The Albanian Navy began operating submarines in 1960. They
originally obtained 4 WHISKEY class submarines from the Soviet Union. The operational status of most of their Navy is questionable and the submarines are likely out of service. Submariners uniforms were reportedly unique. A patch showing the silhouette of a submarine (silver/white on a blue/black background) has been seen and reproduced. Conflicting reports indicate the real version (if there is a real version) has gold vice the silver embroidered thread that is most often seen.
Algeria operates two KILO class submarines. They began submarine operations in 1982 with the acquisition of two ROMEO class submarines. There are no known submarine related insignia.
Argentina has a long history of submarine service. They received their first submarine in 1931 and initially issued two badges in 1933. The officer's badge consisted of a submarine in gold with an enamel oval in the center of the submarine depicting the national colors. A chief petty officer (CPO) badge was a similar submarine in bronze with a center oval (non-enamel) depicting an anchor. Slight variations of the CPO badge have been noted. The officer's badge was modified in 1946 to show two arms holding a victory cap aloft in the center of the enamel oval. The CPO badge was changed in 1969 to silver with an enamel disc like the officer's badge; the badge was made available to all enlisted members. Miniature jewelry pieces have been noted (stick pins, etc.). A submarine support badge was created in 1993. This is a bronze badge with no center enamel disc. A gold on blue officer's cloth patch and silver on blue enlisted cloth patch are presently used on coveralls aboard ship. There is a new badge for long-serving CPO's. It is a smaller badge, rectangular and depicts the gold badge and shield on a dark blue background. See it by clicking below.
The Australian Navy began submarine operations in 1914.
The submariners are believed to have used early British submarine insignia. In 1967, six Oberon class submarines were delivered from Great Britain. The submarine badge used by their Navy was first issued on 17 December 1966. It is similar to the Royal Navy badge (because the British copied the Australians), with twin bottlenose dolphins facing inward. An enamel crown and shield are centered on the badge. In addition to the full sized version, there are mess dress and semi-official miniature lapel pin versions. Cloth versions (yellow or gold metallic thread on a blue background) are also used.
The Austro-Hungarian
Empire operated submarines from 1904 through 1938 when the
German Nazi regime took over their Navy. Operating a submarine force of about 45 units in the Adriatic during World War I (with another 30 under construction), they wore an anchor shaped badge. Officer's badges were matte silver while enlisted badges were a white metal. Date of initial issue is unknown. When absorbed into Hitler's Wermacht, the submariners serving since the first war were allowed to wear their old badges and a reissue of the badges was conducted in 1938 from the original tools. Gold and bimetallic gold and silver versions have been seen. Many copies, restrikes and reissues have been made of this badge since the 1920's. There is also an Austro-Hungarian submarine veterans association badge.
Brazil has operated submarines since well before the
Second World War. Their present force consists of submarines acquired since 1953, including GUPPY, Oberon and Type 209 submarines. Their insignia is a gold submarine silhouette. Several unofficial miniature versions exist (mess dress
sized and smaller). Variations showing different levels of detail have been noted. Thre are also cloth versions (an unofficial bullion version and an embroidered version(s) for coveralls).
The Bulgarian Navy first operated submarines in 1914. They reestablished the fleet in 1953 with 3 MALYUTKA (WHISKEY) Class submarines and presently operate a pair of ROMEOs. Their submarine badge was issued in 1984 to commemorate the 30th. anniversary of their submarine program under communist rule. The badge is gold, shaped like a shield with a submarine profile in the center and a painted background. A red star is centered on the sub and a second red star is in the upper left. A second version lacking the red star in the upper left is also used (reportedly a VIP or visitors pin). Rumor has it that non-red star versions are (or will be) issued for use in hte post-communist era. No collector has seen them yet.
Canada briefly established its submarine service in 1914-1923. The submarine badge was issued in 1961 for all ranks. The initial badge was a single gold dolphin. A miniature silver version of the single dolphin has been seen. There are several embroidered cloth versions of the single dolphin insignia, incuding at least two versions of a blue on white patch, a red on black patch, a gold
on green patch and a sea cadet patch. There are also two sizes of a gold bullion on blue cloth patch that are known. A blue patch with a sub and maple leaf embroidered in white is reportedly from this era also. In 1972 a new metal badge
was issued, double dolphins surrounding a maple leaf (similar in concept to the UK badge). This was done in conjunction with the Canadian Force unification (to note, all services temporarily wore green uniforms), not with the issuance of the maple leaf flag (which was in 1966, not 1972, as previously reported). Unofficial miniatures have been reported. At least three sizes/varieties of embroidered versions and bullion versions of this emblem are available. A yellow on green, gold on red, gold on blue, and gold on black embroidered insignia have been noted. Sea Cadet patches with twin dolpins have been issued in white on dark green. A gold (bullion for pre-1971 and embroidered for 1972 and on) on blue patch with crossed torpedoes under a maple leaf and an assortment of similar patches also exist. These are rating badges for submarine ordinance workers/torpedomen and other submarine ratings.
Chile's first submarine saw action in the war with Spain (1864). Chile established a submarine service in 1913. The submarine badge was issued in about 1918. A history of the Chilean submarine has not been adequately translated. Additional badges apparently have were issued in 1927, 1928, 1929, 1963, 1971, and 1986. The Chilean badge design has centered around a submarine profile. The older version had a submarine profile facing left with wires (gold and silver versions. It was updated with a badge similar to the current design. In 1971 a version with no wires was issued (gold and silver)and then in 1986 the wires were added back (gold and silver). Gold badges are for all submarine personnel. The silver badges are for non-submarine personnel (supply, medical, etc) assigned to submarine squadrons or support roles. Unofficial miniatures of the 1986 and earlier badges have been reported. There are also beret (cap) badges with the sub surrounded by a diadem (wreath and crown) in both a large and small size.
In 1905 Vice Admiral Wei Han attempted to start a submarine service but ran out of money. The People's Republic of China (PRC) established a submarine service in 1953. Reliable information from China is difficult to get, but the only known insignia was a badge issued/awarded to submarine commanding officers or visiting dignitaries. I lean towards the dignitary story since there are Arabic letters on them. One report stated this badge was believed to be used until 1969. At least two slight variations were noted (original and copy?). There are no known present day insignia in use.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has been operating submarines since 1973. Their insignia resembles US dolphins, except the center of the pin holds a bow-on view of a more modern submarine with a blue and white sun on the submarine's bow. They are made in silver and gold for enlisted and officers (as the US insignia is), and cloth embroidered versions on a blue background also exist. The pins are reported in many varieties, including solid back, hollow back (stamped), enamel/cloissone suns, painted suns and decal suns. Miniature versions (mess dress sized) that exist are likely not official.
Colombia established a submarine service in 1974. The exact date the submarine badge was issued is unknown. The pin includes a submarine profile with twin dolphins curved up and facing inward towards a center shield. There is a gold badge for officers and a silver one for enlisted. Mess dress miniatures have been reported, although it is unsure as to whether or not they are official. A different
badge with sharks instead of dolphins is available from a Colombia manufacturer (Metal-Fischer). This badge is for special forces An obsolete version of this also exists (again, gold for officers, silver for enlisted) that is about the same except there is a parachute over the submarine. There are cloth
embroidered versions of at least the regular submarine insignia. In the summer of 1999, it was reported that there are older versions of the badge, one for officers and one for enlisted in gold and silver respectively. The shield is larger and in a contrasting color. A jpg is included to look at below. It was reported that these badges were worn befoer 1977.
Cuba established a submarine service in 1973. There was a recent sighting (4/97) of a Cuban submarine pin at an official South African Naval function. The pin is similar to the Soviet pin for CO's, except the red star in the center was replaced by the Cuban national ensign. As information becomes available, I will update it here.
Denmark established a submarine service in 1909. An unofficial metal submarine badge was issued in 1988 for all ranks. A second version was issued in 1989. The official insignia is gold bullion on dark blue cloth. The insignia is an anchor with dolphins on either side and a crown above
the anchor.
Ecuador established a submarine service in 1977. The insignia is a gold submarine profile with an eagle surrounded by a ribbon (centered on the sub); the sub is situated over a wreath. Two slight variations exist, a single masted and a double masted sub. The date the badge was issued (for all ranks) is not known. Other variations that have small patrol stars (one, two and three stars) also exist. Mess dress have also been obtained by some collectors.
Egypt established a submarine service in 1957. It has been difficult to get documentation on the Egyptian submarine badge. A presentation box from the Egyptian sub squadron commander with three different badges (Commanding Officer?, Officer?, and Enlisted?) has been seen. It has been suggested that the badges are presented individually to each Egyptian submariner. A different badge (gold and silver) have been available commercially (Bichay, Cairo), authenticity unknown.
Estonia received two submarines from Britain in 1936. The Lembit was taken by the Soviet Union in WW-II and sank 21 vessels. It does not appear that a badge was issued.
Finland had a submarine force prior to WW-II but did not have a submarine badge/insignia. There is a small badge (actually a stick pin) for submarine veterans.
The initial French involvement in submarines was in 1863 with the 400 tonne PLONGEUR. Admiral Bourgois and Charles Brun helped France established a submarine service in 1899. A cloth submarine badge was originally issued. Starting in 1936, each boat had an individual pin (gold for officers, silver for enlisted). It is unknown if these pins were worn with the uniform but it is believed that they were not an official part of the uniform. Over 100 boats and 220 badges (some boats issued more than two badges) were issued before 1970. Many of these badges are identified with the words "Sous Marine" (F1). The recent "Amethyst" pin is similar (a plain sub silhouette).
In 1946, an official badge was issued for superior submariners, followed by a badge for elementary submariners in 1961. The basic design is a compass rose with 8 points with a brass submarine across the diameter of it. The 1961 elementary badge is smaller and less complex. The superior version has a vertical sword behind the sub. In 1974, the badges were modified to include a badge for commanding officers (with twin crossed swords behind the sub). The only change in the other badges in 1974 was that superior class badge submarine lacks a "step" in the sail and the elementary badge was modified to look identical to the new superior badge, but lacking a sword. Miniatures exist of the superior badge (both pre-44 and post-1974), but it is believed they are not official. The only known cloth insignia are submarine enlisted rating badges. There is a new support badge, similar to the older badge.
Private German boat builders began constructing submarines in 1891. Germany established a submarine service in 1906 with U-1. A metal submarine badge was issued (for all ranks). The initial
date of this issue is unknown to me. Many copies have been seen. A hollow variation of this badge was possibly manufactured by local German jewelers in the 1920's and 1930's as a replacement pin. Multiple miniatures have also been reported. Miniatures were listed in the Sreinhauer and Luch
catalog. It is unknown if they were authorized.
The German Third Reich dedicated a new submarine badge in 1939. The submarine attack by Captain Gunther Prien and crew of the U47 on the battleship HMS Royal Oak in Scapa
Flow gave Hitler's staff the incentive to issue a new badge with the Nazi swastika for those who had served on a war patrol. The early badges were made from brass or bronze with a gold plate, but over the course of the war the quality degraded, and on many badges the gold worn off. Sterling versions have been observed, never plated. Twenty-nine special gold plated (silver body) war badges for excellent U-Boot commanders were produced by Schwerin of Berlin with 9 small diamonds set into the swastika (another version also has a dozen diamonds along the wreath). In May of 1944, Germany introduced the U-boat clasp (Uboots Frontspange) to further commend U-boot personnel. It was made in bronze and a silver version was introduced in November 1944 for further valor (made by Schwerin). Many copies have been made; the originals are hallmarked with Schwerin Berlin on the back, but so are some
copies. A gold version was collected soon after the war, possibly manufactured in preparation for issue. Seven awards for midget submarines (Kampfabzeichen der Kleinkampf-mittel) were
introduced in November 1944. A bronze clasp showing a sawfish superimposed on a knotted rope was awarded for five actions. Silver color for seven missions, and gilt for ten missions. The lower four awards were cloth. Some of the WW-II German badges were made in France, and variations included the width of the breast of the eagle at the top of the badge, and the direction of the pin (vertical or horizontal). Many copies have modern push pins on the back. Miniature versions (stick pins and mess dress-sized) have been seen. Badges were also issued to superior shipyard workers.
U Boat crews sometimes adopted a symbol for their ship (sawfish, shark, shield, etc.) and often would paint that emblem on the conning tower or wear them on pins on their caps. Here is a sample of five of those (recent reproductions of the original badges).
Osprey Military Elite Series are a British series of books depicting uniforms throught the ages. Book 60 is their U-Boat Crews 1914-45 uniform book. They have a very nice page of cap badges and a table showing what submarines used them. I scanned the picture and list for reference use.
After WW-II the swastika was "verboten," so West Germany issued (in 1957) a "De-Nazified" version of the submarine pin for wear by the active duty submariners who saw action in WW-II. These were the same as the WW-II types, but with the eagle and swastika removed. Replacement badges were created for those personnel authorized the U-boat badge and silver and
bronze combat clasps. At some later time, miniature versions of these badges were generated. A subminiature version of the U-boat badge has been observed (stick pins for lapels). Silver and bronze versions of the U-boat badges have appeared, but have not been documented here yet. Prior to the creation of the
denazified versions, the German sub vet association created an unofficial miniature version of the U-boat badge with an Iron Cross instead of a swastika.
While in existence, East Germany did not have a submarine service. The Federal German
Republic (West Germany) established their submarine service after the war. In the 1970's, a cloth patch and several unofficial handmade metal insignia were produced. The submarine badge was issued in 1987 for all ranks. In 1984, an unofficial (but worn by the crews of the 206 class submarines) insignia was produced, and in 1990 this badge was remanufactured in a slightly simpler form. Unofficial miniatures of the class 206 badge have been reported. There are many varieties of German cloth insignia. A gold bullion insignia (on blue) exists is several slightly different sizes. Some have stars included in the design. There are also emboidered versons, including yellow on blue,yellow on grey, yellow on white (light and heavy cloth), and gold on green. There are also training center versions, emboidered yellow on blue, red on blue, red on white and gold on green.
Greece experimented with submarines from
1885-1901 and established a submarine service in 1909. A series of WW-II campaign awards were issued in the late 1940's for WW-II vets in gold, silver and bronze. It is unknown when the modern badges were issued, but a gold badge for officers
and smaller silver for enlisted exist. After a period of time, junior ratings were removed from submarines, the gold badge became common for both officers and CPO's, and the silver badge
became obsolete (still issued in 1990 for personnel previously authorized to wear them). A smaller gold version exists, possibly an earlier version of the gold badge. Unofficial velcro-backed and non-velcro backed insignia patches also exist.
India established a submarine service in 1969. They have submarines from Russia, Germany and indiginous origin (from German plans). A CHARLIE class SSGN (named INS CHAKRA)
was leased by the Indian Navy from the Soviet Union from 1987-1990. They one day hope to have their own SSN. The date the submarine badge (gold) was issued for both officers/enlisted is unknown. The badge is similar to the US dolphin design, but has the Ashoka symbol (four lions forming a pillar over the chakra (wheel) which is centered between a horse and bull) centered above the dolphins (vice a submarine). Silver variations have been reported available from Nath Co., Delhi, but the embassy of India denies this badge is official. Manufacturing variations of the gold badge have been noted.
Indonesia established a submarine service in 1959 and began taking delivery of 14 Soviet WHISKEY class subs. They replaced the aging design with 2 German Type 209 submarines in 1981. The date and origin of the initial submarine badge is unknown but it appears to be in the 1960's for all ranks. In the 1980's, the badge was for all ranks and was made of a heavy alloy with a hollow back and many slight variations occurred. The badges basically were made in the shipyard or privately as each submariner qualified to wear them. In 1987, a lighter weight version of the badge was issued, as was a mess dress badge. The design is basically a sub (a stylized Whiskey or 209 class) in the center over waves, with two sharks facing inward from either side. Crude etched versions also exist. A cloth insignia (gold on green) exists in at least three varieties. Ten versions of the badge (current and former) are available from Gurita Art Gallery in Surabya, Indonesia. They are a metal and plastics molding company. All castings are solid backed. They reportedly are:
Whiskey type (current) brass casting
209 type (current) larger brass casting
209 type (current) smaller brass casting
209 type (current) brass etched plate version
Mess dress (curent) brass plate
Whiskey Type (former) brass casting
Whiskey Type (former) brass casting
Whiskey Type (former) brass casting
Whiskey Type (former) brass casting
Mess dress (current) brass casting
Iran established a submarine service in 1978. They were purchasing submarines from the USA, but the Ayatollah/revolutionary regime decided to cancel the contract. The submariners being trained in NAVSUBASE, Groton, had received badges for their submarine service modeled after the USA badge, but with a crown vice a fleet boat submarine bow. Four badges are known to exist: full size officer (gold plated sterling), enlisted (sterling), mess dress officer (gold) and mess dress enlisted (sterling). The badges were created by Balfour. Iran has purchased two KILO class
Russian submarines, the first of which arrived in 1993. Badges with a KILO class sub facing right with a red enamel Iranian national emblem in the center are available from Russia where the crews trained. There are gold and silver badges for officers and enlisted. Cruder versions have been noted, possibly restrikes made in Iran.
Israel established a submarine service in 1958. At that same time, silver/pewter submarine badges were issued that are similar to the modern ones. In 1960, the obsolete "submarine crew" badge was issued (no wreath). In 1961, Israel returned to the modern form, a junior badge, and a senior's (veteran) badge. There is a smaller "mess dress" sized version of the junior badge. Smaller senior badges in existance are non-official pieces. The senior submariner badge is given to any crew member been on active service at sea for more than 10 years. All actual badges have a background color. Badges with a red background were given to the crew members of I.N.S Tanin (not the ship presently in service but the former one, an ex-S class ) that were part of the battle of the submarine during the Six Days War in the Egyptian harbour of Alexandria. The captain was Vice-Admiral (Ret.) Avraham (Ivan) Dror, who won the IDF citation of valour for this battle. All the other submariners have a blue background. The miniature is given to trainees at submarine school. Another intresting point is that each original badge is numbered and the holder is written in a special book. All the other badges are not originals but replicas. Undocumented gold versions have been reportedly provided by Acco Products, Tel Aviv.
