Italy established a submarine service somewhere between 1889 and 1896. The history of Italy's submarine badge is very complex. Italian military personnel purchased their badges from
private vendors so many versions exist. Additionally, during part of WW-II, part of Italy had surrendered while Mussolini (RSI) had control of northern Italy, and both were issuing similar
awards. The northern sailors removed the crown of their awards which were associated with the monarchy. After the war many governments followed each other in quick succession, often
with variations on their awards. Many experts argue over the actual issue dates. I am not an expert but will try to provide examples of known awards.
It appears the original metal badge was issued in 1918 for Petty Officers and enlisted only for the appointment duration. At some point the badge lost the crown, or perhaps some
variations did not have a crown. Many versions, restrikes and copies have occurred over the years, including handmade, solid fill, versions with blue enamel fill (available in the early 1950's),
and lightweight chrome plate (modern and possibly WW-II issue).
Italy issued various badges before WW-II. One of the nicest was the Spanish Civil War award: "Distintivo del Sommergibilisti Legionari", a sub with 2 guns on crossed halberd,
crossbow, and matchlock musket. The fiction behind this badge was that these Italian submariners (and their subs) were all volunteers in the Spanish Foreign Legion. This thin
subterfuge was used to circumvent the League of Nations Non-belligerency Resolution in regard to the Spanish Civil War.
The Italian Navy Submarine Honor badge was instituted in 1941 to award submarine personnel for special service. These badges were granted for life to those who accomplished
four years of duty (minimum of 3 month war time, war time counts 4:1) or five years of peace time duty. These badges existed with the Royal crown. Italian submariners which became
members of the RSI probably would have removed their crown. Badges issued for the same purpose after the war may have a Mural crown (representing the Republic which was voted in
1946). Copies and restrikes have been reported. Many miniatures, official and otherwise have been reported.
During the war, a series of WW-II combat awards were instituted 11 July 1943, and the submarine award was a basking shark riding a torpedo overlaying a soft rope diamond and
anchor. Three awards were given: bronze for 18 months assigned-1000 hrs underway/1 engagement; silver for 30 months/3000 hrs/3 engagements; and gold 48 months/5000 hrs/6 engagements. After the initial surrender of Italy, the sailors remaining in the south retained the crowns, while the RSI authorized the awarding of the badge without the Royal crown. It is unknown if the combat awards authorized by the RSI were ever issued. This award was possibly reissued in the early 1950's minus the crown. However, the original dies with crown
are still available and restrikes and copies do occur. The Italian Navy also had midget submarines that conducted combat missions in WW-II, and perhaps there were some associated badges.
In the 1970's or 80's, a senior officer badge is reported with a reversed swordfish and slightly larger than the enlisted badge. In the 1980's, an officer badge is reported of a smaller size, no crown. Miniatures and lapel pins of this badge are reported. In the 1990's, a badge with a short/flat crown was instituted, the 3 cm version for 5 or more years of service in submarines and the 1.5 cm version for less than 5 years service. The large silver pin pictured is the enlisted badge, worn on the left sleeve. There is also a gold version of this large badge, possibly for submarine veterans.
Japan established a submarine service in 1902. The first submarine badge was issued in 1930. The original badge was a brown enamel cherry blossom with a silver submarine overlaid.
These were loaned to personnel completing enlisted submarine school. There was no badge for officers. Wearing the device was prohibited in 1940 for counter-intelligence reasons, and in
1942 the device was abolished. It is believed that many of the original badges were recycled for the war effort. Copies of this badge have been reported.
After WW-II, the submarine badges (initial date unknown) looked similar to US badges with the cherry blossom positioned between the two dolphins. A badge was issued for
both officers (gold) and enlisted (silver). At some later date these badges became shorter. Miniatures (unofficial?) of the officer and enlisted badge have been reported.
North Korea established a submarine service in 1973. A militaria dealer recently reported a North Korean exchange student sold him 3 North Korean submarine pins which he sold rather quickly (I did not hear of it until afterwards but will try to locate the collector and get real photos). They are described as 2 inches high, poorly made out of dark brass material, screw-backed with a raised sub design on it. On top in Korean is "Submarine Forces of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea" and on bottom was the number 1, 2 or 3. When more is learned of these, I will post it here. Since there are no known insignia worn on their uniforms, these may be badges representing a submarine base or other honorary function.
South
Korea established a submarine service in 1992, with badges for officers (gold) and enlisted (silver). There are two versions of each in existance, one earlier version with a sub and yin-yang symbol centered between two dolphins facing inward and a later version with dolphins facing outward with a centered German style sub over them sub (bow on). Cloth versions of the
old style have been obtained and there are cloth versions of the new style as well.
Latvia established a submarine service in 1927 with two
submarines, the RONIS and SPINDOLA. A badge was not issued, although flat-cap hat bands had the sub names or "Submarine Division" written on them.
Libya established a submarine service in 1976. Little is known and the badge appears to be a simple cloth bullion badge. A metal version has apparently been reported recently but not seen by collectors.
The Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT) also serves under a NATO hat as Commander Submarines, Allied Command Atlantic (COMSUBACLANT). In this capacity he serves as the advisor on submarine operations to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) and directs NATO submarine operations through his subordinate operational
commanders, Commander Submarines Eastern Atlantic (COMSUBEASTLANT) in Northwood, England and Commander Submarines Western Atlantic (COMSUBWESTLANT) in Norfolk, Virginia. Selected billets on the COMSUBLANT staff in Norfolk, Virginia are "double-hatted" with concurrent assignments to the NATO COMSUBACLANT staff. To identify these SUBACLANT personnel, SACLANT authorized a distinctive SUBACLANT badge to be worn with the uniform on 20 July 1979. The SUBACLANT badge was designed by CDR Richard K. Young, USN, Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans to COMSUBLANT and COMSUBACLANT. Description: Blue field, edged in gold. In the center, crossed Whitehead steam torpedoes surmounted with the Trident of Neptune and a World War I vintage submarine, all in gold. A banner across the Trident staff in gold with the letters SUBACLANT. Rationale: The design deliberately parallels the SACLANT crest but remains distinctively submarine. The Neptune's Trident symbolizes sea power. The Whitehead steam torpedoes are the first weapons system which made the submarine a practical weapon of war. The older submarine stresses the submarine heritage of all NATO nations without danger of becoming outdated or being too specific.The badge is not commercially available as far as I know, but is issued to
personnel serving in designated COMSUBACLANT billets as noted above. The U.S. Navy Museum, Washington Navy Yard, has one on display.
Netherlands established a submarine service in 1906. A common badge was issued for all ranks, the date issued is unknown. Miniatures were initially unauthorized but
recently reports state that these smaller pins are worn during the first 6 months of duty. There are also bullion versions reported with both black and blue cloth.
Norway established a submarine service in 1909. The gold insignia was
introduced in 1958. The bronze insignia and full size and miniature gold bullion insignias were introduced in 1959. The insignia is two mythical dolphins facing inward towards a crown, all over a submarine facing to the left. The design of the
insignias have remained unchanged since, with the exception of the bullion insignias which were changed in 1996. They have now been changed back to their original design (see below). Until around 1980, the gold insignia was made of gold plated silver. The "silver badge" is identified by a different pin on the back, the 830S silver stamping and the hallmark of the goldsmith who made them. This insignia is now very hard to obtain.
Both insignias are worn by all ranks. The gold insignia can be called "superior," while the bronze is "elementary." You have to complete training in your job on board to obtain the insignias. At first you had to have two years of submarine service in order to obtain the gold insignia, and one year to obtain the bronze insignia. This was changed to one year for gold and 6 months for bronze in the 60īs. In 1988 the rules were changed again.
To qualify to wear the insignias you also have to pass both theoretical and practical tests to show that you know your ship and your job. The new bullion version created in 1996 was not properly submitted for approval by the Commander of the Naval Material Command and has already been removed from use. There are also unofficial baked enamel badges (gold insignia on a black background) in full and lapel/tie tack sizes.
Pakistan established a submarine service in 1964.
The date the submarine badge was issued is unknown. There is an officer's badge (gold) and enlisted badge (silver) that otherwise look alike. There are several minor variations. A separate commando or midget submarine badge and cloth insignia exist. Variations also exist in these insignia.
Peru established a submarine service in 1912. The date the submarine badge was issued is unknown. There is an officers (gold) and enlisted (silver) badge with minor variations. Miniatures have
been reported of both officer and enlisted badges.
Poland established a submarine service in 1929. The date the submarine badge was issued is unknown. During communist rule, there were three badges: Commanding Officer (gold
plated), officer (silver/pewter), and seamen (copper/bronze). Two versions of each exist, a coarse/hand made variation and a fine machine stamped variation. After socialist rule in 1989, the badges were similar, CO (golden), officer (silver/chrome), and seamen (brown) made from a pewter cast mold and electroplated.
Portugal experimented with submarines from 1892-1909 and established a submarine service in 1910. A cloth submarine badge was first issued in 1915. The metal badge was issued in 1961 for officers (gold badge with national emblem), and senior ratings (plain metal badge). Two (unofficial?) miniatures have been reported. Bullion versions of the officer and senior ratings badges exist. Cloth embroidered patches (red on black and blue on white) also exist.
Romania established a submarine service in 1915 but the ships were never delivered due to WW-I; the first subs were received in 1930. The date the submarine badge was first issued is
unknown. During WW-II, a badge was issued similar to the Italian badge, swordfish in the middle, crown at the top, and oak leaves at the base. After the war badges were issued for officers (gold), petty officers (silver), and enlisted (grey) that have an eagle with a crest over crossed swords. Copies and restrikes are known. A new badge has been obtained. While reports are conflicting, this appears to be the new badge for the crews assigned to Romania's lone KILO-class sub.
Russia experimented with midget military subs from 1865-1880 and formally established a submarine service in 1903. The date of the initial submarine badge for Commanding Officers was Jan 26, 1909. It was a
large silver badge. Originals should be stamped with an 84 on back with other identifiers. Copies have been reported.
The USSR established a submarine service in 1928. The silver submarine badge was issued for commanding officers (date unknown). A gold version for squadron commanders was also issued. Copies of these badges exist. Official badges should have screw backs with good detail on the pin. Clasp and pin backed versions are unofficial copies. Unofficial miniatures have also been reported. Various WW-II commemorative badges have been reported. Over 400 submarine awards and
commemorative badges and patches have been reported, but documentation is still difficult to get due to numbers and the semi-offical nature of the items. Modern (post 1991) Russian badges have recently been reported. Versions of the old silver and gold badges now exist without the red stars. One dealer reported there is a junior enlisted submarine service badge now which is an OSCAR I (Granit) or OSCAR II (Anyey) submarine in black, facing left, with gold outlines around the features on the sub. There is also a silver TYPHOON silhouette reported by another dealer to be an official non-communist insignia. What is true remains to be seen. Other semi-offical badges (such as squadron commemoratives and anniversary badges) are also being issued.
Singapore has purchased a Sjoorman (Sea Serpent) Class diesel submarine from Sweden last year and are training their initial sub force in Scandinavian waters. They are working on a submarine insignia.
South Africa established a submarine
service in 1970. The original gold submarine badge was issued in 1970 for all ranks. The original badge was a simple submarine
outline in three manufacture variations, thin stamped, thick stamped and thick cast (no difference from the front). In 1974, the badge was modified to include a wreath around the sub. In 1988, an unofficial miniature was produced, all grey. There are also cloth insignia with a gold emblem on a light shirt material and on denim.
Spain experimented with subs from 1888-1909 and established a sub service in 1916. The submarine insignia was a tall badge with a separate crown piece issued in 1917, red stone (or enamel) for all ranks, blue for students. During the 1930's, Spain was split by a civil war. In the Second Republic (1932?), the crown
symbol was abolished. The badge was again modified in 1936 (Republic w/o crown, Fascist with). After the civil war (1940?), the badge was modified to a smaller version by Franco with two guns and a "Imperial" crown, short and flat, a red stone for officers, black for support (supply, etc.), and green for enlisted. The 1947 Spanish Navy Uniform regulations note the same. There is a miniature version of this badge, but it was obviously made at a later date (circa 1990). There are bullion versions of the regular and miniature versions of this era's badges. The badge was modified once again after Franco's death
(1976, 1977?) to a rounder "royal" crown. Miniatures of the red stone versions were for officer dinner jacket. In 1985 or 86 the badge was once again modified, this time with just one deck gun, the red stone version for officers and for enlisted personnel a green jewel. The post 1985 "black stone" was abolished. There are also bullion versions of the green and red stone badges.
Sweden established a submarine service in 1904 when their Navy's first submarine, the HAJEN, was launched. Sweden has operated 25 different classes of submarines since 1904 and has designed and built 20 of those 25 classes. They offer submarines for export. Approximately 60 unofficial submarine badges were issued in 1956. Another metal badge was later issued (initially an unofficial badge; the badge wasmodified and is now official). The initial date of issue is unknown. Some of the badges are serialized on the back while some are not. The pin is issued six months after a new officer has successfully completed his qualificaton/education in submarines. There is also a miniature metal and bullion version of this insignia.
Siam established a submarine
service in 1910. However, it was difficult to afford the submarines (LtJg Prince Krom Khun Songkhla Nakarin in charge) and in 1935 they let a contract with Mitsubishi Japanese Shipbuilding. The new Thai submarines had Japanese advisors on board before WW-II and operated from 1938 until 1951. The submarine badge was created for each Siam crew member individually. A copper/bronze badge with a submarine profile, a wreath containing pink painted flowers and an anchor dangling by a chain (with a separate pin on back) has been photographed and recently reproduced. A Thai scuba badge has been denied as ever being a submarine badge, but resembles one and may be related to submarine service. There is also a cloth embroidered version of this badge.
Turkey experimented with two submarines from 1886-1909. Although they were not fully operational, one of them (the ABDULHAMIT) was the first submarine in the world to conduct a submerged exercise torpedo firing. In 1915, Turkey operated a submarine captured during WW-I, and eventually established a submarine service in 1926. The date the submarine badge was issued was 9/24/26; it was a solid wreath with a sub in the center. This badge was for Officers and high Petty Officers. In 1935, the crews wore only a cloth insignia. From 1956-1959, a metal badge for enlisted men was produced
with sub facing left on a rope circle topped by a star and crescent moon. It was modified in 1959-1964. From 1964-1977, the sub insignia produced was a wreath around the sub facing left and topped by a star and crescent moon for officers and a rope wreath ("bow tie") version (for petty officers) was produced with a sub overlay. Finally, in 1978, the previous officer's badges were produced for all ranks. The larger badge is for winter blue
and small badge for short sleeve summer whites. Subminiature versions of the 1977 badge are available (unofficial). The badge is worn below the shirt pocket, just above the waist. In 1996 the small badge was resized (it was made bigger) and was also produced using different metals. The previous small badge is unofficial now.
