SOUTH AFRICA - SADF - Recce Commando Attack Diver breast badge, Basic, 1st pattern

Stamped construction. Two clutch pins to the reverse.

The Army Diver (1 Recce) badge was approved in 1973. The second photo is of the artcard showing the description of the badge. The bronze Army Diver (1 Recce) badge is the Basic type for the Attack Divers (pre 1987).

These regular size Army Diver badges were only issued to S.A. Army Recce Operators. No Navy Divers received these badges, because the objective of the Navy Diver was defensive (rescue/mine clearance) & support (maintenance & repair). The Recces objective was offensive (infiltration/sabotage) & reconnaissance (observation). Initially, this badge was officially proposed as a 1 RECCE DIVER badge, but was amended to ARMY DIVER badge. During the approval of the badge in 1973, only 1 Recce existed. When 2, 4 & 5 Recce Commando`s (later Regiments) were established, their members were also allowed on the course.