WW1 RNVR London Division Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Original Portrait Postcard

A wonderful image of a sailor of the RNVR London Division. Signed in ink "With Love Ditch". Postally unused. Ilford photographer. In superb condition.

The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was formed in 1903. At first the ribbons bore 'R.N. /crown over anchor/ V.R.' but in 1909 the name of the division to which the man belonged was included. i.e. 'R.N.V.R./crown over anchor/LONDON.'. Such tallies remained in use until 1939. There were about ten variations of this tally, i.e. 'R.N.V.R./crown over anchor/TYNE.', 'R.N.V.R./crown over anchor/BRISTOL.', etc. and they were produced in both gold wire and gold thread. 'R.N.V.R./crown over anchor/LONDON.' Although these tallies went out of use in 1939 it wasn't until 29th June 1951 (AFO 2196/51) that tallies bearing the name of the divisional drill ship were officially used Credit to BMBF for the information).

D89.1

Code: 61155