Very Scarce WW2 Royal Navy Cloth - RN Ferry Crew

Extremely scarce (hen's teeth spring to mind) original World War Two embroidered yellow on navy blue battledress shoulder title "R.N. / Ferry Crew". In good condition, bright condition, with no moth or damage.

This unit was formed in 1942 by Lieutenant Commander C.D.Barber, R.N., and comprised of men who for various reasons were not in military service. Their role was to deliver small boats of all descriptions: trawlers, barges, launches, and so on to Admiralty bases, Ports, Harbours or repair yards. The Small Boats of Dunkirk may well have been the inspiration behind this unit.


The 1,600 men of the Ferry Crew Service who came from all walks of life, moved over 1,000 boats; some of the volunteers were over 70 years of age and one Engineer undertook more than 50 voyages. Noteworthy voyages included delivering fleet tenders from America to Malta, Norwegian vessels to Iceland and the Faroes and delivering 60 vessels from Falmouth to Malta via Gibraltar.

Code: 57486