The Collection

Naval uniforms, insignia, and artifacts from the Royal Navy Section Belge.

About the Collection

Here you will find a part of my collection from the Royal Navy Section Belge. Most of this was given to me by veterans, because they want people to remember these difficult times.

This collection has been organized into groups that show you an overview of ranks, insignia, uniforms and accessories by rank and branch. You'll also see an overview of some of my most recent exhibitions, on which I participated with the Belgian navy.

Contributing to the Collection

The first brick for the collection is already there. It would be great if you could help. Should you have anything that you cannot use anymore, don't hesitate and contact me: johnny.geldhof17@yucom.be

Collection Categories

Officer Insignia

Complete collection of Royal Navy officer rank insignia, including Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant, and Sub-Lieutenant ranks across RN, RNR, and RNVR branches.

Naval Caps & Headwear

Authentic Royal Navy caps and headwear worn by Belgian personnel, including officer caps, ratings caps, and specialized headgear for different branches and roles.

Branch Badges & Emblems

Distinctive badges and emblems representing different naval branches and specializations, including Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) and Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) insignia.

Uniforms & Accessories

Complete naval uniforms and accessories worn by Belgian personnel serving in the Royal Navy, from everyday working dress to ceremonial uniforms.

Ship Memorabilia

Artifacts and memorabilia from specific ships where Belgian personnel served, including ship's crests, photographs, and personal items from naval service.

Documents & Publications

Historical documents, publications, and printed materials related to the Royal Navy Section Belge and Belgian naval service during and after World War II.

Collection Highlights

Rank Structure

The collection includes comprehensive examples of the Royal Navy rank structure as worn by Belgian personnel, from Ordinary Seaman to Commander level.

Branch Distinctions

Clear examples of the differences between Regular Navy (RN), Royal Naval Reserve (RNR), and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) uniforms and insignia.

Personal Stories

Many items come with personal stories and histories from the veterans who served, providing context and human connection to these artifacts.

Preservation

All items are carefully preserved and documented to ensure this important naval heritage is maintained for future generations.