WW1 Naval capbadge or Shipping liner badge, or ????

[Gary J]

Can anybody ID this Naval capbadge ?
It is on a WW1 British Naval Officers deck cap.

The badge is of a very high quality engine turned enamel, with silver wired anchors that have tarnished over the years.

The hat it self came, came from a prominent WW1 British Naval commanders effects.

The Badge has the "White Star" in the middle, (Although I don't believe it comes from the White Star line, unless anybody has proof in this direction.) .... The star is mounted on a red cross, which then is background filled on the engine turned blue section.

Any Help ... most appreciated ..

Gary J.

[Jerry B]

Nice looking cap, but it does not match any RN caps I have seen.

[asterperious]

It is a merchant navy cap - not even close to a RN cap I any way at all. Many Royal Navy Reserve Officers were employees of commercial lines too - so it is not unusual to find something like this turn up in a group of effects. Also, many extended families split between RN and commercial sea service.