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Unofficial Royal Australian Navy Bridging train collar badge
Unofficial Royal Australian Navy Bridging train collar badge

Unofficial Royal Australian Navy Bridging train collar badge

Date1900
Object number00050464
NameBadge
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 45 x 25 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAn unofficial Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train (RANBT) collar badge - an oxidised bronze upright anchor and chain; the collar badge also doubled up as the cap badge worn typically by horse drivers on their peaked caps. Sometimes it was also worn on the sleeves above rank chevrons. The badge worn on the front of slouch hats was a slightly larger version.HistoryThe Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train (RANBT) was an Australian military unit of World War I, composed of Royal Australian Naval Reservists who served in the Gallipoli Campaign. Despite often serving in close proximity with ANZAC Forces, the RANBT seldom operated in conjunction with them, usually supporting the British IX Corps. The Train was the most decorated RAN Unit of World War I, with more than 20 decorations awarded to its sailors for their work in Gallipoli and Palestine. During its five months of existence, the Train made two amphibious landings (Gallipoli and El Arish,) Lt Commander Bracegirdle was Mentioned in Dispatches three times and awarded the Distinguished Service Order; 16 others were also Mentioned in Dispatches; 25 sailors lost their lives. SignificanceThe Train was the most decorated RAN Unit of World War I, with more than 20 decorations awarded to its sailors for their work in Gallipoli and Palestine.