What is this trade patch?

[ROBB]

This one has me stumped ? thanks Rob

[popskipa]

IC = Internal Combustion (engine).

An unofficial WWII trades/skills badge worn by British Army Motorcyclists, Despatch Riders and other (Internal Combustion engine) Vehicle Drivers.

Enjoy the hobby, Keith

[Seigfried]

Lt. Cdr Talbot-Booth describes them in his 1942 guide book as a 'proficiency badge'. I am not convinced that a British soldier would get away with wearing 'unofficial' badges by his RSM.

[ROBB]

Thank you chaps , its on ebay attached to this . Rob

[Seigfried]

Further to my earlier answer these badges are discussed in detail on p68-69 of 'British Army Uniforms & Insignia of World War Two' by Brian L. Davis.

They ARE described as semi-official but are original and period photos exist of them being worn nevertheless.

[peter monahan]

'Semi-official' suggests to me that some units wore them with the permission/connivance of their COs while other units stuck striclty to the dress regulations, during a period when these, having been designed and manufactured, were readily available but not [yet] offcially accpeted. Not exactly a rare phenomenon, as individual soldiers and units ALWAYS wanted to wear alternate or extra marks of disticntion to... well, distinguish them from 'those other chaps'.