Dad's Stoker Mechanic trade badge is prominent so this must be an early in the war picture. Dad later wore the engine room artificer badge.
Trade badges were worn by all ranks from Ordinary Seaman to Chief Petty Officer 1st class. For men below the rank of Chief Petty Officer 2nd class they were worn on the right sleeve mid way between the elbow and the shoulder. Chief Petty Officers wore their trade badges on the points of the collar, one on each side. These badges were identical to those worn by the Petty Officers and