How to Identify a WW2 British Soldier’s Rank: A Comprehensive Guide

World War II documentation can be a treasure trove for family historians and military enthusiasts alike. However, sorting through photographs to identify a soldier's rank can be a daunting task. This guide will help you understand the signs and markers that can indicate a soldier's rank in the British Army of that era.

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where your grandfather appears to have been a private soldier. Below are the steps and observations that can help you determine his rank based on the limited information you have in your photographs.

Observing Uniform and Clothing

No rank insignia are visible in any of the three photographs you have. Your grandfather is depicted wearing an Other Ranks Battledress uniform. This observation is significant because:

The metal fastenings to close the collar of his uniform are clearly visible in the first photograph, indicating the use of Other Ranks Battledress. The collar is not lined with shirt material, another characteristic of Other Ranks uniforms.

The uniform features exposed buttons, which are typical of the simplified battledress issued from 1942. This brings us to the years during which your grandfather served.

Early Years of the War: 1939-1942

In this period, Other Ranks and officers wore different variations of the battledress uniform. By the time the Jewish Brigade was formed in September 1944, Other Ranks were allowed to wear ties for walking out dress. However, your photographs show your grandfather wearing a shirt and tie, which does not necessarily indicate officer status.

Later Years: 1943-1945

In the later two photographs, you see your grandfather wearing the Cap GS, an unpopular piece of headgear. Officers would likely have worn privately purchased peaked Service Caps instead of Cap GS.

Distinguishing Officer Rank from Private Status

The patch on your grandfather's right sleeve is that of the Jewish Brigade. Below the patch, three stripes are visible, which likely indicate his service in the 3rd Battalion The Palestine Regiment. However, the absence of rank insignia may not be of significance:

Quiet Removal of Rank Badges: Your father, a Captain in the Canadian Army, was compelled to remove all rank badges while at the front to avoid becoming a target for German snipers. While specific military protocol for the British Army at the time is not clear, it is highly probable that this was also a common practice. Thus, the absence of rank insignia in the photographs should not automatically imply a lower rank status.

Understanding Rank Markings

Rank can be identified through specific insignia on the uniform. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) can be identified by the stripes on their sleeves:

1 stripe: Lance Corporal 2 stripes: Corporal 3 stripes: Sergeant

Officers display their rank through pips on the epaulettes:

1 pip: Sub-Lieutenant 2 pips: Lieutenant 3 pips: Captain A crown: Major

There are other insignia that denote higher ranks, but pips and stripes are the primary indicators.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented, your grandfather was very likely a private. The lack of rank insignia does not necessarily reduce his rank. Instead, it could be due to wartime protocols for officers to avoid drawing attention to themselves. By familiarizing yourself with the uniform and insignia of the time, you can make a more informed assessment of a soldier's rank in your photographs.