both officers and enlisted personnel. This too has
the step in the sail. The compass rose is silver metal, the submarine
in gold. Worn on right breast. (FR-4)
FR-4 2.20" x 1.20"
In 1974 a new class of badges was issued. This new one is the
Command Qualified Officer's Submarine Badge. (Lorsque les of-
ficers sont designe comme commandants de sous-marine). Worn
by qualified Sub Commanders. Notice that there is no step in the
sail. The sword blades and compass rose are in silver, the subma-
FR-5 2.15" x 1.95" rine and hilts in gold. Worn on right breast. (FR-5)
44
France
Advanced Submarine Badge (certificat superieur). Basically the
same as the original badge but without the step in the sail. Sword
blade and compass rose in silver. Hilt and submarine in gold. An
officer's badge. Worn on right breast. (FR-6)
FR-6 2.15" x 1.95"
Basic Submarine Badge (certificat elementaire). Simply the old
basic badge but mounted on a large compass rose. Submarine is in
gold, and all else in silver. An officer's and warrant's badge. Worn
on right breast. (FR-7)
FR-7 2.15" x 1.95"
Personnel Officer's and Enlisted Submarine Badge. (etre titulaire
du certificat d aptitude ala navigation sous-marine : personnel
oficer et personnel equipage). Ring in silver, submarine in gold.
Worn on right breast. (FR-8)
FR-8 2.10" x 1.00"
45
 Germany Kriegsmarine

Kaiserliche Marine

Germany was the premier operator of submarines in two World Wars mostly due to the fact that she was fighting an island nation in
both of them. A nation dependent on her merchant marine is terribly vulnerable to underwater warfare.
The first partially workable submarine made in Germany was the Brandtaucher, designed by Wilhelm Bauer. Completed in Decem-
ber 1850, it sunk due to structural failure on its second trial. It was raised and was placed in the Dresden Museum.
The first successful submarine was designed by Raymondo d'Equivilley-Monjustin, a Spanish engineer, and built by Krupps. Forelle
(Trout) passed her trials and impressed both the German and Imperial Russian Naval observers to the point that the Russians bought her
and placed an order for three more. The Germany Navy ordered one which became the V-I.
Germany foresaw the possibilities of underwater warfare and started a large building program, having 20 boats ready and 15 building
at the beginning ofWWI. Since much has already been written about this, suffice to say that the V-Boats were quite successful in this war.
At the end of the war there were 179 V-Boats in service and another 150 building. All of these boats were either broken up or given
to various Allies.
Stripped of her V-Boat fleet, Germany quietly started a design office in the Netherlands, working on designs for Finland and Spain.
This gave Germany a head start in V-Boat building during the 1935 rearmament. GER-2 1.75" x 1.50" 1.95" x 1.55"
At the beginning of WWII Nazi Germany had only 57 V-Boats in commission, only 39 of which were first line boats. This grew to
a total of 1,190 built during the war. Again, the successful waging of an underwater war is well beyond the scope of this book, though one
must point out that it was done with the loss of over 70% of the crews.
The Bundesmarine was organized in the early 1950s. The submarine force was created by raising the V-2365 and refurbishing and
recomissioning it the Hai (Shark). This was followed by doing the same for another raised V-Boat, Hecht (Pike).
Since the 1960s, the Bundesmarine has designed a set of V-Boats from 210 Class to 212 Class which have been quite successful both GER-2vl 1.50" x 1.50"
in the Bundesmarine and in foreign sales (mostly 209 Class boats).
At the present time, the Bundesmarine operates 20 boats, with 4 212 Types building and 3 projected. On the active list are 6 Type 206 The V-Boat War Badge (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen, Kriegsmarine) was instituted in October, 1939, and was modeled after the Kaiser's
(SSK), 12 Type 206a (SSK) and 2 Type 205 (SSA). version except the submariner is more modern, the wreath is not wrapped, and the Hohenzollern crown replaced by the Nazi eagle. The
badge on the left (GER-2) is an early version, bronze and curved to the shape of the chest. It was made by Schwerin. The middle badge
(GER-2vl) is slightly later, slightly different sub and flat. Manufactured by Frank & Reif in brass. Both have a wide vertical pin. The
one on the right (GER-2v2) is in brass, cruder, has a thinner pin and was made in Lorient later in the war. Toward the end of the war, these
The V-Boat War Badge, Imperial Navy (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen, badges were made in pot metal, and there are even some cliche
Kaiserliche Marine) was belatedly instituted by the Kaiser in Janu- versions with a gold wash. This badge is not a qualification badge,
ary 1918 to recognize the importance of the submarine personnel's since it was awarded for (1) A particularly successful mission, (2)
efforts in waging the war. It was awarded to both German and Completed 2 combat missions, (3) Won a bravery award on a mis-
Austro-Hungarian (qv) submariners. This badge is unique in that it sion, (4) To be wounded on a mission, or (5) To family, with Cita-
was worn in addition to the later Kriegsmarine variety during wwn, tion, if boat was lost to enemy action at sea.
while all other WWI German badges were replaced by a later Nazi
version. It is a tall-masted WWI submarine sailing sinister sur- The V-Boat War Badge with Diamonds (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen
rounded by a wrapped oval wreath surmounted by a Hohenzollern mit Brillanten, Kriegsmarine) was awarded to certain high scor-
crown. In gold metal it is worn on or below the left pocket. (GER- ing holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
1) It was only awarded 28 times. This was not a government or Reich
award, but was purely from the Commander of the Navy. There are
12 diamonds in the wreath, 13 in the swastika. This is a street wear
version, the diamonds here are rhinestones. Made by Schwerin,
Berlin. (GER-2v3)
GER-l 1.95" x 1.90" GER-2v3 1.90" x 1.55"

46 47
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Germany
The German Navy also issued a cloth, semi bullion, working uni-
The Combat Badges of the Small Battle Units (KampJabzeichen Der KleinkampJmittel) were issued to special naval units formed in
form variety of the U-Boat War Badge (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen,
Autumn 194~. These units consisted of frogmen, one-man torpedoes and midget submarines (hence their inclusion in these pages). These
Kriegsmarine). This was made in BeVo (Beteiligung Vorsteger).
four badg~s, In .cloth for enl~sted men, bullion for officers, were worn on the right upper arm. This badge, without the circling rope, was
This process weaves the badge on a Jacquard loom. In thin gold
the formatIOn sIgn of the umt worn after 2 months service with the formation, was devised in 1944. After the fourth award, a metal clasp
metallic thread on medium dark blue attached to a black silk back-
was worn for subsequent awards. The backgrounds of the cloth 3.05"in diameter, the bullion, 3.80". The rope circle, cloth 1.70", bullion
ing. These were issued in long rolls and then cut for each indi-
2.05", the sawfish, cloth 2.20", bullion 2.90", and the swords, cloth 2.85", bullion 3.40".
vidual. (GER-2c)

GER-2c 2.0" X 1.60"

The German Navy also authorized officers and Petty Officers who
held the metal U-Boat War Badge (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen,
Kriegsmarine) to wear a heavy bullion version. This version was
not an issue item, but was procured from various private sources.
This example is in heavy gold bullion thread on a navy blue wool
backing, the details picked out in black silk thread. (GER-2b)

GER-5c GER-5b

Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units: Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units:
I st Class (Cloth) (GER-5c) I st Class (Bullion) (GER-5b)
GER-2b 2.10" X 1.70"

Introduced in May 1944, the U-Boat Combat Clasp in Bronze (V-

Boots Frontspange im Bronze) was for continuous active service
and acts of bravery in submarines. This was to bring Navy awards
in line with the Army and Air Force. It is worn above the left pocket
or medal bar. (GER-3)

GER-3 2.90" X .95"

Introduced in November 1944, the U-Boat Combat Clasp in Silver

(V-Boots Frontspange im Silber) was awarded for even greater GER-6c GER-6b
efforts than the Bronze. Worn above the left pocket or medal bar. A Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units: Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units:
gold version was contemplated but was never issued. (GER-4) 2nd Class (Cloth) (GER-6c) 2nd Class (Bullion) (GER-6b)
GER-4 2.90" X .95"

48
49
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Germany
Combat Badges of the Small Battle Units (Kampjabzeichen Der Kleinkampjmittel) for more than 5 missions were struck in metal and
worn above the left breast pocket or medal bar. These probably were never issued during the war, but during the denazification of badges
in 1957 it was restruck for wear by qualified personnel. (GER-9, 10, 11)

GER-9 2.95" x .90"

Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units
5th Class in Bronze (5 missions or more)

GER-7c GER-7b
Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units: Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units:
3rd Class (Cloth) (GER-7c) 3rd Class (Bullion) (GER-7b)

GER-10 2.95" x .90" GER-11 2.95" x .90"

Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units
6th Class in Silver (7 missions or more) 7th Class in Gilt (10 missions or more)

GER-7c GER-7c GER-12

Formation sign of the Small Battle Groups. Worn af-
Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units: Combat Badge of the Small Battle Units:
ter 2 months of duty with the unit. It is the same size as
4th Class (Cloth) (GER-8c) 4th Class (Bullion) (GER-8b) the previously pictured cloth badges
50 5f
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Germany
The U-Boat War Badge (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen, Kriegsmarine) was de-nazified in 1957, so those who qualified in WWII could wear Worn in the lapel by veterans or by serving personnel while in mufti,
it on their current uniforms. The eagle and swastika were removed and three grades are available, Gold (GER-13), Silver (GER-14x) and these miniatures have a long stick pin attachment and are in gold
Bronze (GER-15x). According to German sources, only the gold version is official. Silver and bronze have no official meaning or type metals. From the top: Imperial U- Boat War Badge (V-Boots
standing, and usually the miniature is worn (qv). Kriegsabzeichen, Kaiserliche Marine) (GER-lm); U-Boat War
Badge, Kriegsmarine (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen, Kriegsmarine)
(GER-2m); and the de-nazified version of the above (V-Boots
Kriegsabzeichen, Bundesmarine) (GER-13m). These are all ap-
proximately .70" X .55"
GER-lm GER-2m GER-13m

The Achievement Badge for Shipyard Workers

(Werftleistungsabzeichen) (GER-19) was introduced in 1944 by
the U-Boat crews to recognize the efforts of the shipfitters and tech-
nicians that serviced their boats at their home bases. It depicts a U-
Boat sailing through a gear wheel in bronze metal. Stick pin back.

GER-13 1.90" x .50" GER-14x 1.90" x .50" GER-15x 1.90" x .50"

The U-Boat Combat Clasp (V-Boots Frontspange im Bronze/Silber) was also denazified in 1957 so those who qualified could wear it on
their uniforms. In bronze (GER-16) and silver (GER-17)

GER-19 1.20" x .85"

U-Boat Propaganda Badge (GER-20). A silver metal representation of a

U-Boat in profile with the legend "DENN WIR FAHREN GEGEN
ENGELLAND" "Then We're Sailing Against England". Along the
saddle tanks, a line from a poem called Matrosenlied (Sailor's Song) (1923)
by Herman Lans. GER-20 2.00" x .60"

GER-16 2.95" x .90" GER-17 2.95" x .90"

The U-Boat Veteran's Pin. is a version of the denazified U-Boat
War Badge (V-Boots Kriegsabzeichen, Kriegsmarine) with a black
enamel Iron Cross appliqued at the center of the wreath above the
submarine. This badge is the official badge of the U-Boat Veterans'
Association. (GER-18)
Bundesmarine
In 1957, the Federal Republic of Germany's Bundesmarine renewed its interest in submarines. Occupation badges for enlisted submarine
personnel (Tiitigkeitsabzeichen, Vbootpersonal) were issued in 1966. These were in the form of trade badges worn on both upper sleeves
by seamen and on the left lower sleeve by petty officers They came in four versions depending on the uniform. Red on blue (GER-21w),
red on white (GER-21s), gold. on white-very rare (GER-21sv) . Background is .85" in diameter, boat is .65" X .30".

GER-18 1.90" x .55" GER-21w GER-21s GER-21sv

52 53
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Germany
Other sew-on versions of the basic (GER-22) badge are the bullion on white wool dress white uniform (GER-22bs), yellow thread on
Completing the set is the variant (GER-21wk), worn on coveralls
white duck for the summer white uniform (GER-22cs), yellow thread on dark blue wool for winter (GER-22cw) and a yellow thread on
and working rig. It is in gold thread on a square olive drab backing
OD cloth for working uniforms (GER-22wk)
measuring .95" X .95" and the boat is .65" by .30".

GER-22bs 3.30" x 1.30" GER-22cs 3.30" x 1.30"

GER-21w

On 7 April 1972, these submariner's badges

(Ubootjahrerabzeichen) appeared. These three are in gold bullion
on navy blue wool The plain badge for all ranks (GER-22bw). The
version with the star above for Commanding Officers (GER-23bw)
is from 1987, and a circled star is now in use (GER-23bwv). It
depicts a 206 class submarine It is worn on the right breast. GER-22bw 3.30" x 1.30" GER-22bs 3.30" x 1.30" GER-22cs 3.30" x 1.30"

Star: .90" x .90" Circle: .75"D

Called the 206 badge, this semi-official version of the Submariner's
Badge (Ubootjahrerabzeichen) (GER-22me) appeared in 1981. It
is in shiny gilt metal and attached by a pin on the reverse. Another
version of this badge has a more detailed submarine, and on some
the submarine is lower on the wreath.

GER-22me 2.40" x 1.35"

The shape of the official authorized version of the Submariner's

Badge (Ubootfahrer-abzeichen) (GER-24), issued in 1984, fol-
lows the standard conventions of current GFR badges. Depicting a
206 class sub on a pebbled background, it is of heavy cliche con-
struction, gilt metal with c1utchback attachment.
3.30" x 1.30" GER-24 2.95" x 1.00"
GER-23bw 3.30" x 1.30" GER-21bwv

54 55
 Greece India
Hellenic Navy

The Greek Navy's submarine Delphin (Dolphin) was the first modern submarine to fire a torpedo in combat during the First Balkan
War. Commanded by Lieutenant Commander E. Paparrigopoulis, she fired her torpedoes at the Turkish cruiser Mejidieh in the Dardenelles,
9 December 1912. He failed to sink her, but he opened the modern submarine age. Currently, the Greeks operate Glavkos Class Subma-
rines (209 Types 1100 & !200) (SSK). Glavkos, Nereus, Triton, Proteus, Posydon, Amphitrite, Okeanos and Pontos. All built at
The Indian Navy, the largest in the unaligned Third World, initiated their Submarine Force in 1967 with the first of the Kalvari
Howaldtswerke, Keil.
(Foxtrot) class submarines built new. It has increased considerably since that time with German, Russian and Indian built submarines.
Submarine operations during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war were not too successful as the Pakistani Navy rarely left port. Currently, the
This drawing from 1945 U.S. Navy Intelligence files shows a gold
Indian Navy has 18 patrol submarines in service, 4 Shishumar (209)( 1500) SSKs, 8 Kilos and 6 Foxtrots.
submarine, starboard side. Worn by all qualified personnel on the
left breast. The date of issue is unknown. (GRK-l)
The national emblem ofIndia (above) that appears on the submarine badge is an adaptation from the Pillar of Sarnath, the capital of the
Great Emperor Ashoka. The emblem shows three of the four lions on the pillar (the forth hidden behind). Below the lions is the Chakra
(The Wheel), with a galloping horse on the left and a bull on the right. The emblem is referred to as the Ashoka in common parlance.

This is the only authorized Indian Submarine Badge. In gold metal, it displays an Ashoka above the waves, supported by two dolphins in
the American manner. It is worn by all qualified submarine personnel, officers and enlisted. By two different manufacturers, (IND-l) is
not as detailed as (IND-lv). There are no known official bullion or cloth versions, but they probably do exist. These are made in gold
GRK-l anodized aluminum (IND-l) or brass (IND-lv), and have a bent clip attachment (IND-l) or a safety pin (IND-lv).

Current officer's and petty officer's version of the Greek

Submariner's Badge (GRK-2) in gold metal. Worn on the left breast,
it is attached with nut and screw posts.

GRK-2 2.60" x .40"

IND-l 2.80" x .90" IND-lv 2.80" x .90"
Bullion version of the current officer/petty officer submarine badge.
(GRK-2b) Worn on the left breast. These two badges appear to be official but are not. The bullion version on the left (IND-2x), though very nice, is a fake based on the
British or Australian badge which appeared much later. Ironically, it is probably made in Pakistan. The one on the right (IND-3x) is made
on the same dies as the authentic version above but in silver metal. There is no authorization for a silver Submarine Badge in the Indian
Navy.
GRK-2b 2.90" x .50"

OfficerlPetty Officer submarine badge (GRK-2m)

in miniature. Attached with clutchpins.

GRK-2m 1.70" x .25"

Seaman's version of the submariner's badge (GRK-3). In silver, it is the same as the above
miniature. This badge is supposedly obsolete now.
GRK-3 1.70" x .25" IND-2x 3.25" x 2.15" IND-3x 2.80" x .90"
56
57
 Indonesia

Indonesia

Tentra Nasional Indonesia Angkatav INO-2vl 3.05" x 1.00" INO-2v2 3.11" x 1.08"

This version is in bas relief, sandcasted in brass (INO-2vl). As the Another variant of the "Golden Shark" badge (INO-2v2). It differs
previous example it uses a safety pin for attachment. These badges sl ightly in detail but is of heavier construction and appears to be die
Under the Sukarno regime Indonesia-as a Soviet client state---operated as many as 14 ex-Soviet Whiskeys out of the large subma- are worn by all qualified personnel regardless of rank. Since many stamped. Safety pin attachment.
rine base at Jogjakarta. After the fall of Sukarno in 1967, the Indonesian Navy started divesting themselves of Soviet equipment and of these are made in dockside machine shops or a variety of private
turned to western technology. Reportedly, the last Whiskey was stricken from the naval lists in 1990. Though it may still be used for suppliers there are about as many variants as there are badges. Qual-
training, dive is limited to 100 feet. The Indonesian Navy now operates 2 Cakra Class (209 type 1300)(SSK), the Cakra and Nanggala. ity and size of these badges runs the gamut from the ridiculous to
There are 2 more of this class projected. the sublime, depending on the maker.

Early version of the Indonesian Submarine Badge (INO-l), It shows

the starboard side of a submarine appliqued over two diving sharks. Cloth working version of the badge (INO-2e) on a cotton background for wear on coveralls and fatigues. A neater version on an 3.53" X
Probably designed by Indonesian officers attending school in Po- 1.70" olive drab background with merrowed edges (INO-2vl) is a more professionally made variant. Another version of the cloth badge
land and first manufactured by Alfred Ditburner in 1960. is the shaped variant on a merrowed dark blue backing (INO-2ev2). Other colors and backgrounds exist.

INO-l 3.22" x 1.57"

The later Indonesian Submarine badge or as it is officially known, the Brevet of the "Hiu Kencana" (Golden Shark) comes with this
heraldic description. Two facing sharks defending a submarine. The submarine is combat ready and submerging. One periscope is in
readiness and alerting (sic) the sea areas of the Indonesian Unity. The seven waves represent the seven seas. "When the Golden Shark is
pinned on the left breast it means the patriotic Spirit and Dignity of the Indonesian are rooted deeply in the heart of each crewmember of
the crew." (Extract, Supplement (2) Order of the Ministry, Navy Commander, November 8, 1964 No. 5030.l3.)The original; translation INO-2e 3.15" x 1.00"
of the above rendered Hiu Kencana as Pearl Shark but this was corrected to Golden Shark by the Naval Attache of the Indonesian
Embassy.

One version of the "Brevet of the Golden Shark" (INO-2) is in flat

brass metal with the design incised in the surface. These badges
were usually made up for the wearer on board or in the shore facil-
ity workshops when they qualified.

INO-2 2.80" x 1.00" INO-2evl 2.95" x .87" INO-2ev2 3.00" x .96"

58 59
 Iran

Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran

Imperial Iranian Navy

In 1975 an agreement between the United States and the Shah of Iran was made for supplying submarines and training for a large
Iranian Naval Submarine Force. By August 1978, a number of crewmembers had been trained and the first of the American boats, the
USS Trout SS 566, becoming Kusseh (Shark), was transferred to the Imperial Iranian Navy at Groton, Connecticut. Kusseh remained in
the United States for training subsequent crewmembers. Two other boats were also prepared for transfer, Nahang (Whale), ex USS Wahoo The arms of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the flag and as a military
SS 565, and Dolfin (Dolphin), USS Tang SS 563. These were all advanced Guppy types. In December 1978, due to changes in the symbol it is rendered in red but is rendered in green when used else-
government of Iran, it was requested that another buyer for the Kusseh be found and the transfer of two other boats be terminated. At the where. This makes the blue version on the lower badge an interesting
same time there was an order with Howaldtswerke, Kiel, for 6 209 Type 1500 submarines, but this was canceled in early 1979. Though variant.
the Imperial Iranian Navy had submarine badges, there never were any submarines that sailed with it. Under the current Islamic regime,
9 or more Italian and North Korean midget submarines are based at Bandar Abbas on the Gulf of Hormuz, as well as 2 fairly modern Kilos
(Taureg and Noor) operating with Indian Navy technical help.

IRN-3 2.55" x .90" IRN-4 2.55" x .90"

The Islamic Republic of Iran issued the above Submarine Badges, made in the Soviet Union by the Leningrad Mint. They show a small
submarine with Iran's Islamic symbol in red enamel enclosed by a gear wheel, with anchor flukes below. Gold for officers (IRN-3), silver
for enlisted personnel (IRN-4). A variant, below (IRN-3v) probably made by Pobeda, Moscow, has a blue enamel Islamic symbol on a
white enamel background. They all have a screw post attachment.

IRN-l 2.80" x 1.10" IRN-2 2.80" x 1.10"

While the Iranian crews were training in the United States, they had Balfour design a submarine badge for them. Based on the U. S. Navy
design, there are two dorados supporting an Albacore type submarine, bows on with the Pahlevi crown above the sail. It is a very fine
example of the manufacturer's art. In gold plated silver for officers (IRN-l) and in silver for enlisted personnel (IRN-2), the badge has a
c1utchpin attachment. There are miniature mess dress versions of this badge. It is the author's unproven conjecture that this badge was
originally designed as a test badge for a nuclear age replacement of the old fleet boat on the U.S.N. submarine badge. To have an atomic
sub on a small third world country's badge was a little delusional even for the Shah.

IRN-3v 2.55" x .90"

60 61
 Israel Italy

Regina Marina
Israel's Submarine Force started in 1958 with 2 obsolete British types, but refitting took until 1960. Currently, Israel is operating 3
Gal Class (British made [Vickers], German designed 206 coastal SS boats), and 3 new Dolphin class (German designed 209 SSKs) from
German yards are due for delivery soon.
Italy's first submarine was a design by Engineer Lieutenant Giacinto Pullino and was commissioned in 1895. Named the Delfino
When Israel established its Submarine Service in 1958 it purportedly issued badges similar to the current variety. An example of this (Dolphin), it was originally powered only by batteries, but later incorporated a gasoline engine. It also has two vertical propellers to aid
badge cannot be found as yet if it did, indeed, exist. in submerging and surfacing. Surprisingly, this sub served in a rebuilt condition through WWI. Many further classes subsequently were
built, and Italy enjoyed a reputation in submarine technology and sold submarines worldwide. Germany, Great Britain and even the
United States placed orders prior to WWI. Germany did not receive hers (due to WWI), and neither the U.S. or Great Britain enjoyed
much success with theirs.
At the beginning of WWI Italy had 21 aging submarines in her inventory, so both a stepped up production was ordered and foreign
designs were bought. 8 U.S. Electric Boat "H" Class were delivered in 19] 6/17 and 3 "s" and 4 "w" Class were purchased in Great
Britain. Domestic production added another 40 boats to the Submarine Force, which mainly operated against Austria-Hungary in the
Aegean Sea.
ISR-1 3.20" X 1.40" ISR-2 2.60" X 1.40" Heavy production was the order during the 1930s, and at the opening of WWII 115 boats were in commission and 30 more were
completed before the end of the war. Italian boats operated out of Bordeaux and Lorient in the Atlantic, but were not really designed for
The Israeli Submarine Badge (ISR-1), issued in 1960, shows a rather realistic submarine with the symbolic Israeli Military short sword oceanic warfare. Many boats were used as transports for Germany's African operations when the British gained the upper hand in the
and olive branch (here on an Navy anchor) adorning the side tanks and conning tower. The one on the right, with the star atop, designates Mediterranean, and the longer ranged ones brought supplies from the Far East.
Senior Submariner (ISR-2) was never worn as the below badge came out before qualification time accumulated. They are in silver metal Italian miniature submarines were probably more successful than any other country during WWII and accounted for more than one
and have a single screw post attachment though some have been reported to have clutch pins. capital ship.
At the end of WWII, Italy gave up all her submarines as reparations, but actually only the Soviet Union took any, with the rest (less
three saved for training) being scrapped. In 1954 the United States started transferring 7 rebuilt fleet submarines (Guppys) to the Marina
Militare and added two more Guppy IIIs in 1977.
In 1967 the Italian shipbuilding started building the small Toti Class boats and the larger Sauro Class. At present, the Marina
Militare's Submarine Force is comprised of 9 boats, 4 Sauro Class, 4 improved Sauro Class and I Toti Class.
Italy is also the leading manufacturer of miniature submarines and swimmer and commando delivery vehicles.

ISR-3 2.90" X 1.15" ISR-4 2.90" X 1.50"
The current Israeli Submarine Badge (ISR-3), authorized in 1961, shows a more stylized modern submarine. Worn after complete
submarine qualification (see ISR-3m below), 3 years service makes it permanent. It has the same symbol on the side tanks and conning
tower as above. The one on the left has the area around the anchor flukes and stock pierced while the one on the right is solid. This is a
manufacturer's difference. Senior Submariner (ISR-4), is designated by a star and a double wreath around the conning tower and requires
10 years in submarine service. Depending upon manufacturer, there is a screw post or clutchback attachment. Made in silver metal. Worn
with a blue shaped plastic backing or red if wearer has experienced combat submarine action. Gold versions of this badge are made but
not authorized. Designed by Art Professor A. Schwarz.
Miniature versions of the Israeli Submariner Badges. They have
safety pin type attachments ISR-3m is worn after 3 or 4 months
Basic Sub training. ISR-4m is a sweetheart pin. Both are 1.55"
long, ISR-4m is .80" high ISR-3 is .70" high.
The Regia Marina Submarine Service Badge was authorized for wear above or in place of the
medal bar on the left breast in ]924. Gold for Officers (Ufficiali Imbarcati su Sommergibili)
(ITL-1), left and silver for Petty Officers (Imbarcati su Sommergibili) (ITL-2) right, Surmounted
by the Savoy crown, these badges were worn only while in submarine service. They were autho-
rized for wear on all but working uniforms. Pin back or screw post attachment. This type badge is
now designated (Distintivo di Appartenenza). Both are .60" X .90"
ITL-1 ITL-2
In 194] the Regia Marina instituted the Submarine Honor badge (Distintivo d'onore) which
was granted for Ii fe. Gold for officers (one excellent source indicates gold for all ranks from
194] and silver never standardized) (ITL-3) and silver for enlisted personnel (ITL-4?)
until the end of the war and then gold for all ranks. It is surmounted by the Savoy crown and
is granted after 5 years of submarine service. Remained till the fall of the monarchy in ] 946.
However the requirement dropped to 3 months for World War II combat duty. The size of
both is 1.00" X 1.45"

ISR-4m ISR3m ITL-3

ITL-4?
62 63
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Italy

Regina Marina/R.S.1. Showing a basking shark above a torpedo on an anchor with a line catenaried around the outside, the Badge for War Navigation, Subma-
rines (Distintivo D' Onore Per Lunga Navigazione In Guerra, Sommergibili) was awarded in three classes. Bronze for 18 months on
board or 1000 hours at sea (ITL-9), Silver for 30 months on board or 3000 hours at sea (ITL-I0) and Gold for 48 months on board or
The enlisted Submarine Service Badge (Personale Imbarcato su Sommergibili) in silver metal is worn on the left sleeve, slightly above 5000 hours at sea (ITL-ll). Combat time counted 4 to I thus I hour or year equaled 4 hours or years. This badge is still authorized for
the rank badges, of the "square rig" uniform. These three examples from WWII were worn by both the personnel of the RM and RSI. The wear on the lower left breast by those who qualified during WWII and can still be qualified for today. Size of all, 1.91" X 1.60".
one on the left is pierced cliche± construction with a brushed finish and two holes for basting to the uniform (ITL-5). The center one is
the same except in polished metal (ITL-5vl). The one on the right is solid, with a dark blue enamel background and has a pin back (ITL-
5v2). It is a WWII era version. Dating from 1918 as a badge for petty officers and then for lower ranks in 1924 when petty officers
switched to the smaller silver Service badge. This badge is still current and as the previous ones designates current submarine service. All
of these badges are 1.86" in diameter. The receiving of the Honors badge by a seaman does not abrogate the wearing of this badge on the
uniform as well. It was temporarily suspended in December 1939 and replaced by the officer's badge, then reinstated in March 1941.

ITL-ll

ITL-5 ITL-5vl ITL-5v2

ITL-I0

A drawing of a badge (Tercio Etranjero) struck for the crews of the

Italian submarines that fought on the Nationalist side in the Span- The Regia Marina version of the Badge for War Navigation, Submarines, was the original design incorporating the Savoy crown. The
ish Civil War. According to veterans of that campaign, most did not Savoy crown in the design was removed at the fall of the monarchy in 1946 and has nothing to do with the RSI. The version worn in the
receive one, though there is an example in the museum in La Spezia. current Marina Militare is crown less as the ones above. Bronze (ITL-12), Silver (ITL-13) and Gold (ITL-14). This badge follows the
Appliqued on the port side of a submarine., a vertical halberd, same conventions as the above for issue. Size of all, 1.91" X 1.95". According to the manufacturer, neither of the two versions of this
crossed by a harquebus pointing up and an early crossbow pointing badge was actually struck until 1947.
down with a royal crown at the juncture. It is the distinctive of the
Spanish (Foreign) Legion and can be found on other Spanish vol-
unteer badges of the period. Gold for officers and pas, worn on left
breast, red for seamen, worn on left sleeve.

ITL-6 2.75" Wide

In 1943 after the capitulation of Italy, the military in the north formed
the R.S.1. (Repubblica Sociale Italiana.) R.S.I submarines operated out
of Bordeaux and other Axis bases. The badges were the same as the
RM but the Savoy crown was removed, usually filed off. Qualifica-
tions were the same as the RM. At this time almost all RSI Officers
(ITL-7) and pas (ITL-8?), had been granted the Honor badge so few,
if any Service badges were issued. Both are I" in diameter. Some pic-
tures of this period show this badge being worn on the right breast by
some officer personnel.

ITL-7 ITL-8? ITL-12 ITL-14

64 65
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
The Divisione Atlantica badge (ITL-15) was worn by that part of the Regia Marina and
later the R.S.1. that was based at Bordeaux or other Axis Atlantic bases. Veterans remember
that they wore this badge basted on their sleeves while they were operating submarines,
although later, under the R.S.I., most of the Italian crews and support personnel were formed
into an infantry unit using this badge.
ITL-15 1.95" x 3.05"
This badge was designed to commemorate Germany-Italian (R.S.I.) cooperation after the surrender of
Italy. It was to honor the remaining Italian submariners that remained in Bordeaux. According to veter-
ans it was never issued. The badge shown may be a restrike on the original dies. (ITL-16)
Worn above the left pocket and medal bar, this badge
commemorates the Naval Assault Units of the Tenth MAS ITL-16 .85" x 2.55"
(Motobarca Anti Sommergibili). NSI (ITL-17) is in-
cluded since midget submarines were organic to this
outfit. Called "Chariots" by the British, these midgets
were called "Pigs" by their crews. Officially, the two man
machine was called Siluro a Lenta Corsa (slow running
torpedo). In gold with a red enamel "X" at top, it is pin
attached .
ITL-17 .85" x 2.55"
Submarine Service Commemorative Badges. The left one is for Atlantic Service in RSMC Argo
(ITL-18). It is in gold with dark lettering and a red enamel "A". The right one is for Atlantic
Submarine Service (ITL-19).1t has the legend "Sommergibili" and a red enamel "A". Both badges
incorporate the Savoy crown and were for service in the Regia Marina. Both are .60" X .90".
ITL-18 ITL-19
66
Italy
Marina Militare
Official version of the Traditional (name changed from Honor) Submariner's Badge (ITL-20),
issued in 1946. This change lasted until 1990. In gold, it is basically the same as the RSI Subma-
riner Badge, but with medium blue enamel in incised lettering. The badge is of cliche± manu-
facture with a pin attachment. Other badges of this variety are solid with a incised legend and no
colors in the engraving, or the legend is raised according to the manufacturer. It is 1.00" in
diameter.
Also in 1946, the Service Badge (ITL-21) was issued less
the crown. It is about half the Traditional badge's size.
The surface is flat, without a wreath and has a pin back
attachment. This badge also lasted unti I 1990. This badge
is .68" in diameter
ITL-20
In 1946, when the Armed Forces of Italy changed to the Mural
crown, some of the Traditional (name changed from Honor)
Submariner's Badges (ITL-22?) were struck with the Mural crown
above the legend. Official records tend to ignore this badge so it
may have been a "test badge" only and was probably never worn.
ITL-21
ITL-22? 1.05" x 1.40"
ITL-5v3 1.86" Diameter ITL-5WP 2.75" Diameter
The current Service Badge (ITL-5v3) on the left, for lower ranks. It is the same as the older types except it is in chrome-plated metal and
the incised lettering is in aquamarine enamel. As before this badge is worn on the left sleeve of the "square rig" uniform. It is of pierced
construction with a pin back attachment. On the right, a cloth and plastic Service Badge (ITL-5wp) that is worn on the left sleeve of the
fatigue or working uniform. It was authorized in 1990. Notice that the dolphin points in the opposite direction and the badge is in color on
a round blue cloth background with a wreath instead of a circle.
67
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
In 1990, to celebrate the Centennial year of the Subma-
rine Service the Marina Militare adopted the Roman
Naval crown (originally designed by Emperor Claudius)
to surmount the current Honors (name changed back
from Traditional) Submarine Badge. Shown are two
variants, each with a different style Roman Naval
Crown. In gold metal, the left (ITL-23) has a pin back,
the right (ITL-23v) clutch pins. Both are 1.00" X 1.30".
ITL-23
The current Service Badges are the same as the Honors Badges
except that they are almost half the size. Both are in gold and
worn by both officers and petty officers and have the new
Roman Naval crown surmounting. As above, only the crowns
differ. The left (ITL-24) has a screw post, the right (ITL-24v),
a clutch pin. Both are .55" X .65".
ITL-24
ITL-25?
This badge is purported to be for students at Submarine Ser-
vice School (ITL-25?). It is a ship's wheel, in gold, with the
legend "SOMMERGIBILI" incised on the upper arc. Screw
post attachment. Diameter at the end of the spokes is 1.10".
According to Admiral Ranieri, former Commandant of the
school, there was no specific insignia ever issued and this badge
probably was initiated by some manufacturer.
68
Japan
Maritime Self Defense Force
ITL-23v
Japan bought her first submarines-five Holland boats-from the United States in 1905. These were shortly followed by home
manufactured boats made by Kawasaki under contract from Holland in 1906. Japan had a rather large fleet of submarines during WWII
which were used more tactically than strategically, so they never were the threat that Germany's U-Boat operations were. Shorn of her
fleet at the end ofWWII, the Japanese Maritime Defense Force, established in 1954, started Japan's new Submarine force with American
Guppy type submarines. Currently building to their own designs, the MSDF's Submarine Force consists of 18 boats, 6 Harushio Class
(SSK), 10 Yuushio Class (SSK) and 2 Uzushio Class (SSA). There are 2 more improved Harushio Class boats on the way.
This is the Imperial Japanese Submarine Graduation Badge (JPN-1) for enlisted personnel.
It depicts an old Holland boat in silver metal appliqued on either an acid browned or brown
fused glass enamel Sakura (Cherry Blossom). The Sakura has always been the symbol of the
Japanese Navy. The badge was purported to be only loaned to the recipient and was to be
returned. These were all collected prior to WWII for security's sake and no badges or
distinctives were worn by Imperial Navy submarine crews, officers or enlisted men during
the war.
ITL-24v
JPN-1 1.48" X 1.41"
Produced during the early 50s, the "long" version of the Japanese
Maritime Defense Force Submarine Badge (JPN-2) owes a lot to
the U.S. "Dolphins." It depicts two dolphins supporting an anchor
with a Sakura on the anchor stock. The gold version, worn above
the left pocket, is for officers.
JPN-2 2.72" X .92"
In silver metal, this Japanese Maritime Defense Force Submarine
Badge (JPN-3) is for enlisted personnel. The same as the officer's
except in color, the sea at the bottom is rather stylish. Most badges
of this era had horizontal pin attachments, though some have been
seen with clutchpins.
JPN-3 2.72" X .92"
69
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
Cloth version of the officer's badge (JPN-2c). It is embroidered in
gold (yellow thread) on a navy blue rectangular background with a
merrowed edge. Space was left below the insignia for the wearer's
name. The background measures 3.80" X 1.85". Though both cloth
versions are of the earlier badge, they are currently worn.

Korea (South)

JPN-2c 3.05" x 1.15" South Korea primarily relies on her surface forces for its naval arm. It started its Submarine Forces with midget submarines, of which
it has 11, used mainly for commando type operations. They have 3 Chang Bogo Class (209 Type 1500), SSKs, 3 more building at
Daewoo. Midgets are 3 Tolgorae and 8 Cosmos Classes purchased from Italy.

The officer's version of the South Korean Submarine Badge (KOR-I) is in gold metal depicting two dolphins supporting a bows-on
Cloth version of the enlisted badge (JPN-3c). It is embroidered in modern submarine. The circular bow is formed by the Korean Yin-Yang symbol, pierced anchor flukes below, barred sea and wake filling
white thread on a navy blue rectangular background with a men'owed the area between the sub and fish. The Enlisted version (KOR-2) is the same except it is in silver. Both badges use clutch pin fastening.
edge. Space was left below the insignia for the wearer's name. Versions also appear in mylar on wool as dress versions (KOR-Ip and KOR-2p). There are also bullion versions, but they probably are
not government issue.

JPN-3c 3.05" x LIS"

The current Japanese Maritime Defense Force Submarine Badge is

sl ightly smaller. Called the "short" badge, it differs slightly in de-
tail. The officer's gold badge (JPN-4) depicts the sea in a more KOR-I 2.44" x .85" KOR-2 2.44" x .85"
realistic manner and it has an oxidized outlining

JPN-4 2.40" x .85"

The silver version of the badge for enlisted personnel (JPN-5) is

exactly the same as the officer's except in color. Below the anchor
fluke appears to be a bows-on view of a modern submarine. It has a
horizontal safety pin, but these also have been seen with clutchpins.
KOR-Ip 2.44" x .90" KOR-2p 2.44" x .90"

It was thought that the above badges looked too much like the current Japanese (qv), so another version was authorized with the dolphins
JPN-5 2.40" x .85" swimming downward and away and without the Yin-Yang symbol on the bow. In gold for officers (KOR-3) and silver for enlisted
personnel (KOR-4). These have a double screw pin attachment. These badges were just issued in 1995.

Miniature version of the officer's badge (JPN-4m). It has a clutch

pin attachment and measures 1.10" X .40".

"

4iC~!:~>!i:~~?:?'f4¥it;'" KOR·3 2.34" x .87" KOR-4

An imaginative but bogus version of a South Korean Submarine
2.34" x .87"

Badge (KOR-5x). It is made from a regular set of USN enlisted

"Dolphins" with the Yin-Yang Korean symbol in colored enamel
JPN-4m KOR·5x 2.77" x .83" appliqued on the bow.

70 71
 Libya Netherlands

Koninlijke Marine

Libya's Submarine Force consists of 4 ex Soviet Foxtrots (AI Badr Class), Al Badr, Al Ahad, Al Mitraga, and Al Hunain, and 6 Mala
type free flooding midget submarines. It began c 1976 with training under Soviet Naval Personnel. Rumors persist that Col. Khadafi is
trying to purchase coastal boats from the Yugoslav Republic.
This is the Libyan Submarine Badge (LIB-I). Thought to be worn
by all qualified personnel, it was given to an Italian Admiral by the
Libyan CNO before the current embargo between Libya and West-
ern Europe.
The Netherlands' first submarine was the Luetar et Energa, built in a Dutch shipyard from plans purchased from the Electric Boat
Co. in the U.S. It entered service in 1906. In the early years, the Royal Netherlands Navy purchased boats and designs from foreign firms
until about 1914, when it designed two classes of boats of its own. The first was a short range coastal boat designated "Onderzeeboot"
(0), and the second was a long range designated "Kolonial" (K). After 1936 all designations were "0". Dutch boats served in WWII in
both the Atlantic and in the Far East. In 1960 the Zwaardvis Class was designed and considered the most efficient submarine of the 70s.
Currently, the KM operates 4 improved Zwaardvis (Walrus) Class, Walrus, Zeeleeuw, Dalfin and Bruinvis, all built at Rotterdamse
Droodok Mij, in Rotterdam.
Two bottle-nosed dolphins naiant, in gold, supporting in their crossed tails a bows-on view of an "Albacore" type submarine in silver.
Worn by all submarine crew members, commissioned or enlisted, the Netherlands Submarine Badge (NET-I) is arguably one of the best
looking, if not the best looking of all submarine insignia. The Dutch established their submarine program in 1906, but a badge was not
authorized until April 28, 1965.

Metal version of the Netherlands Submarine Badge (NET-I). Worn

by all qualified ranks. Clutchback pin attachment.

LIB-I 2.52" X .81"

This badge has had certain currency-at least in the United States-
as the Libyan Submarine Badge (LIB-2x), but it probably is the
creation of a vivid imagination and is made in Pakistan. It is in gold NET-I 2.45" x .90"
bullion wire and has an unusual feature for a bullion badge in a
safety pin attachment.
NET-Ie 2.45" x .90"

Miniature version of the primary badge (NET-1m) that is worn by

submarine trainees. These are not worn as part of a mess uniform.

Cloth version of the Netherlands Navy Submariner Badge (NET-

Ic) worn on various working uniforms. There is a bullion version
(NET-Ib) which isn't pictured here. The merrowed background is
2.95" X 1.12".
LIB-2x 1.65" X .75" NET-Ie 2.45" x .90"

72 73
 Norway
Shown here is a silver version of the Norwegian Submariner's badge (NOR3?). It has absolutely no official standing but there are quite
a few examples extant.

Norway

Sjoforsvaret

Norway's first submarine was bought from Germany in 1908. Named the Kabben (later A-i), it was essentially the same as the
German V-i. 3 larger submarines were ordered from Germany in 1911 and another in 1912, called the A-3 Class. A 4 boat B Class was 2.37" x .80"
NOR-3?
designated to be built in Norwegian yards to Electric Boat Co. plans in 1915, but the last boat wasn't delivered until 1929. In 1940,6 boats
were scuttled or abandoned rather than surrendering them to the invaders. B-5 and B-6 became VC-i and VC-2. B-i escaped to England.
During WWII the Norwegian Navy operated 3 ex-Royal Navy boats, Vredd (sunk in 1943), VIa and Vtsira, and after the war 3 more ex- The Norwegian Qualified Submariner's Badge (NOR-Ib) in gold bullion for dress wear on the blue jacket. This badge comes in gold
RN subs, Vtsein, Vtvaer and Vthang, were added to the fleet. These 5 served until the mid 60s. In the 50s, 5 modified 205 Class boats bullion only. A newer version of the badge is (NOR-Ibv), now being worn. A miniature of this badge exists (NOR-Ibm (1.56" X .64")
were ordered from Germany and designated 207 for their deeper operating depth. Named the Kobben Class, for the first boat in the not pictured here. There is no copper bullion equivalent authorized.
service, nine were bought, 3 sold to Denmark, and all were modernized and upgraded. The present Submarine Force is comprised of 6
improved Kobben Class boats and 6 Ula Class (P-6071).

The Norwegian Submariner's badge was authorized in 1957. Originally it was accorded the status of a medal and was worn on the left
breast. Now, as a qualification badge it is worn on the right breast as is the Norwegian military custom. As U.S. submariners call their
badge "Dolphins", Norwegian submariners refer to their badge as "Cods."

On the left is the Norwegian Qualified Submariner's Badge (NOR-I) in gold metal. It is worn by qualified submariners of all ranks. On
the right is the Norwegian Submarine Trainee's Badge (NOR-2) in copper metal designating a submariner in training.

NOR-Ib 2.32" x 1.00" NOR-lbv 2.17" x .92"

This bullion version (NOR-lbx), though most faithful to the original metal, is completely bogus.

NOR-l 2.37" x .80" NOR-2 2.37" x .80"

Cloth version for fatigue wear exists, but no examples are present for illustration. The metal versions are hallmarked OTTAR HVAL,
though there may be other manufacturing sources.

NOR-lbx 2.80" x 1.00"

74 75
 Pakistan

Pakistan

PAK-3 2.82" X 1.78" PAK-3v 3.10" X 1.94"

Pakistan's Submarine Force dates from the early 1970s when Agosta class submarines were bought from France, then backed up by
French Daphne class subs, one of which was purchased from Portugal. Submarines were used in combat in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, As the WWII German Small Battle Groups were both frogmen and This version of the previous SSG badge (PAK-3v) is the same ex-
though their efficacy is unknown. Pakistan also has a sizable midget submarine project, which in time of war is operated by the Naval operators of the miniature submarines, so do the Pakistani Naval cept that it is in incised flat brass. This may be a plaque piece in-
Special Service Group (U.S. Navy SEAL equivalent.). Currently, the Pakistani Submarine Force consists of 2 Hashmat Class (Agosta), Special Service Groups operate miniature subs in the time of war. stead of a badge. Both were made in Rawalpindi in 1995. There is
Hashmat and Hurmat, 1 more building, and 4 Hangor Class (Daphne), Hangar, Shushuk, Mangro and Ghazi. It also has 3 Cosmos This badge (PAK-3) in bas relief shows the port side of a subma- no accommodation for attachment on the back.
midgets. rine, a vertical sword on the conning tower and the double wreath
closed by a star and crescent. It is made of cast brass and is attached
The Pakistani Submarine badge comes in a brassy gold version for officers (PAK-l) and a silver version for enlisted personnel (PAK-2). with metal loops and pin.
They depict a modern-hulled submarine with a double wreath appliqued around the center. The wreath is topped off by the crescent and
star emblem of Islam. The badge is worn with the bottom of the hull parallel to the top of the left breast pocket, which puts the wreath at Another version of the SSG badge but in bullion thread. (PAK-3b)
a slight angle. Long clutch pin attachment. Bullion versions of the metal badges (PAK-lb, PAK-2b) are pictured below. The shape of the It is essentially the same as the metal version except that the blade
submarine has a square bow and the placing of the Islamic symbol is slightly different. of the upright sword is in silver bullion.

PAK-3b 2.90" X 1.86"

PAK-l 2.60" X LIS" PAK-2 2.60" X LIS"

PAK-3cs 2.88" X 1.75" PAK-3cw 2.88" X 1.75"

Summer uniform version of the SSG badge (PAK-3cs) for enlisted Winter uniform version of the SSG badge (PAK-3cw) for enlisted
personnel. In navy blue thread on white duck backing, it is worn on personnel In red thread on navy blue wool backing, it is worn on
the left sleeve. the left sleeve.
PAK-lb 2.60" X 1.20" PAK-2b 2.60" X 1.20"

76 77
 Peru Poland

Marina De Guerra Marynarita Wojenna

The Peruvian Navy was one of the first small country navies in South America to acquire submarines. In 1913 they had on their lists
2 French-built Laubeuf boats. These were replaced in 1926 by 4 small subs built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut.
These served through WWII and were replaced by 4 Abato (Mackerel) Class (built
by EBC), 1954-57. Following these were 2 ex-U.S. Guppys, La Pedrera and La
Pachocha (lost at sea). The current Submarine Force now lists no Guppys, 2 of the
Abato Class boats, Abato and Dos de Mayo, and 6 Casma (209 Type 1200) Class,
Casma, Antofagasta, Pisagua, Chipana, [slay, and Arica.
Modified National arms of Peru appliqued on the Submariner's badge. Dexter chief
I quarter is in red with a yellow llama, sinister chief quarter is white with a green
'.. cinchona tree, and base is white with a yellow cornucopia, all separated and framed
by thin gold edging.
From 1926 until 1949 the distinctive used by Peruvian submariners were the U.S. Navy "Dolphins" (qv). Gold metal for officers and
cloth, sleeve worn for enlisted men. In 1949 Peru adopted their own design. The Peruvian Submarine Badge (Insignia de Submarinistas
- Armada de Peru) depicts a 1940s (U.S. Mackerel Class) type submarine. Below the conning tower, centered, are the National arms of
Peru with two dolphins as supporters. The arms are in colored enamels. In gold metal for officers (PER-I), and silver for warrants and
enlisted men (PER-2). These badges are of hollow-back construction and have clutch pin attachments.
The Polish Navy was established in 1918 and got her first submarines in 1926-3 French minelayers of the Saphir Class. These were
called the Wilk Class and were used until 1935. 2 boats of the Orzel Class were built in the Netherlands and purchased in 1935. All five
boats were on patrol in the Baltic when Poland surrendered, and 3 were interned in Sweden for the duration. Orzel and Wilk made it to
Britain. Orzel was sunk in 1940 and the Polish Navy in exile got one U.S. "s" Class and 2 British "u" Class, Jastrab, Sokol and Dzik.
These were returned to Great Britain at the end of the war. In 1950, the USSR supplied the Polish Navy with 3 Whiskeys Class subma-
rines which served for a long time. Currently, 3 boats are in commission, I Kilo, Orzel and 2 Foxtrots, Wilk and Dzik.
The Polish Submarine Badge was introduced in 1964. It was designed by Mariusz Ditberner, who also manufactures the cliche version of
the badge. The device at center is a stylized version of the Polish Naval Eagle. A solid version of the badge is manufactured by the Polish
government mint. Both types are worn.
Gold version of the Submarine Badge (POL-I) is worn by those
qualified as Commanding Officers. Screw post attachment. Worn
on the right.
POL-l 2.70" x .76"

Silver version of the Submarine Badge (POL-2) is worn by com-

missioned officers.

POL-2 2.70" x .76"

Copper version of the Submarine Badge (POL-3) is worn by en-

PER-l 2.88" x .95" PER-2 2.88" x .95" listed personnel.
. The Peruvian Submarine Badge (Insignia de Submarinistas - Armada de Peru) in miniature is the same as the full size variety except it
is 2/5 size. The arms are in colored enamels. In gold metal for officers (PER-1m), and silver for warrants and enlisted men (PER-2m).
These badges are also of hollow back construction and have clutch-pin attachments. POL-3 2.70" x .76"

Commemorative pin of the WWII submarine Orzel (Eagle) (POL-

4). Shows the starboard side of the submarine and the Polish Naval
ensign.

PER-1m 1.43" x .48" PER-2m POL-4 1.48" x .45"

78 79
 Portugal
In 1920 the depicted submarine and sailing direction changed. This
badge (POR-3) also has the Portuguese National Arms above the
periscope shears. Manufactured in gold metal, it was worn by all
ranks on the left breast from 1920 to 1925 when the seaman's ver-
sion changed to embroidered cloth.

Portugal

Marinha Portuguesa

POR-3
Very little is known about the early submarine forces of the Marinha Portuguesa. The earliest boat, Espadarte, was commissioned in
1912, so it would appear that it started about then.
Jane's Warships shows that at the end of WWI, the Submarine Force consisted of 4 submarines, 3 Foca Class, Foca, Golfinho and In 1925, the Seaman's Badge changed to colored cloth embroidery. Red on navy blue wool for wear on the winter uniform (POR-4cw)
Hidra, all built by Laurenti-Fiat, La Spezia, Italy (1916-1917), and the old single class boat Espadarte. and blue on white duck for the summer uniform (POR-4cs). Worn on the left sleeve. In 1936 the PO's and Seaman's version of the 1920/
This elderly quartet was replaced in 1935 by 3 single class submarines, Delfim, Espadarte and Golfinho, starting the renaming of 25 badge changed again. The National arms were removed from above the periscope shears. The Officer's Badge retained the arms and
new boats for the old ones they replaced. These boats were manufactured at the Armstrong-Vickers yards. These remained through WWII their badge remained the same until 1960.
and beyond.
In 1948,3 "s" boats were obtained from Great Britain, Narval, Nautilo and Neptuno.

·e-
Currently, the Portuguese Navy operates 3 Albacora Class Submarines, Albacora, Barracuda and Delfim (SSKs). These are all
French Daphne Class submarines modified to Portuguese specifications.

:
•

POR-4cw POR-4cs
Some of the National arms of Portugal appear encircled by a gold wreath, while others are in the style pictured
here. When in color, the armillary in the background is gold, the band around the shield is red with gold
castles, the shield is white with five blue small shields crossed, each with five white circles on them. Current
military versions have a green and red background behind the armillary in the colors of the National flag.
In 1960 the submarine changed again to a more modern design.
Gold and enamel arms with an added wreath were placed above the
Rendering of the original Portuguese Submarine Badge (POR-I) The Seaman's version of the 1915 Submariner's Badge (POR-2). shears on the officer's version (POR-5). Worn on right breast.
issued in 1915. For Officers and POs it is manufactured in gold It is in red thread embroidery. Backing to suit the uniform. Worn on Pinback attachment.
metal. Worn on right breast. left sleeve.

POR-I POR-2 POR-5

80 81
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Portugal
The petty officer's version also changed in 1960. It is the same as the officer's version except for the Portuguese arms above the periscope The last change to the Portuguese Submariner's Badge was made in 1961 when the Arms were appliqued on the conning tower of the
shears. Two versions of the badge exist (POR-6 and POR-6v). Current wisdom places the latter as the earlier version. Worn on the right Officer's version (pOR-8 and POR-8v). Worn on the right breast with a pinback attachment. There is a miniature version of both of these
breast above the pocket or medal bar with a pinback attachment. badges. As in the PO's version, the variant is considered the earlier.

POR-6 2.57" x .97" POR-6v 2.57" x .97" POR-8 2.57" x .97" POR-8v 2.57" x .97"

The Seaman's version also changed to the new design in 1960, red silk embroidery on dark navy for the winter uniform (POR-7cw), navy Bullion versions of both the Officer (POR-8b) and Petty Officer (POR-6b) Submarine Badges. The Petty Officer version is in gold metal
blue silk on white duck for the summer uniform (POR-7cs). These have been seen coming in sets with the bows pointing both ways as to thread, while the officer's has the Portuguese arms in bullion and colored silk.
be worn on both sleeves. There are reports of a sleeker, more modern submarine representation on this badge, but no example is available
at this time. The backgrounds are 4.05" X 2.25".

POR-7cw 2.50" x 1.00" POR-7cs 2.50" x 1.00" POR-8b 2.62" x .90" POR-6b 2.62" x .90"

82 83
 Romania Saudi Arabia
Marina Romana Royal Saudi Naval Forces

The Royal Romanian Navy purchased their first submarine from Italy. Built in 1931 in the Italian occupied Quarnare Yards at Fiume, Saudi Arabia operates Italian miniature submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, and they struck a badge for that military spe-
it wasn't accepted until 1936. Commissioned the Delfinul (Dolphin), it was heavily damaged in World War II, though whether in combat cialty. At present they are in negotiation with Germany among others to obtain coastal submarines. Submarine training is currently being
or by Allied bombing is unknown. 2 more Romanian-constructed boats built to a German design, Rechinul and Marsuinul, were added in done in France and Pakistan.
1943. They remained in service until 1961. In 1957, Romania started to receive the first of 11 submarines from the USSR, probably
Whiskys. Strangely, Romania returned all the submarines in 1962 and was without any until 1986 when it acquired a Kilo from the Soviet
Union. This boat is named Delfinul, the same as the first submarine taken into the fleet.
The Saudi Submarine Badge (SAU-I) is worn on the left breast by
The Royal Romanian Submarine Badge (ROM-I) dates from c 1935 and owes a lot to the Italian badges (qv). About the same size, it is all qualified personnel. It is in solid gilt metal with a clutch pin
in gold, wreathed over the bottom arc, with the legend "SVBMARINE" in the upper arc. The "Plevna Crown" surmounting was made attachment. The badge has two dorado type dolphins supporting a
from iron cannons captured at Plevna and worn by the Hohenzollern rulers of Romania. It measures .87" X 1.42". silver anchor, atop of which are the crossed scimitars and palm tree
arms of Saudi Arabia, three lightning bolts on either upper side,
and topped by the Saudi royal crown.

ROM-I

This rendering taken from a picture graciously sent to the author by Lt. Commander Maitland Thornton, RN (Ret.), is purported to be the
current Romanian Submarine Badge (ROM-2?). It came with a provenance by a British Naval Attache in Bucharest from an officer of the
Marinei Militare stating that this is the current submarine badge. Gold for officers, silver for petty officers and grey metal for seamen.
Worn on the left side of the uniform, it has a screw post attachment.
However, one point worries me. Though not exactly the same as
the Slovakian Army hat badge, it is so close as to be a very slight
variant of it. The shield on the eagle's chest bears the Slovakian
Arms, the three peaks of the Tatra mountains with the Apostolic
Cross at center. The colors are also the Slovakian colors, not the SAU-I 2.93" x 1.74"
Romanian. Romania's arms are a variant of the Hohenzollern arms
on an eagle's chest or the later People's Republic's circular arms
showing forests, mountains, or an oil derrick, all with the rising sun
behind flanked by skeins of wheat tied at the bottom by a Roma-
nian flag with "ROMANIA" across the bottom and a red star on
top.

ROM-2?

84 85
 South Africa
A miniature of the current badge (SAF-2tt) does exist, but it is of
doubtful authorization. It is more likely made as a sweetheart or tie
pin.

South Africa

SAF-2tt .78" x .52"

With the commissioning of South Africa's first submarine, SAS Maria Van Riebeeck, a French designed Daphne class boat in 1970,
the Submarine Flotilla (Duikbootflottiewe) began. Its strength was increased by two sister ships, SAS Johanna Van Der Merwe and SAS
Emily Hobhouse, in 1971. All RSA submarines are named for early heroic women. The first Submarine Badge was issued to Cmdr. (later
Adm.) J.A.C. Weidemann on 16 January, 1970.

The first version of the South African Submariner's Badge

(Duikbootwapen) (SAF-l) was authorized in January 1970. This is
the light, hollow back variant. There is also a heavy, hollow back,
and a solid variant to this badge. From the front side they appear
the same. Worn on the left breast by all qualified personnel until
1974. Has clutch pin attachments.
These two cloth badges (SAF-2wk and SAF-2wkv) are prototype badges for wear on working uniforms and coveralls. At the time of
writing they had not been accepted officially. They are printed on two types of dungaree cloth. This practice is fairly common on other
working versions of South African badges. The background ovals are 3.13" X 2.57".

SAF-l 2.58" x .63"

Though this variant of the Submariner's Badge (Duikbootwapen)

(SAF-lv?) was obtained from inside South Africa, it is definitely
not an authorized version, vigorously pointed out by South African
Naval authorities. Heavy metal with clutch pins. Both badges rep-
resent Daphne Type boats.

SAF-lv? 2.70" x .79"

The current version of the Submariner's Badge (Duikbootwapen) SAF-2wk 2.38" x 1.58" SAF-2wkv 2.38" x 1.58"
(SAF-2) dates from October, 1974. A gold, more detailed version
of the Daphne boat is appliqued over a silver double wreathed tri-
dent. Comes in two parts. Worn by all qualified submariners on the
left breast. Has clutch pin attachments.
SAF-3 2.32" x 1.56"

86 87

Soviet Union/Russia
Imperial Russian Navy
Even a short history of the Soviet/Russian Submarine Services would be too long for inclusion here. There are a great many good
books on this subject. Suffice to say at this writing they had 39 SSGNS, 19 SSGs, 51 SSNs 46 SS & SSANs and 13 SSAs-a total of
168 operative submarines
The Imperial Russian Naval Officer's Submarine Graduation badge
(3HaKeH 3a OKOHQaHHe IIo~Bo~Horo O<l>Hu;epCKHXKJIaCcoB)
is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, of submarine badges. Made
by a St. Petersburg jeweler from sterling silver, this badge dates
from January 26, 1909, to just after the Communist October Revo-
lution in 1917. Worn on the right breast and attached by a screw
and nut arrangement. (RUS-I)
RUS-I 1.63" Dia.
Red Navy
RUS-2 2.66" x .88" RUS-3 2.66" x .88"
The Submarine Commander's Badge (KoMaH~Hp IIo~o~HoH JIO~KH), (RUS-2) on left, is in silver with an enameled red star at the
center. Authorized in 1943, the badge is still current. It is in cliche, and this example was manufactured by Pobeda, Moscow. Notice that
the areas between the periscopes and below the guns are cut out. On the right is the Senior Submarine or Flotilla Commander's Badge,
(RUS-3) cl987. It is the same except in gold metal. This particular badge is not open between the scopes or below the guns and was
manufactured in cliche by the Leningrad Mint. Both are worn on the right breast attached by a screw and nut. Prior to this badge, in
1942, a gilded brass version with a hammer and sickle above the star was issued, but was shortly replaced by this badge.
88
Soviet Union/Russia
This rather interesting variation of the Senior (Flotilla) Submarine
Commander's Badge (RUS-3vx) was made for the wardrobe de-
partment of the movie "The Hunt For Red October". A good copy,
it is in cast gold metal with clutch pin attachments. In the Red
Navy only Senior Commanders wear this badge. In the movie
almost everybody wore this badge.
RUS-3vx 2.66" x .88"
Excellent Submariner's Badge (OTJIHQnhlH IIo~Bo~HHK) (RUS-
4) dates from 1942 and was awarded for exemplary submarine ser-
vice during World War II. It is in reddish gold metal with a gold
hammer and sickle above center on a transparent red enamel base,
bordered by a white enamel circle with the Cyrillic lettering for
Excellent Submariner below a gold submarine. Worn on the right
breast and attached by a screw and nut. This example was manu-
factured by Pobeda, Moscow, and is in heavy cliche.
RUS-4 1.50" x 1.77"
Excellent Topedoman Badge (OTJIH'mhlH TopnH~HcT) (RUS-5)
dates from 1942 and was awarded for exemplary service as a tor-
pedo and mine operator during World War II. It is in reddish gold
metal with a gold hammer and sickle above center on a transparent
red enamel base, bordered by a white enamel circle with the Cyrillic
lettering for Excellent Torpedoman below a gold torpedo and mine.
Worn on the right breast and attached by a screw and nut This ex-
ample was also manufactured by Pobeda, Moscow, and is in heavy
cliche.
RUS-5 1.50" x 1.77"
89
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Soviet Union/Russia

Red Navy/Russian Navy Long Voyage Badge for Submarine Personnel (3a ,UaJlhH"" nOXOA
AJla JIe1.fHOrO COCTBa nOABOAHhIX JIOAOK) (RUS-I0) from 1961.
In some examples, the particular individual's vessel's name was
1000 Dive Distinctive for Submariner Commanders (RUS-6). A hung from the bottom as a pendant. Worn on the right breast.
gold submarine with" 1000" on the ballast tank., behind the Red
Naval ensign in red, white and blue enamel. Screwback and worn
on right.

RUS-6 1.64" x .64" RUS-I0 1.42" x 1.05"

Distinctive for 15 Years of Submarine Service. (RUS-7) A silver Long Voyage Badge for Submarine Personnel (3a ,UaJlhHIH1 nOxOA AJla JIe'lHoro COCTB3
submarine, "15" on the ballast tank, gold leaf below and Red nOABOAHhlX JIOAOK) (RUS-H) replaced the above badge in 1976. There are no known
Naval ensign above and behind in red, white and blue enamel. examples with pendants. Both examples show the Soviet Naval Ensign, and the legend
Screwback and worn on right. "For a Long Voyage" in Cyrillic. Worn on right breast.

RUS-7 1.42" x .64" RUS-H 1.23" x 1.61"

Though unauthorized, this "engine room" Enlisted Submariner's Service Badge, Russian Navy Submarine Forces (RUS-12). It
badge (RUS-8) deserves a place in these pages. A black subma- shows both the Soviet and Russian Naval Ensigns with a Subma-
rine across a rising sun with a green banner and legend below, rine Commander's Badge across center. "Ha naMHTh OCJlY)K6e"
"SUBMARINER", and below that on red, "USSR", both in Cyrillic. means in English "In Memory of Service."
Behind the Red Naval ensign all outlined in copper metal. Pinback.

RUS-12 1.53" x 1.25"

RUS-8 1.91" x 1.53"

The Veteran Submariner's Badge (RUS-9) is one of the first badges Commemorative badge, Northern Submarine Fleet, Russian Navy.
from the new Russian Navy. It distinguishes the veterans from (RUS-B) Shows an anchor chain around the globe with portside
both the Red and Current Navies. A dark silver submarine on a view of a nuclear submarine and the legend reads "Northern Sub-
gold chain-encircled gold and blue globe with a banner across marine Fleet" in Cyrillic.
lower center stating "VETERAN SUBMARINER" in gold Cyrillic
on black. Behind both Russian and Red Naval Ensigns in red,
white and blue enamel. Screwback.
RUS-9 1.52" x 1.55" RUS-13 1.37" x 1.77"

90 9/
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Soviet Union/Russia
Commemorative, 60 years, 4th Submarine Squadron, Polar (RUS-
14). It shows both the Soviet and Russian Naval Ensigns above a
bows-on submarine, and a round badge with two crossed anchors
behind.

Soviet Union and Russian

Submarine Commemorative Badges

Soviet commemorative badges are probably the most plentiful of all the submarine badges extant. Actually, at the time of this
book's publication, there are probably in excess of 1000 of these badges. Some are official and can be worn on the uniform, and some
are not. The subject is so broad as to require a book in itself. Pictured here are just a few examples culled from a much larger group. RUS-14 1.45" x 1.52"
To help the reader in figuring out some they may have, the following words and common abbreviations may be of some help.
Remember that Russian has endings for various cases and declensions, singular and plural, so they may not be exactly the same as those
below.

JIeT Years Another 4th Squadron badge. This shows the starboard side of a
IIo):\Bo):\HuK Submariner submarine with both the Russian Naval Ensign and "4th Squad-
IIo):\Bo):\Hua JIO):\Ka Submarine ron" in Cyrillic. (RUS-15) Nut and post attachment and cliche con-
JIeHuHCKU" KOMCOMOJI Lenin Comsomol (name of a submarine) struction by the Leningrad Mint.
RUS-15 2.42" x .67"
cDIIJI cDJIOTUJIUa IIO):\BO):\HbIX JIO):\OK
Submarine Flotilla

BJIKCM BceCOI03UbIU JIeHuHcKuU KOMMyHuCTUqeBCKU" COIOC MOJIo):\e:lKu Commemorative, Conquest of the Arctic Latitudes. (RUS-16)
All Union Leninist Communist Youth League (Lenin Komsomol) Shows a Soviet Naval Ensign above an appliqued gold submarine
on the globe with "Conquest of the Arctic Latitudes" in Cyrillic.
BBMYilil Bbicmee BoeHHo-MopcKoe YquJIu~e IIo):\Bo):\Horo IIJIaBaHuH
Higher Naval Submariner's College

BBMIIY Bbicmee BoeHHo-MopcKoe IIoJIuTuqecKoe YquJIu~e

Higher Naval Political College

KBBMY KaCUUHCKoe Bbicmee BoeHHo-MopcKoe YquJIu~e

Caspian Higher Naval College

YOilil Yqe6HbIH OTpH):\ IIo):\Bo):\Horo IIJIaBaHua

Submarine Training Center

AIIJI AToMHaH IIo):\Bo):\HaBa JIo):\Ka

Atomic Submarine
RUS-16 1.17" x 2.29"
KCcD KpaCH03HaMeHHbIU CeBepbIu cDJIOT
Holder of the Order of the Red Banner Northern Fleet

This pendant type badge states "Praise to Soviet Submariners".

(RUS-17) It shows the Soviet Naval Ensign above a globe with a
nuclear submarine on a blue-green sea.

RUS-17 1.17" x 2.29"

92 93
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
A commemorative issued to crews that have gone beneath the ice
pack at the North Pole. "Conquest of the Arctic" in Cyrillic is
written across the side tank. (RUS-18)
Soviet Union/Russia
There are a great many Commemorative Badges for various submarines in the Soviet and Russian Navies. These are a few. The two on
the left are for the Submarine Panther, which is a bit confusing as they show both current and Red ensigns, but one gives the dates
1916-1991 (RUS-22) and the other 1912-1922 (RUS-22v). The badge on the right is for the submarine Lenin Komsomol (RUS-23). The
naval ensign is topped by a device with Lenin's head and the abbreviation "BJIKCM", standing for "All Union Leninist Communist
Youth League" (Communist Youth League is shortened to Komsomol in Cyrillic hence the name). The "KC(J)" indicates Holder of the
Order of the Red Banner Northern Fleet.

RUS-18 2.10" x .68"

A new Russian Navy commemorative for the submarine Kursk.

Notice the new Russian Naval Ensign, the city arms of Kursk,
topped by the old Russian Imperial crown in gold and the new
Russian National flags flanking. (RUS-19)

RUS-22 RUS-22v RUS-23

1.17" x 1.01" 1.17" x 1.01" 1.26" x 2.07"

RUS-19 2.10" x .68" Three more Commemorative badges that are vessel specific. The one on the left is the Submarine Shuka, 1941-1945. (RUS-24) The
badge in the middle is First Soviet, 20 Years, 1959-1979. (RUS-25). The one on the right is "CoetvtHeul1", which translates as "Unity"
or "Union", 25 Years. (RUS-26)
This badge has a legend that states Veteran Submariner, 1918-
1978. Shows a silver submarine across a globe with the USSP
showing and encircled by a chain. (RUS-20)

RUS-20 1.56" x 1.60"

Commemorative that states in Cyrillic "Division of Underwater

Boats." Shows basically the Sub Commanders badge (RUS-2) on
an oval globe, enchained on an anchor. (RUS-21)
RUS-24 RUS-25 RUS-26
RUS-21 1.52" x 2.02" 1.18" x 1.25" 1.17" x 1.67" 1.74" x 1.68"

94 95
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World

RUS-27 RUS-28
1.53" x 1.53" 1.50" x 1.72"

Spain

Armada Espanola

RUS-29 RUS-30 Spain's first submarine, Ellctineo, was designed by two marine engineers, Garcia and Monturiol, and was built in Barcelona in
2.62" x 1.26" 1.60" x 1.29" 1859. It was steam powered and had a cannon and an auger to bore holes in enemy ships. It made over 60 dives, but it never was excepted
by the Spanish Navy. Another designed by Peral in 1888 was powered by batteries and had one torpedo tube. It also received little official
recognition and passed undeveloped into history.
The Navy's first working submarine, Isaac Peral, was a Holland design bought from the U.S. in ]916, designated B Type, with 6
improved Band C Types being built in country in the next ]4 years. In the same period Spain operated 3 Fiat Laurenti boats designated
The badges here are all commemoratives of Naval Schools, but for what is not specifically known. (RUS-27 -28 & -29) The Higher A Types.
Naval Submariner's College,. abbreviated in Cyrilic BBMYllll, which stands for Bblcrnee BoeHHo-MopcKoe YquJutu.-e llOABoAHoro During the Civil War, all of these submarines came under Republican control, though the crews were by and large Nationalist. Rather
llJlaBaHua. The one on the lower right (RUS-30) is for The Higher Naval Political College, abbreviated "BBMllY", which stands for unsuccessful, the Republican side lost 5 submarines, while the Nationalist, supported by Germany and Italy who supplied boats and
Bblcrnee BoeHHo-MopcKoe llOJlUTUqeCKOe YquJluu.-elO. crews (see Italy, ITL-6), lost none.
At the end of the Civil War, the Submarine Forces maintained one "B" and two "Cs", along with an improvement named the D Type,
2 of whose construction had been delayed by the hostilities with another completed in 1952.
These were followed by a Balao Class bo.at from the U.S. in 1959 and 4 Guppy lIs between 1972 and] 974. No more diesel electric
boats being available from the U.S., the Spanish Navy obtained Daphne Class technology from France (4 boats built at Cartagena and
renamed the Delfin Class) and 4 Agosta Class (renamed Galerna Class) also built in Spain. These 8 SSK submarines, Delfin, Tonina,
Marsopa and Narval, of the Del fin Class and Galerna, Simco, Mistral and Tramontana, of the Galerna Class constitute Spain's current
Submarine Force.

Issued on the 5th of September, 1919, the first Spanish Royal Navy
Submariner's Badge (Distintivo de Submarinos) (SPN-1) came with
one of two colors in the oval, red for qualified personnel and blue
for those in training. Topped by the crown (Bourbon) of Alfonso
XIII, which was sometimes attached and sometimes separate. Worn
on the right chest by officers and petty officers, on the right sleeve
by seamen, this badge was in use through] 931. Gilt cliche con-
struction and pinback. Embroidered cloth versions exist.

WWII (Great Patriotic War) Naval Commorative, 1941-1945 (RUS-31), with four submarine plaquettes from that period. (a) Type K
(K), (b) Type JI (L), (c) Type M (M) and (d) Type ill (Sha). The main badge is 1.68" X 1.93", The plaquettes are all 2.04" X .76".
SPN-1 3.26" x 1.83"

96 97
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Spain
During the Second Republic, 1931-1939, the Submarine Badge Miniature version of the specialty course badge (SPN-3m). Gilt
(Distintivo de Submarinos) (SPN-2) was the same as under cliche construction with a clip attachment
Alphonso XIII, except that the crown above the periscope shears
was eliminated. Worn on the right breast by officers and petty of-
ficers and on the right sleeve by seamen. Gilt cliche construction
and pin back.

SPN-3m 1.35" x .56"

SPN-2 3.26" x 1.25"

After the Spanish Civil War in 1940, the shape of the Submariner's Badge (Distintivo de Submarinos) changed to a more modern Changed after the accession of Juan Carlos to the Spanish throne in 1975, the Submariner's Badge (Distintivo de Submarinos) had the
submarine and was topped by the Franco regime Regent's Coronet. The oval enamel section became ajewel or stone. coronet changed back to a version of the Bourbon crown of Alfonso XIII. The vents and an addition of a net cutter are different in some
variants. Some versions omit the net cutter and have a slightly larger crown. Some red jeweled badges have red enamel in the crowns.
Worn on right breast by officers and petty officers and on the right sleeve by seamen.

This variety, (SPN·3), with the red jewel at center designates those These two examples of the early Juan Carlos era badges have the cable cutter on the front, but the one on the left, (SPN-6), has a plain
who have passed the specialty course in submarines. Worn in the gold Bourbon crown while the one on the right, (SPN·6vl), has a red enameled crown. Both of these have clutchback fasteners and are
manner of the older badges. Gilt cliche construction and a pinback of cliche construction.
attachment. Cloth and bullion versions exist.

SPN·3 2.60" x .84"

This variety, (SPN-4), with the green jewel at center designates

those who have passed the aptitude test in submarines. Worn in the
manner of the older badges. Gilt cliche construction and a pinback
attachment. Cloth and bullion versions exist.
SPN-6 2.60" x 1.00" SPN·6vl 2.60" x 1.00"

SPN-4 2.60" x .84"

This variety, (SPN-5), with the black stone at center designates those Another variant, (SPN-6v2), that has no cable cutter but has the red
who have served at least two years in a submarine support billet. enamel in the Bourbon crown. It is of cliche construction and at-
Worn in the manner of the older badges. Gilt cliche construction taches with a safety type pin with a bent pin in the crown. All three
and a pinback attachment. Cloth and bullion versions exist. of these badges designate those who have passed the submarine
specialty course. Cloth and bullion versions exist.

SPN-5 2.60" x .84" SPN·6v2 2.60" x 1.03"

98 99
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Spain
The same as the preceding badge but with a green jewel designat- The green jeweled version of the badge, (SPN-IO), is worn by those
ing having passed the submarine aptitude test (SPN-7). It is of cliche who have passed the submarine aptitude exam. Attached by three
construction and attaches with a safety type pin with a bent pin in clutch pins. Cloth and bullion versions exist.
the crown. Cloth and bullion versions exist.

SPN-7 2.60" x 1.03" SPN·IO 2.67" X 1.17"

Also as the preceding badges but with a black stone designating at The black stone normally designates those who have held subma-
least 2 years in a submarine support billet (SPN-8). It is of cliche rine staff or support billets for at least 2 years, but when the badges
construction and attaches with a safety type pin with a bent pin in changed style in 1986 there was no authorization for this badge
the crown. Cloth and bullion versions exist. (SPN-llx). It is completely bogus.

SPN-8 2.60" x 1.03"

Miniature ofthe red jewel version of the Submariner's badge. (SPN- SPN-llx 2.67" x 1.17"
6m) It has a safety type pin and is of cliche construction.

SPN-6m 1.41" x .58"

The current Spanish Submarine badge (Distintivo de Submarinos) authorized in 1986, harks back to the original 1919 version. It is Though they are not official issue items, bullion versions of the two current badges can be bought privately and are worn on the current
smaller and of solid gilt metal construction with a clutch pin fastener. The Juan Carlos version of the Bourbon crown is picked out in red uniform (SPN-9b) and (SPN-IOb)
enamel. It is worn on the right breast for officers and petty officers and on the right sleeve for seamen.

This version of the new style badge has a large red jewel, (SPN-9),
and is worn by those who have passed the submarine specialty
course. Attached by three clutch pins. Cloth and bullion versions
exist.

SPN-9 2.67" x 1.17" SPN-9b 2.67" x 1.41" SPN-IOb 2.67" x 1.41"

100 101
 Sweden
This variant of the bullion Submariner's badge, (SWD-2v?) is prob-
ably a badly researched fake rather than a true variant. The crown
is wrong and there is a bit of extra embroidery at the bottom of the
shield at the base of the trident that doesn't show on the other badges.
It is also smaller. Black background measures 3.51" X 1.38".

Sweden

Marinen

Though the first successful Swedish submarine was constructed in 1883 by T. Norderfelt, the Swedish Navy showed little interest SWD-2v? 3.00" x 1.11"
and it was sold to Greece. The first submarine to be built for the Swedish Navy was the Hajen , built to Lake and Holland specs. in 1904.
This was followed by the purchase of the Fiat-Laurenti type Hvalen from Italy in 1909.5 improved Hajen Class were built 1910-11, and
2 Laurenti type were built in 1914. At the end ofWWI, eight Salen boats were built based on German technology. Little can be found on
construction during WWII, but Jane's lists Draken, Najad, Delfenen and Sjolejonet Classes, as well as UI-9, the German U-3503 raised
after the war. The gold metal version of the Swedish Submarine Badge, (SWd-
Currently, the Swedish Navy operates 13, 12 Undervattensbatar (submarines), all SSKs, 4 Vastergotland Class (ViistergOtland, 2me), dating from 1983 and authorized in 1995. Some are num-
Hiilsingland, Sodermanland, and Ostergotland), 3 Na cken Class ( Niicken, Najad and Neptun), 5 Sjo ormen Class (Sjoormen, Sjobjonen, bered and others are hallmarked SPORRONG. Worn on shirt-sleeve
Sjohunden, SjOlejonet, and Sjohiisten) and one midget, Spiggen, used for ASW training. order.

First design of the Swedish Submarine Badge (SWD-l). It was never

considered for official recognition. Its design history and date is
unknown.

SWD-2me 2.84" x .88"

SWD-l 2.53" x 1.14"

Sweden's current Submarine Badge was first introduced in bullion in 1976 and officially authorized in 1978. A metal version was
introduced in 1983 and finally authorized in 1995. It is for shirt sleeve order. Both badges show two dolphins naiant, tails supporting a
shield with a trident upright, surmounted by the Swedish royal crown. According to official Swedish Naval sources it is worn on the left
breast after six months of service in submarines, but I have seen a picture of an officer taken in 1984 with the badge on the right breast.
It is probably the same as Norway in this respect (qv).

There is no authorization for the miniature version of the Swedish

Bullion version of the Swedish Submarine Badge, (SWN-2) in gold Submarine Badge. (SWD-2mme) It is about 1/3 the size of the regu-
wire, colored thread in the crown on a black wool shaped backing. lar badge This is probably a sweetheart badge or tie pin.
This is the primary dress version badge. Background measures 4.11"
X 1.63".

SWD-2 3.58" x 1.23" SWD-2mme 1.74" x .53"

102 103
 Taiwan

Taiwan

In 1973, the Republic of China (Taiwan) initiated its Submarine Force with two U.S. Guppy types commissioned as Hai Shih class
boats (Hai Shih--ex-Cutlass and Hai Bao--ex Tusk). 2 Dutch Zwaardvis type boats were added in 1987 as Hai Lung class boats (Hai
Lung and Hai Hu). Due to the political machinations of the Peoples's Republic of China, the Taiwanese Navy has had difficulty in TAI-2c 3.12" x .94"
obtaining modern submarines. German 209 type boats were on order for the early 90s and could be in commission by now.

The Republic of China's Submarine Badge (Chyan Harg Shioug lang) was instituted January 27th, 1966. Based on the U.S. badge but
with a Albacore type hull bows on, it displays the Chinese 12 point sun at center. It comes in various forms and metals depending on
manufacturer. The Chinese 12 point star may be photoetched, cloisonne or in relief. They may be stamped or cast in aluminum. Serial
numbers and ideograms are to be found on the backs. No miniature, bullion or cloth versions are officially authorized, but do exist.
Though not authorized, cloth versions do exist and are worn on work clothing. This badge, (TAI-2c), was purchased by the author in
Taipei from a uniform shop. In white thread on royal blue with merrowed edges. No officer's version was found but may exist. The
background is 3.94" X 1.79"

Worn above the left pocket, the officer's Submarine Badge, (TAI-
l), is in gold metal with a photoetched national symbol. Qualifica-
tion for this badge is 5 months on shore training and one year on
board. Attachment is by 2 small screw posts.

This badge appears to be bogus but it probably is a test badge offered to the Chinese crews for consideration at the Submarine Training
Base in the U.S. It is based on the standard U.S. "Dolphins" with the 12 pointed star national symbol of Taiwan over the bow and planes
of the submarine. The national symbol is in cloisonne and the attachments are small screw posts. Gold for officers (TAI-3?) and silver for
enlisted personnel (TAI-4?). The same company produced a test badge for the Venezuelan Navy made the same way. (qv)

TAI-I 2.73" x .79"

Worn above the left pocket, the enlisted Submarine Badge, (TAI-
2), is in silver metal with a photoetched national symbol. Qualifi-
cation for this badge is 3 months on shore training and one year on
board. Attachment is by 2 small screw posts.

TAI-2 2.73" x .79" TAI-3? 2.75" x .80" TAI-4? 2.75" x .80"

104 105
 Thailand Turkey

Turk Deniz Kuvvetleri

Thailand (then Siam) bought four I Class submarines from Mitsubishi Industries, Kobe, Japan, in 1936/37. These stayed in commis-
sion in the Thai Navy until 1955 when they were decommissioned for lack of spare parts. They had been reported in poor repair since
1948. The boats were the Machanu (class leader), Vilun, Blajunbol and Sinsamduar. The present Royal Thai Navy, according to naval
publications, is looking to purchase replacement boats, and appear to be favoring a deal with the Peoples Republic of China for 3 Romeo
Class boats.
The Imperial Siamese Naval Submarine Badge (THA-l) is one of the rarest badges to find. This is a picture of an excellent reproduction.
In copper with pinkish white lotus blossoms. It is unique in that the anchor is freely suspended from the hawse by a small chain and has
its own pin. The main attachment is by safety pin.
In c1886, after Greece bought the unwanted submarine that T. Nordenfelt manufactured for the Swedish Navy. Turkey, sensing that
her traditional enemy had gained a march on her, bought the parts for two Nordenfelt submarines. They constructed one, which they
decided was unsatisfactory and was scrapped, while the other was never constructed. The Turkish Navy eschewed all submarine opera-
tions until 1927 when it bought two Dutch submarines christened Birinci Inonu and Ikinci Inonu. To supplement these, another 2 boats,
one a minelayer, were bought from Italy and named Sakarya and Dumlupinar in 1931. In 1935 a German boat was delivered as the Cur,
followed by 2 more German boats in 1938/39, Yidiray and Saldiray. In 1940 Vickers-Armstrong of Great Britain delivered 3 new boats,
Burak Reis, Murat Reis and Oruf Reis. These brought the Turkish Navy's Submarine Force up to 10 submarines on the eve of WWII
through most of which Turkey remained neutral. These were retired when the U.S. supplied 2 Tang class boats, Hizirreis and Pirireis, 5
Guppy lIAs, Burakreis, Muratreis, Cerbe and Birinci, and 2 Guppy ills, Canakkale and Ikinci. These submarines are all still in service,
along with 8 newer 209 Class German boats, 6 Atalay Class (Type 1200) Atalay, Saldiray, Batiray, Yildiray, Dogonay and Dolunay, and
2 Preveze Class (Type 1400) Prevese and Sakarya, with two building.
Information on Turkish Submarine badges is quite sparse and official help in this area was not at all forthcoming. The following
descriptions and pictures come under the best knowledge available.

THA-l 2.91" x 1.28"

Though sold and touted as the Royal Thai Submarine Badge, (THA-2x), this badge, looking far more purposeful than some of the real
submarine badges in this book, is not. Even though it has been sold from various unimpeachable auction houses and dealers as a subma-
rine badge it is nonetheless the distinctive of the Royal Thai Navy's equivalent of the U.S. Navy's S.E.A.L.s. The shield on the anchor is
in the colors of the Thai flag.

. -' .,. .'

,c~;(;,~j~J~~js,\\'
t~ 'L -.... :::.:" :;.:t:::"~~ (I~-:i .~ ... /)\ -~.- _ ~ ..... 0,; j
The first Turkish Navy Submarine badge (Astsubay Denizalti
Brovesi) (TKY-l) was issued in 1928 and remained authorized until
1935. This is an officer's badge. This shows a great deal of German
influence. This picture is a drawing made from a rather bad photo-
copy. This actual badge is very rare.
THA-2 3.13" x .89" TRY-l

106 107
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
This Turkish Submariner's Badge (TKY-2) was authorized from
1935 until 1956, and then again from 1977 to the present. It still
shows the German influence. It was originally for officers only.
Warrants and Senior Petty Officers are now authorized to wear this
badge.
TKY-2 2.04" x 2.04"
A miniature of the above Submarine badge (TKY-2m). It is cur-
rently authorized but was not on the first issuance of the badge
TKY-2m 1.06" x 1.00"
The 1956-1959 version of the officer's Submarine badge (TKY-3),
a more Turkish design than the pr~ceding ones.
TKY-3 1.65" x 1.31"
108
Turkey
TKY-5 2.21" x 1.96"
TKY-4
Drawing of the Officer's Submarine (TKY-4) badge in use from Turkish Naval Officer's Submarine badge (TKY-5) from 1964-1977.
1959-1964. No actual example could be found and this picture was It is in gold with a black submarine. Pin back attachment.
drawn from a very bad photocopy.
A very questionable bullion version of the above badge (TKY-5b?). Probably made
in Pakistan, it presents the wrong encircling wreath and a tie at the bottom.
Enlisted personnel in the Turkish Submarine Forces do not wear breast badges as the
officers do. The indication of their assignment and qualification is worn on the arm
under their badges of rank or, if no rank, on the sleeve above the elbow. Short serving
enlisted types wear a red rank badge with the submarine color to match, while regular
POs ("lifers") wear gold bullion rank badges (yellow thread embroidery on working
order), with the submarine also of the same material. There is an indication that senior
petty officers and warrants wear the breast badge, but it is unconfirmed.
TKY-5b? 2.06" x 2.51"
The illustration below shows the winter uniform rank and rating
badge for a Coxswain 2nd Class (short serving) Submariner (TKY-
6). Judging by the heading of the submarine it is meant to be worn
on the right arm. At other times rank and qualification badges are
worn on the left sleeve. This badge is on a rectangular Navy wool
backing 3.30" X 4.82", the submarine is 3.00" X .63".
TKY-6
109
 United Kingdom
Worn on the right (?) sleeve of the dark blue winter uniform with Worn on the right (?) sleeve of the white summer uniform with the
the submarine embroidered in red silk.(UK-3) The background submarine embroidered in dark navy silk. (UK-4) The background
measures 3.S9" X 2.41". measures 3:S9" X 2.41".

United Kingdom

Royal Navy

It is natural that the Royal Navy-the world's most powerful navy, composed of the largest battleships and their consorts-treated
the theory of submarine warfare with a great deal of contempt and dismissed the ideas of Holland and Nordenfelt out of hand. It was
France, experimenting with the submarine, that moved the Royal Navy into the submarine business. The first order for a Holland boat
was placed in 1900, and Vickers built 5 more on license. By 1910 more than 50 submarines were on the naval lists. In 1905, improved
diesel powered boats were being built (D and E Class), but not in great numbers.
UK-3 2.S9" x 1.34" UK-4 2.S9" x 1.34"
During WWI, a force of 9 D and E boats were highly successful operating out of Russia against the iron ore ships from Sweden in
conjunction with the Imperial Navy, but the surviving seven were scuttled to keep them from falling into Communist hands during the
revolution. The submarine forces in the Middle East were even more successful against Turkey.
In the two naval conferences after the war, in true English fashion, the British tried to have the submarine banned altogether. Since
no one else had found all their Naval power almost thwarted by the little submarine (Japan, another island nation, would find this out in
a few years), this was ignored. Worn on the right (?) sleeve of the #1 uniform with the submarine
Submarines with long ranges and endurances were concentrated on during the inter-war years, and the RN entered WWII with embroidered in gold bullion wire. (UK-S) The background mea-
around 60 boats. sures 3.S9" X 2.41".
T Class boats were probably the most successful boats during WWII considering their age, as were the U and V Class boats. It should
be noted that the Royal Navy was the leader in Anti Submarine Warfare and even had submarines designed as submarine hunters.
Until the age of the nuclear boats, Britain went the way of the U.S., converting its boats to Guppys. These were followed by the
Porpoise and Oberon Classes, which were successful at home as well as in export. These were the final diesel-electric classes.
Their first SSN Dreadnought was completed in 1963, first SSBN Resolution in 1967. Currently, the Royal Navy operates 2 Vanguard
Class (SSBNs)(two more building), 2 Resolution Class (SSBNs), 7 Trafalgar Class (SSNs)(5 more building) and 5 Swiftsure Class
(SSNs).
Though in at the beginning of submarining, Great Britain quite belatedly recognized the crews with a distinctive badge. Prior to 1958
enlisted submariners could only be recognized by a cap tally with "HM Submarines" and the number (later the name) of the boat on it.
During WWII, for security purposes, the tally showed only "HM Submarines." These are still worn today in conjunction with the brevet.
In 1958, a non-substantive badge for enlisted personnel was issued. Called the "sausage roll" or "sausage on a stick" by sailors, it was
universally disliked, even to the point of refusal to wear it (it was an optional badge). It was dropped in 1964. In 1971 a metal badge was
issued for all ranks based on the Australian Submariner's badge (qv). A small brooch was introduced for the Ladies circa 1989 and has
since been adopted for Mess undress wear by POs, CPOs and Officers.

Cap tally from WWII (UK-I) in gold metal thread on a silk ribbon.
This ribbon is LIS" wide and log enough to circle the band of the
cap. (around 30")
UK-S 2.S9" x 1.34"
UK-l

According to all sources, this badge was considered a non-substantive badge, which by regulation are worn on the right sleeve. This
Current cap tally (UK·2) is on nylon with heavy weave. This one is would seem strange as it shows the submarine sailing to the rear. Probably worn on the left sleeve.
for the Shore Shore Training Facility, HMS Dolphin. UK-2

llO ill
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World
Authorized in 1971, the current badge, (UK-6), consists of a gold
anchor on a dark blue enamel shield, supported by two bottle-nosed
dolphins, a Queen's crown surmounting. It is worn by all ranks on
the left breast above the medal bar.

United States

UK-6 2.39" x .79"

Since the history of the U.S. Submarine Force has been written in far greater detail than there is room in this book to do itjustice,just
the current status will be listed here. 15 Ohio Class (SSBN) (+ 3 building), I Seawolf Class (SSN)(+ I building), 55 Los Angeles Class
Bullion version of the Submariner's brevet. (UK-6bx) This is not
(SSN) (+4 building), 25 Sturgeon Class (SSN), 1 Narwhal (SSN), I Permit Class (SSN), 2 Benjamin Franklin Class, (SSN ex- SSBN), 2
regulation or even worn. It may be a blazer badge, but it isn't worn
Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels, Mystic and Avalon, and 3 Deep Submergence Research Vehicles, Alvin, Turtle and Sea Cliff
by the RN on any uniform.
The United State's Navy's Submarine Badge dates fTom 1923 when Captain Ernest J. King (later Fleet Admiral, Chief of Naval
Operations during World War II) suggested a badge for members of the Submarine Service. He submitted a design showing the shield of
the United States mounted on the beam ends of a submarine with dolphins forward of and abaft the conning tower. The adopted design
was by a Philadelphia jewelry firm that had done work earlier for the navy (see appendix). It was authorized for wear on March 29, 1924,
UK-6bx 2.37" x .84" by Theodore Roosevelt, Acting Secretary of the Navy. First issued in gold metal for officers, worn over the left pocket and in blue or
white cloth for enlisted men, and worn on the right sleeve between the wrist and elbow, this badge has remained relatively the same to this
day.
Miniature version of the badge. (UK-6m) Originally struck as a
Until 1941 the badge could only be worn by qualified personnel on active submariner duty, but from then on, unless revoked, it could
sweetheart badge, it has been adopted for wear with the undress
be worn at all times regardless of duty station. In 1943, enlisted men who were promoted to commissioned or warrant ranks wore the
mess uniforms by officers, CPOs and POs.
enlisted cloth badge above the left pocket until they qualified for the officer's badge. In 1947 all enlisted personnel changed the location
to the left breast. In 1950 a silver metal badge was authorized for enlisted men and a yellow silk cloth version for officers. The quality of
the badges run from pot metal to sterling silver. They can be found in cloth, bullion and even as silk screened iron-ons.
UK-6m 1.63" x .58" Arguably the most difficult badge in the U.S. military services to qualify for, a U.S. Navy Submariner requires six months of
intensive school and a year of on the job training and testing to win his "dolphins", which in this case are of the dorado or mahi-mahi kind,
not a porpoise.
A safety pin type attachment is mistakenly thought to indicate a WWII or earlier manufacture, but these were still in government
stores until the early sixties. This was specified in the contracts with manufacturers for government procurement. Base Exchanges and
Though not officially authorized, this badge (UK-6wk) or like ones
civilian stores bought and sold the more popular, easily attached clutch back versions made by some of the same ma~ufacturers.
without the lettering are worn on the #8s or coveralls.

First authorized design. A fleet boat, bows on, at speed with dorado Another authorized style. (USN-lvl) The dorado are skinnier and
supporters on the opened diving planes. Gold officer's (USN-I) more water below bow, hence the name "deep wave". This type
version dates from 1924. was worn by President Jimmy Carter.

UK-6wk 3.87" x 2.83"

Two examples of Old Comrade Associations distinctives. (UK-7

& 8) Struck for various conventions. The left is 1.05" X 1.05", the
right, .95" X 1.40". Naval crown surmounting.
USN-l 2.76" x .80" USN-lvl 2.76" x .94"
UK-7 UK-8
1/3
1/2
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World United States
This style is the "Yokosuka" or "West Coast" type. (USN-1 v2) If Bullion version of the officer's badge in gold wire. (USN-1 b) This Miniatures of the officer's Submarine badge
not actually authorized, it certainly is accepted and worn by all ranks. badge has been worn from 1924 to the present day. Various quali- (USN-1m & USN-1v1m) for wear on the Mess
Probably made in Japan originally. ties and detailing are to be found. Jacket. There is no mess dress equivalent for EM,
but silver versions are made for sweetheart types.
These measure 1.50" X .45" & 1.50" X .50" re-
spectively.

USN-1v2 2.77" x .80" USN-1b USN-1m USN1v1m

2.75" x .92"

Authorized in 1950, the cloth version of the officer's badge (USN-
Ie) is worn on the navy blue shirt, not on the regular Class A uni-
form. Embroidered on navy blue wool in yellow-orange silk (now
nylon)
Submarine Medical Officer (USN-2) Authorized in 1943 for doctors dealing with submarine medicine. It is the equivalent of Flight
Surgeon in aviation. It requires less rigid qualifications than the regular submarine badge. Normally base personnel during WWII (En-
listed Medical Corpsmen served at sea originally), doctors came on board with the advent of the larger boats and on all of the nuclear
submarines. The gold oak leaf and silver acorn Medical Corps device is nanked by two gold dolphins. The left badge is the original,
which was replaced by th~ right (USN-3), displaying a smaller device in 1952. Not a watch standing officer. There is no enlisted equiva-
lent of this badge.

USN-Ie 2.65" x .87"

Leather name tag with the Submarine Badge embossed in gold.

(USN-H) Also showing the boat's name and number, it is worn on
the naval aviator's G-2 leather jacket or the OD deck jacket. The
officer's rank and name are embossed in gold below the number. USN-2 2.95" x .75" USN-3 2.75" x .65"
The color of the leather background varies from boat to boat. These
are available for other officer's submarine rating badges. No en-
listed equivalent.
Submarine Engineering Officer.. For officers that design and modify submarines. Not worn by the sub's engineer, who is a regular line
USN-ll 4.50" x 3.00" officer and wears the regular submariner's badge, (USN-I), but design officers that have limited submarine qualifications to that end. The
left "E" badge, in gold (USN-4), was authorized in 1950, superseded by the right version (USN-5) in 1952. In the later version the
propeller and surrounding circle are silver, the rest gold.
Two versions of the officer's Submarine badge embroidered on dark navy blue merrowed backgrounds for wear on working uniforms or
coveralls. (USN-1wk & USN-1wkv1)

USN-1wk 3.41" x 1.02" USN-Iwkv1 2.94" x 1.11" USN-4 2.75" x .97" USN-5 2. 1 " .70"

JJ4 JJ5
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World United States
A strange variation of the cloth badge. (USN-7csv2) The subma-
rine is coming from the opposite direction. The reason for this is
unknown. It would appear to be made to be worn on the left sleeve
so that the bow of the boat faced forward. From old ship's stores in
Panama, it is not a manufacturing error or a flipped image. No win-
ter version is available, but probably exists.

USN-5v 2.96" x .74" USN-6 2.77" x .90"

A variant of the Submarine Engineering Officer badge (USN-5v) that has the sections between the prop and circle cut out. It has a pin
attachment. The Submarine Supply Officer badge (USN-6) was authorized in 1964 for those officers dealing in submarine logistics and
supply. It requires a less rigid submarine qualification and the holder is not a full watch standing officer. It consists of two gold dolphins
flanking and supporting the Navy Supply Corps oak leaf device. No enlisted equivalent.

USN-7csv2 2.70" x .85"

Miniature versions of the support officer's badges. On top both old
and new Submarine Medical Officers. (USN-2m & 3m) Lower left,
Submarine Engineering Officer (USN-5m), and at lower right is
the Submarine Supply Officer's Badge. (USN-6m) All approxi-
mately 1.56" X .70"
USN-2m USN3m
From 1943 to 1946 CPOs also wore a gray duck uniform, both with shirt and pants and with a full coat. The badge for this was dark navy
silk thread on gray duck. (USN-8c) This was replaced by the traditional suntans in 1946. This uniform had a tropical worsted version,
with shirt or coat for Class A wear. The badge was dark blue navy silk on tan chino or worsted material (USN-9c). Worn on the left breast
after 1947, these Tropical Worsted versions were phased out in 1950 with the authorization of the metal badge.

USN-5m USN6m
Established in 1924 for enlisted submarine personnel to be worn on
the right sleeve between the wrist and elbow of the square rig uni-
form and chief's reefer jacket. Embroidered in white silk thread on
blue flannel for winter (USN-7cw) and blue silk thread on white
duck for the summer. (USN-7cs) In 1943 a submarine qualified
enlisted man who was commissioned wore the cloth badge above
the left pocket until he met the requirements for the officers' metal
USN-8c 2.69" x .85" USN-9c 2.65" x .85"
badge. Another variation of the enlisted cloth badge (USN-7csvl)
is of a late 40s vintage. There is a winter version, white on navy In 1950, the silver badge for enlisted personnel was authorized to be worn over the left breast pocket. It is the same badge as worn by
blue, of the same badge not illustrated here. In 1947, the position of officers except in color. (USN-7) It can be found in the same variations "Deep Wave" (USN-7vl) and "Yokosuka" (USN-7v2, not shown)
this insignia was moved from the sleeve to the left breast for all There have been no changes to date.
personnel, but was still in cloth.
USN-7cw 2.76" x .84"

': .

USN-7cs 2.50" x .84" USN-7csvl 2.80" x .89" USN-7 2.83" x .83" USN-7vl 2.7" .16"
116 117
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World United States
Chief Petty Officers are allowed to wear bullion on their dress uniforms. They come in silver wire on navy blue for winter wear (USN-7b) Dating from 1943, the Submarine Combat Patrol Badge (USN-lO) in silver was awarded for a wartime submarine combat patrol. A
and silver wire on Tropical Worsted for summer wear. (USN-9b) subsequent patrol was indicated by a gold star. When the scroll was full, silver stars replaced the gold, indicating 5 patrols each. Same for
officers and enlisted men. (USN-10v) is the deep wave version of the badge that is a bit larger. Both are pinback.

USN-7b 2.77" x .94" USN-9b 3.21" X .95" USN-IO 2.22" x .60" USN-lOy 2.26" x .79"

Miniature versions of the Combat Patrol badges. They are made

This version of the Submarine Badge (USN-7wk) is made to go on
the enlisted dungaree shirt. It is fabricated so that it can be simply
ironed on for permanent attachment. There is no officer's version.
USN-10m USN-10vm
USN-7wk 2.69" x .84"
The SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge (USN-11), in silver, was autho-
rized in 1969 for a patrol cycle. The same convention for stars is for
the Combat Patrol Badge. For to all ranks, Officers have a minia-
ture mess version.
with the combat stars already on them. (USN-10v) is 1.00" X .36".
(USN-10vm) is 1.25" X .48". Both have pinback attachment
The Neptune award (USN-12) is the same badge in gold. It is
awarded to the man who has the most SSBN patrols. Instituted in
1979, no stars are needed. There have only been enlisted awardees.
A miniature is authorized.

Two variants of enlisted Submarine Badge for wear on the on board coveralls. Both use grey/silver thread on dark navy blue. Both have
merrowed edges. (USN-7wkvl/USN-7wkv2)

USN-11 2.25" x .83" USN-12 2.25" x .83"

Deep Submergence Badge authorized in 1981 for

qualified people who have spent a year in a deep sub-
mergence billet and have participated in one deep
diving deployment. The gold is for Operators (offic-
ers or enlisted) (USN-13), silver for crewmembers
(USN-14).

USN-7wkvl 3.41" X 1.02" USN-7wkv2 2.94" X 1.11" USN-13 1.37" x .85" USN-14 I. 7" '.8 "

//8 //9
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World United States
Developed by crews of "Trieste II" in 1971, this version of the Deep Submergence Vehicle Badge was never officially approved, but was From the Vietnam era, a subdued metal Submarine Badge (USN-
worn informally. Worn on the left breast. Type I, the two upper badges, are hollow backed, gold for officers, (USN-IS), silver for enlisted, Isd). This one was treated to blacken the bronze, while others are
(USN-16). They have a scroll for stars, I star-crew, 2 stars-operator and 3 Officer in Charge. The two lower badges are solid, not quite as simply painted matte black. They were made for wear on 00 fa-
detailed, and have three stars in place. Gold for Operators, (USN-17), silver for crew (USN-18). tigues or carnies ashore. Cloth versions exist This one was worn by
officers. CPOs and enlisted wore straight matte black.. Versions
exist for Engineering and Medical and Supply officers, but are not
shown.

USN-lsd 2.75" x .80"

Two unusual versi·ons of the U. S. Navy Submarine badge are the ones worn by the now defunct Maryland Naval Militia. In gold for
officers (USN-19) and silver for enlisted personnel (USN-20), they are standard sets of dolphins with Baltimore family arms, the State
Arms of Maryland appliqued on the submarine. It was authorized to be worn by any member of the M. N. M. who had qualified to wear
USN-IS 1.95" x 1.26" USN-16 1.95" x 1.26" the regular badge (The M. N. M. also had Naval Aviator and Observer badges made in the same way). The Maryland Naval Militia was
in existence from 1774 to 1975.

USN-17 1.95" x 1.26" USN-18 1.95" x 1.26" USN-19 2.80" x .76" USN-20 2.80" x .76"

A mess dress miniature (USN-17m/ Designed in the 70s but never officially authorized is the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel Badge. Gold for operators, (USN-21), silver
18m) and even a tie tack version for crewmembers, (USN-22). Cloth versions of this badge exist.
(USN-17ttJI8tt) were made of the
Type II unauthorized Deep Submer-
gence Vehicle badge..92" X .63"
and .68" X .40"
USN-17m/18m USN-17tt/18tt

Two non-standard versions of the officer's Submarine badge. The two color variant (USN-l v3) was widely worn though the late 40s and USN-21 1.50" x .31" USN-22 1.50" x .31"
early 50s. Hydroplanes, boat and bow wave are in silver, dolphins are in gold. The second version (USN-1v4) has radically different
dolphins. It is in gold plated sterling silver, this one is not two color by design by is just worn. There is a sweetheart version of this badge In defiance of the phasing out of the diesel-electric boats for an all-nuclear force, the West Coast diesel boat operators unofficially struck
that has rhinestones in the fish's scales. this badge as an equivalent of the Deterrent Patrol Badge. In both gold, (USN-23) and silver, (USN-24), also in miniature, this badge was
worn with the tacit permission of the diesel boat's captains. There must be a bit of irony here looking at the description of Capt. King's
original design description on the first page of the U.S. section. DBF stands for "Diesel Boats Forever".

USN-1v3 2.75" x .80" USN-lv4 2.66" x .73" USN-23 2.61" x 1.00" USN-24 . II" X 1.00"

/20 /2/
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World United States
This variant is the unauthorized SSN Submarine Badges. In gold (USN-25) and silver (USN-26), they have been worn but were outlawed Though not specifically authorized, belt buckles like the examples below are widely worn by both officers and enlisted men. There are
by the Navy. There is another version, probably made as a test badge by Balfour, which is the same as the Imperial Iranian Submarine also incised versions in gold and silver. (USN-29 & USN-29vl)
Badge (qv), but without the Pahlevi crown added above the sail.

USN-25 2.70" x .91" USN-26 2.70" x .91" USN-29 2.93" x 1.40" USN-29v1 2.93" x 1.40"

Another unauthorized badge is this one that was presented to the Last and not military, this Submariner's badge (USN-30) is worn by the crews that operate
crew of the SSBN Pennsylvania on its commissioning (USN-27). the submarine ride at Disneyland in Orange County, California. It has gold thread embroi-
It is carved out of anthracite coal. dery on dark blue background.

USN-27 2.67" x .96"

USN-30 1.57" x 1.57"

The ultimate in unauthorized badges, this "bush" submariner or

"siren" badge, (USN-28), is the Submarine Service's answer to the
Air Force "bush" pilot badge. It is a standard submarine badge with
a very accommodating lady appliqued at center.

USN-28 2.67" x .78"

/22 /23
 Venezuela Yugoslavia

Marina de Guerra de Venezuela Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes

Modified National arms applique on both examples of the Venezuelan Submarine Badge. The dexter chief
quarter is red with a yellow sheaf of wheat, the sinister chief quarter is yellow with two crossed red, yellow and
blue Venezuelan flags, and the base is a white horse on a blue field all separated and edged in thin gold.
Venezuela acquired its first submarine in 1960, a U.S. Balao Class fleet boat, Carite, followed by 2 more
Guppy II types (one named Picua) in the early 1970s. These were stricken when two German 209 (Type 1300)
Cabalo Class SSKs, Cabalo and Caribe, were acquired in the late 1970s.
The Venezuelan Submarine Badge (Insignia de Submarinistas). It is an original design that closely follows the
U.S. type, but the dolphins are different as well as the sea below and the submarine has a modern sail. Officer's
badges are in gold (VEN-l), warrants and enlisted men in silver (VEN-2). Worn on the left breast. No miniature, cloth or bullion versions
are authorized
The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was organized in 1917 and proclaimed under the auspices of the Congress of Oppressed
Nations on December 4, 1918, with Peter I of Serbia as King and PrinceAlexandr as Regent. Under the provisions of the Armistice, those
warships interned in the Kingdom's ports after the Armistice belonged to the Kingdom. Seven Austro-Hungarian U-Boats were interned
at Cattaro, six at Sebenico and one at Fiume. For some reason all of these were given to Italy or France and none to the Kingdom. The
Kingdom acquired its first two submarines from Vickers. Named Hrabi and Nebolsa, they were erected from surplus parts of submarines
originally ordered by the British Admiralty but never delivered. Delivery was taken in 1927 and would date the badge to that year. The
Kingdom became Yugoslavia in 1929 under Alexandr I (Peter's son), just prior to which another submarine was delivered from France,
named Ostvetnik
The Submarine badge of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (KSCS-l), dates from 1927 to c1929 when the Kingdom
became Yugoslavia. It shows the starboard side of a submarine appliqued on a foul anchor resting on an oval wreath of half oak and half
linden leaves. The anchor is surmounted by the Serbian crown at the upper apex of the wreath and at the base where the stock and flukes
meet, the arms of the Kingdom containing the elements of Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia are appliqued. All in silver metal. This probably
was worn by officers only on the left pocket in the German manner.

VEN-l 2.78" x .84" VEN-2 2.78" x .84"

There are variants of these badges (Ven-ll2) that are the same ex-
cept for a smaller size...2.28" X .75".

This is a senior version of the above badge (VEN-3) that was cre-
ated in 1988 for submarine officers in command positions that have
fulfilled their duties in an outstanding fashion. It has a band of stars
VEN-3 2.78" x 1.10" above the sail.

At first glance, this version of the Venezuelan Submarine Badge (Insignia de Submarinista) would appear bogus, but it was probably run
up as a test badge for the first Venezuelan classes at the U.S. Submarine School in 1960. One will notice that it is simply the U.S. badge
with the Venezulean arms appliqued. To judge by the reverse, it was manufactured by the same company that did the Taiwanese test
badges (qv). Officer's badges (VEN-4?) are in gold, warrants and enlisted men (VEN-5?) in silver.

KSCS-l 2.54" x 1.99"

VEN-4? 2.83" x .95" VEN-5? 2.83" x .95"

/24 /25
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Yugoslavia

Jugoslovenska Ratna Mornarcia In 1970 the officer's badge changed to the following two badges. The gold badge, (YUG-4), indicates over 10 years of submarine service,
while the silver (YUG-5) is less than ten years. This badge has a red enamel star above, the rising sun and rays are in light yellow, the sea
in dark blue and the anchor in black. These badges are all serial numbered on the back. Screw post and large nut attachment. There are
Yugoslavia's Submarine Force came into being at the same time, 1929, as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Three submarines were lapel versions of these badges that are about .5" in diameter
inherited from the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Hrabi, Nebolsa and Ostvetnik (illusions to another boat have been made but
it cannot be traced). These boats served into WWII, only Nebolsa surviving the war, though, in unseaworthy condition. The People's
Republic of Yugoslavia (1945- ) started it's Submarine Force in 1957 with two small in country built subs, now retired. In 1968 the Heroj
class of three boats (SSs) were built, followed in 1978 by two Sava class boats (SSs). Currently only the two Siava class boats are in
service, probably only one operational. Yugoslavia has also built midget types that have found homes in other navies. These are swimmer
delivery vehicles of the Mala class of which 4 are currently on the lists.

Submarine Officer's badge of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (YUG-

1). This very rare badge was issued c1929. The badge is in gold
metal with vitreous red enamel inside the crown and submarine in
silver metal. Double pins used for attachment. Topped by the Serbian
crown, it was probably worn only by officers on the left pocket in
the German manner. Attached with a double vertical open pin ar-
rangement.

YUG-4 1.81" x 1.58" YUG-5 1.81" x 1.58"

YUG-1 2.05" x 1.81"

The Submarine Service was reestablished in 1957 with native built The same badge in gold metal (YUG-3), according to most sources, These are earlier (?) variants of the above badges, (YUG-6) and (YUG-7), showing the wreath in silver on both, with just the submarine
submarines. The Submariner's Badge (YUG-2) in silver metal with is a long service badge for enlisted personnel. The requirements changing color for the two classes. They are also curved to shape the chest and have a small screw post and nut attachment. Except for the
a red enamel star surmounting was issued c 1960 and was for all . seem to vary from 10 years to 25 years of submarine service. This curved body, (YUG-5) and (YUG-7) are essentially the same
ranks who qualified. It became the enlisted crewmember's badge badge is manufactured by IKOM Zagreb. Has screw post and nut
when the officers' badges changed in 1970. Has screw post and nut mounting with anti-rotation pins.
mounting.

YUG-6 1.81" x 1.58" YUG-7 1.81" x 1.58"

YUG-2 2.20" x 1.56" YUG-3 2.20" x 1.56"

126 /27
 Appendix
Transcript of Captain King's original letter:

In reply, address
Commander Sub. Div. 3
u. s. S. Bushnell

Appendix: Care Postmaster. N.Y.City

Submarine Division Three

Submarine Divisions, Atlantic
u. s. S. Bushnell, (Flagship)
Origins of U.S. Submariner's Badge
OF7/SS/FB3/B15New London, Conn.

13 June 1923.

If one requests any data from the Office of Information, Navy Department, concerning the U.S. Navy Submariner's Badge, they will From: Captain E. J. King, U.S.Navy (Commander Submarine Division
send you a nice little packet with, among other things, a concise history of the badge and its heraldric meaning. It states, in part, that the Three)
concept for the badge originated with Captain Earnest J. King, Commanding Officer, Submarine Division 3 (later Fleet Admiral and To Secretary of the Navy (Bureau of Navigation)
Chief of Naval Operations during World War II), in a letter dated June 13, 1923. It also states that Captain King submitted a pen and ink Via Commander Submarine Divisions Atlantic.
drawing of his design along with the letter. Thi design was described as ... a shield moul/ted on the beam ends of a submarine with
dolphins fore and aft ofthe conning tower. A fellow collector and ex-submarine sailor, Lee Lacey of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and mysel f Subject: Distinguishing Badge for Qualified Submariner Personnel.
had a few di cuss ions in letters and over the phone of exactly what this design looked like. We even went so far as to try to duplicate it
from the description. Reference: Submarine Instructions 1919, Chapter 3.
Lee decided to pursue the problem further and gathered letters, orders and submissions from the Navy that bore directly on the
subject. He is preparing an article on the genesis of the Submariner's Badge from the e sources, but has most graciously allowed me to 1. After being associated with submarines for nearly one year, in the
print a tran cript of Captain King's original letter as well as his drawing, along with some other designs that were also submitted but not course of which having traveled some three thousand miles in submarines, and having
chosen. Even the awarded designers, Bailey, Banks and Biddle-a Philadelphia jewelry firm-had more than just the one design. made many dive in the course of nearly twenty-six years' service, I am of the firm
The drawings were taken from copies or copies of copies, and I tried to clean them up as best I could. In any case they are opinion that the qualified submarine personnel is entitled to wear a distinguishing
hi torically-if not always artistically-interesting. badge.

2. It is firmly believed that this recogni ion will help materially in

improving and maintaining the morale of Submarine personnel. It has now become
necessary to detail officers as well as men to submarine service for lack of volun-
teers for duty which involves greater hardships, greater endurance and greater
risks than any other naval duty, in peace as well as war.

3. The purpose of this ·submarine badg • is the same as that of the badge
is the same as that badge worn in the aviation service, namely, to indicate to the
service and to the public that the wearer has qualified for duty which requires
picked men who are carefully trained in work which is of extra-hazardous character.

4. The wearing of the proposed badge should be limited to submarine per-

sonnel that is duly qualified in conformity with he requirements of the Reference
and when such qualified personnel is serving in submarines.

5. The proposed ·submarine badge· should be similar in kind to the avia-

tion badge and worn in a similar manner. A suggested form of badge is a submarine
silhouette with details in low relief and bearing a miniature U.S. shield below the
conning-tower, and with dolphins as ·supports· on either side of the conning-tower,
somewhat as indicated in sketch below:-

(Signature) E. J. King

/28 /29
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Appendix

The above drawing was submitted along with the Captajn King's letter.
The following two designs were submitted by H. L. Macbride on the 26th of June, 1923, an officer (he had submitted his resignation
from the Navy at the time of this proposal) of the submarine U.S.S. S-l, based at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He states in hjs accom-
panying letter ... "The dolphin idea is all right, but 1 think a good, lively, vicious-looking tiger shark would be more apropos, since it is
well known that we submariners are a doughty bunch. The anchor aLone might be prescribedjor basefixture people, tho (sic) the Bureau
might see it differently. A silver shark over a gold sub wouLd look snappy, but it can be goLd. "

This design, among those submitted, is credited to Cmdr. F. R Wheater. It show two
dolphins, naiant, supporting a form of the national shield.

The two following designs (below & page I 32)were submissions from the fleet but the designers are unknown. The first reminiscent
of the one above, has the dolphins, hauriant, with a star added above the shield, the second is a star with rampant sea horse supporters.

The second design (anchor alone) bears a resemblance to the Imperial Russian
Submariner's Badge (qv), already obsolete at this time.

130 131
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Appendix
Here is another variation on the same theme with the anchors larger and no bar below..

The Navy requested that The Bailey, Banks and Biddle Company of Philadelphia, who had previously supplied the Naval Academy
Class rings and the like, to submit designs for the Submariner's Badge. Their final design is the one still worn today (USN-I) but their
earlier submissions are very interesting.

The first, a bows on view of a submarine at speed with a large bow wave, crossed anchor and U.S. shield on a bar is accompanied by
these hand printed comments: ...Wave crests to be bright -- other suifaces to be lined as indicated. Shading on shield indicates slight
curvature.

The same theme continues here but with the addition of what appear to be fish in the design.

The next, a derivative of the above but with scroll work waves, was accompanied by these comments: ...Submarine, Shield, Anchors
and. Base to be lined offor in some other way made darker than the wave scrolls. Wave outlines should be slightly raised, space between
bright.

/32 /33
 Submarine Badges and Insignia of the World Appendix
The drawin wa r turned with another drawing adding a dolphin on the sinister id ith lh 1I0wing hand written comm I1l I
instruction : ... Thi b wand bow wave are splendid. Put dolphin in corresponding po ition ( wing in figure 2. (Figure I. < In
previou illu trali n, i ur 2., the revised drawing).

Two more fanciful designs were included.

Approaching the final design was this offering, wedding the starboard bow of a submarine with the aviator's wings. It is not known whether the person submitting the revision meant adding to the sinister side only, as drawn, or replacing the wing
on both sides as the author has reconstructed below. If so it closely resembles the current U. S. Navy Submarine Badge and of it elf
a very credible design.

...-.. -~~... -::5;:

~ ...
.~
as<
_A.....-- ...
•
~
,JJI •
1'-
",~_,..~,..- "'~'I'

134 /35
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Atlante delle Uniformi, Militari dal 1934 ad Oggi, Elioe Vittorio, Ermano Albertelli Editore, Parma, 1984

Badges and Insignia of the British Armed Forces, A & C Black, London, 1974

Badges and Tokens of the Russian Imperial Navy, 1696-1917, V. D. Dotsenko, A. D. Boynnovich, and V. A. Kuprukhin, Logos, St.
Petersburg, 1993 (in Russian)

Badges of the Soviet Armed Forces, The, 1918-1991, V. A. Borisov, Farn, St. Petersburg, 1994 (in Russian)

Combat Medals of the Third Reich, Christopher Ailsby, Patrick Stephens Ltd. Wellborough, Northhamptonshire, 1987

Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships (/902-1921), Conway Maritime Press, London, 1985

Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships (1947-1982), Part I, The Western Powers, Conway Maritime Press, London, 1983

Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships (1947-1982), Part 2, Warsaw Pact and Non-Aligned Nations, Naval institute Press, Annapolis,
MD,I983

Diario Oficial, 11.808 Num 203, Distintivo del personal de submarinos, 5 Sept 1919, (Spanish Naval Regulations)

Die Bundeswehr und ire Uniformen, Jorg-M. Horman, Podzun-Pallas, Freiberg, 1987

Distintivi e Medaglie della RSI, Fausto Sparachino, Editrice Militare Italiana, Milan, 1988

German Navy in World War II, The, Jak B. Mailman, Showall, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, undated

A Guide to Submarine Insignia, Allen Phillips, Uncopyrighted monograph, Bainbridge Island, WA, 1993

1/ Distintivo Dei Sommergiblisti, A monograph by Amm. Isp (GN) c.a. Gino Galuppuni. date unknown

Imperial Japanese Navy Uniform Regulations, 1934 (Translation by Masao Narita) Imperial Japanese Army & Navy Uniforms and
Equipment (Translation by Masao Narita)

IV-15,012 Titulo V, Del distintivo del Submarinos, 1986 (Spanish Naval Regulations)

Jane's Fighting Ships various volumes from 1945-1996, Jane's Information Group, Alexandria, VA 1995

Jane's Fighting Ships of World War I, Military Press, New York, NY, 1990

Jane's Fighting Ships of World War II, Studio Editions Ltd., London, 1990

RSI, Uniformi Distintivi, Equipaggio e Armi, 1943-45, Guido Rosignoli, Ermanno Alberttelli Editore, Parma,I989

Uniforms & Insignia of the Navies of World War II, Compiled by Naval Intelligence during WWII, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis,
MD,I991

136