Photographs of British soldiers during the Great War, often show medal ribbons being worn. One such ribbon appears frequently in late war photographs – The 1914 Star. The 1914 Star was a war medal, awarded to British troops who had served in France and Belgium during the early months of the war in 1914. TheContinue reading “The 1914 Star and Ribbon”
Tag Archives: Insignia
Great War Wolseley Helmet of the Denbighshire Hussars
The ‘Wolseley’ pattern helmet (its official designation being – Helmet, Universal, Khaki) was the standard issue headwear for British troops in hot climates during the Great War. It had become the standard issue sun helmet in the British Army from May 1904, replacing the previous Colonial / Foreign Service pattern. The Wolseley is instantly recognisableContinue reading “Great War Wolseley Helmet of the Denbighshire Hussars”
Good Conduct Chevrons
In a continuation of posts regarding badges and insignia worn by the British Army in the Great War, this post will concentrate on Good Conduct Chevrons (also referred to as badges or stripes). Inverted chevrons on the left cuff are often seen being worn by British soldiers during the Great War period. These were awardedContinue reading “Good Conduct Chevrons”
Service Dress Jacket in Canadian Service
The Service Dress jacket is iconic of the uniform that the British soldier fought the First World War in. As such, they now are highly prized amongst collectors and although not particularly scare, command premium prices. This particular jacket is a standard British wartime example, issued to a Canadian soldier, David Douglas Trotter. First introducedContinue reading “Service Dress Jacket in Canadian Service”
The Silver War Badge
During the Great War, all men of suitable age in Britain were expected to ‘do their bit’. Stories of non-uniformed men being handed white feathers and branded cowards are well-known. To prevent such occurrences, badges were handed out to munitions workers and those on war work to show that they were contributing despite not beingContinue reading “The Silver War Badge”
Wound Stripes
A common question when looking at WW1 British photographs is “what is that stripe/bar on the lower left arm?” These vertical bars are known as Wound Stripes, and were awarded to those wounded during the Great War. The Wound Stripes were first approved under Army Order 249 of 1916, published on the 6th July 1916.Continue reading “Wound Stripes”
Overseas Service Chevrons
A question I’m often asked when identifying WW1 British photographs, is “what are those stripes on the lower right arm?” These small badges are known as Overseas Service Chevrons, and were worn with the apex pointing upwards. Simply put, they were awarded for each year’s service overseas during the Great War. The chevrons were firstContinue reading “Overseas Service Chevrons”
Distinguishing Marks of The Great War – Signallers of the British Army, an illustrated guide.
The evolution of distinguishing marks and armbands worn by Signallers during the Great War.
Steel Helmets of The Great War – South African Infantry
With the introduction of the steel helmet in 1915, it wasn’t long before British, and it’s then Empire, troops began to embellish them with unit signs. These ‘distinguishing marks’ as they were known were intended to identify the unit of the wearer. Some markings were as simple as a cap badge soldered to the frontContinue reading “Steel Helmets of The Great War – South African Infantry”
Sneak Preview! – Upcoming Publication on “The Distinguishing Marks of The Somme 1916”
For several years now, I have had an increasing interest in the distinguishing marks adopted by the British Army during the Great War. These include the cloth badges worn on uniforms, those painted on helmets and vehicles’ signboards as well as the Divisional and other Formation Signs. The subject is absolutely fascinating, and up untilContinue reading “Sneak Preview! – Upcoming Publication on “The Distinguishing Marks of The Somme 1916””
Metcalfe Military History 