Reproduction Rhodesian Army Warrant Officer 1st Class rank badges, as worn by members of the Rhodesian Security Forces from 1965-1980.
The badge itself would have exclusively been worn on field or garrison uniforms, not dress uniforms. It was expected to be sewn just below the right shoulder of the wearer, with it's distinctive white chevrons making for easy identification. Unlike pre-UDI and South African rank chevrons, they were rather small, with a width of only 3 inches.
As the Rhodesian Army retained much of the same rank and section/platoon level organization of the pre-independence Southern Rhodesia and Federation military forces, the rank of Warrant Officer 1st Ckass remained in use The rank denoted a senior most non-commissioned officer, who could be expected to competently command several sections or "sticks" of men or platoon. They would be appointed from the existing roster of Warrant Officer 2nd Class ranks, for specific duties such as formation Sergeant Majors or military installation administrators. As such, Warrant Officers 1st Class typically had additional levels of specialized training in vehicles, signals, weaponry, or other technical skills. Additionally, they would have had to demonstrate exceptional proficiency and professionalism as Sergeants, prior to an appointment to Colour Sergeant or Staff Sergeant. By the time of the declaration of UDI and the outbreak of the Rhodesian Bush War, Warrant Officer 1st Class ranked personnel typically had years of experience, with many having served in British Commonwealth forces during the Second World War, Korea, Malaya and during the Congo Crisis.
Sold in pairs, in case you lose one, get demoted - get promoted, or have two shirts!
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). We ship internationally!
