Royal Navy Epaulette Mystery??

[DAVID LYON]

My Grandfather Charles BOWN served in the RN during WW2 serving throughout The Med. at various shore bases incl. HMS NILE. His records show that for a period he was 'Special Services' I have a photo of him wearing a battledress jkt. The epaulettes on this jacket shows 2 bars!! His rank at this time was Stoker 1st. class. (Propeller with star on sleeve)
Does anyone suggest what the bars mean?

David.

[daggers]

Disguise? Special Services did many strange things.

[DAVID LYON]

Thanks for the suggestion Daggers. But why have a photo taken?

[daggers]

Since posting earlier, a little tongue in cheek, I came across 'Special Forces' mentioned elsewhere. It said that in one context they were forerunners of Commandos/SAS etc, but in another they could be involved with Q Ships - merchantmen with hidden weaponry.
Years ago I read about WW1 Q ships, where the mock merchantman on being challenged by the enemy, would heave to, appear to panic and send away a boat's crew, before the disguise was dropped, guns revealed and fired at the enemy vessel - usually a U-boat.
Your G-f could have taken the part of the departing 'skipper', badged up for the purpose.
Just an idea!
D
PS I see it was on this forum, so I may have wasted this. Anther theory is that your g-f could have been rescued from a sinking/sunk ship and borrowed clothes.

[DAVID LYON]

Thanks again for your time. The whole Special Services thing has been baffling me for ages now. I do believe he was poss involved with a Combined Services unit. I have a formal photo of him with 2 other RN colleagues, and a Sgt. in Army uniform. On the rear its marked Tripoli 1943. (see my other post titled ALLAKEEFIC FOUR in this same catagory)
David.