These ranks markings were authorised by Order No.4 26 September 1924 Defence Forces Temporary Provisions 1923/24.  Prior to these in 1923/1924 the strips were a Green colour.  As can be seen they were very basic and it was just a red strip sewn onto a backing cloth.  I can remember been told by my father, who joined the defence forces in 1932 and wore these ranks, that in some cases the strip was sewn directly onto the tunic with no backing "but a good NCO would never do a thing like that".  These ranks lasted until 1949 when the next series was authorised.

 Page Updated : Saturday, 29 September 2007