Dolphin (badge)

Dolphin (badge). The Dolphin badge is a prestigious qualification badge awarded to submariners in the Royal Navy upon completion of rigorous training and assessment. It signifies a sailor's professional competence and qualification in the demanding environment of submarine warfare. The badge, depicting two dolphins flanking a crown, is worn with pride on the uniform and is a mark of membership in an elite community within the Royal Navy.

History

The origins of the Dolphin badge trace back to the early 20th century, following the expansion of the Royal Navy Submarine Service after World War I. It was formally introduced in the 1920s to provide a distinct identity for qualified submariners, separate from the surface fleet. The badge's establishment coincided with the technological advancements in vessels like the Oberon-class submarine and the increasing strategic importance of submarines during the Cold War. Its design and award criteria have evolved over the decades, reflecting changes in naval warfare, training at establishments like HMS Dolphin and HMS Raleigh, and the introduction of new classes such as the Vanguard-class submarine and Astute-class submarine.

Design and symbolism

The badge features a central crown, specifically the St Edward's Crown, flanked by two leaping dolphins, all crafted in gold wire or metal for officers and silver for ratings. The dolphins are heraldic symbols of swiftness, intelligence, and affinity with the sea, directly referencing the Royal Navy Submarine Service's mascot and the name of its traditional training base, HMS Dolphin. The crown represents service to the monarch and the authority of the Royal Navy. Variations exist for different uniforms, including a cloth version for working dress, maintaining the iconic imagery that distinguishes submariners from other personnel in the British Armed Forces.

Award criteria and recipients

To earn the Dolphin badge, candidates must complete the demanding Submarine Qualification (SMQ) course, which involves intensive theoretical instruction and practical experience aboard an operational submarine. The training, overseen by the Flag Officer Sea Training, assesses proficiency in submarine systems, damage control, warfare operations, and the unique protocols of life underwater. Qualification boards, often involving senior officers from commands like Fleet Headquarters, evaluate each candidate's technical knowledge and operational readiness. Upon successful completion, the badge is formally presented, often by the submarine's Commanding Officer, granting the individual the title of "Qualified Submariner."

Notable recipients

Many distinguished naval figures have worn the Dolphin badge, including Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Zambellas, a former First Sea Lord. Admiral Sir John Woodward, who commanded the Royal Navy task force during the Falklands War, was also a qualified submariner. Commodore Guy Borne, a prominent submarine commander, and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim McClement are among other senior officers who earned the badge. The qualification is a common thread among those who have commanded the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent forces aboard the Vanguard-class submarine.

In popular culture

The Dolphin badge has been depicted in various films and television series about naval life, such as the BBC drama *HMS Brilliant* and the film *The Spy Who Loved Me*, which featured a Royal Navy submarine commander. It is referenced in literature, including autobiographies by former submariners and historical works on the Royal Navy held in institutions like the National Maritime Museum. The badge symbolizes the esprit de corps and clandestine nature of submarine service, often romanticized in media portrayals of the Silent Service.

Category:Royal Navy awards Category:Military badges of the United Kingdom