08/04/2026
As promised a while ago, starting with the senior service, the badges of the Australian Defence Force and which badge is appropriate to represent service (when getting our products).
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY (RAN)
1901 - 1957 - Tudor Crown
The first official badge of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was authorised in 1949, featuring the Tudor (King’s) Crown atop a left-hand rope surround with a knotted section at its base. In the centre of the badge was a stockless, chain-cabled anchor. Four dots were placed between the words ‘Royal Australian Navy’, with a Federation Star on either side (image 1). This badge is used for service from 1901 through to 1957.
1958-2025 - St Edward's Crown (EIIR Pattern)
The official badge of the RAN was amended in 1957 by substituting the St Edward’s (Queen’s) Crown for the Tudor Crown, and a right-hand rope replaced the left-hand rope. On 16 July 1968, the knotted rope surround was replaced with a plain oval rope, and the four dots that had appeared between the words ‘Royal Australian Navy’ and the Federation Star were removed. In 2002, another slight change was made, adjusting the spacing of the words ‘Royal Australian Navy’ to bring them closer together. The most recent version (image 2) of the St Edward’s Crown badge is used for service from 1957 through to 1 August 2025.
August 2025 - Current - Tudor Crown (CIIIR Pattern)
On 1 August 2025, the latest version (image 3) was released, with the only change featuring a redrawn Tudor (King’s) Crown to reflect the coronation of King Charles III. This badge is now used for all RAN personnel who are currently serving or who have discharged after 1 August 2025.
We are required to use the RAN Badge for your period of service as follows:
• 1901–1957: Tudor Crown
• 1958–2025: St Edward’s (EIIR pattern)
• From August 2025: Tudor Crown (CIIIR pattern)
If service spans over two periods, the later RAN badge is to be used.
For more information and photos please visit https://ironbarkworks.com.au/
