GREATWAR-L Archives

Archiver > GREATWAR > 2001-02 > 0981090568


From: Iain Kerr <>
Subject: Re: [WW1] Fw: King and Empire Wound Badge
Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2001 05:09:28 +0000
In-Reply-To: <002801c08c9c$571ed880$41ed883e@pbncomputer>


At 22:14 01/02/01 +0000, Julian Thompson wrote:

> Hi I wonder if anyone knows about the silver "wound badge" which
> reads "For King and Empire for Serviced Rendered". I know that it was
> issued to wounded soldiers. Probably for similar reasons as the "on war
> service" badges. That being to stop fingers pointing and the "white
> feather" etc.
>My question is about the number on the back of the badge. I believe this
>identifies the soldier, so it is possible to research whom it belonged to.
>What are the sources of information?
>Are there any books etc? Or is this the dreaded PRO visit? Last question
>doe's this number relate to the soldiers army serial number in anyway?
>I am not new to the group in fact have been following it avidly for 18
>months. Wish I could post more on the group than I do currently. May I
>wish everyone all the best over the coming year.
>Julian Thompson
>

Julian,

The Discharge Badge 1914-18

Sometimes known as the Silver War Badge (SWB), Wound Badge or Services
Rendered Badge, this sterling silver lapel badge was first issued, along
with an official certificate of entitlement, in 1916. It was intended to be
worn in civilian clothes by service personnel who had been honourably
discharged due to wounds or sickness, and it was an offence to do so if not
entitled. Prior to this it had been the practice of some misguided women at
home to present white feathers to apparently able-bodied young men who were
not wearing the King's uniform.

Approximately 1,150,000 badges were issued, several contractors including J
R Gaunt and Son Ltd of Birmingham being involved in the manufacture. Each
one was uniquely numbered on the reverse, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, Royal
Marines and Royal Air Force badges having an RN, MN, RM or RAF prefix
respectively. Other prefixes for Australia and South Africa (A and SA) were
also used.

It is through these serial numbers that details of the recipients may be
researched by checking the Medal Rolls, although only those awarded to the
men and women serving in the British Army can be researched at the Public
Record Office, Kew. The rolls give the recipient's regimental number, rank,
name, unit on discharge, badge number, date of enlistment, date of
discharge, age on discharge, whether sick or wounded, and whether served
overseas. Certain units gave details of the actual wound or sickness. The
medal rolls for the SWB at Kew are in numerical order.

The SWB had an initial issue of around 355,000 between Sep 1916 and March
1918. These have plain numbers on the rear and are of better quality than
subsequent stampings. A second series from March 1918 up to Sep 1918 took
the numbers up to 450,000. A third series from Sep 1918 to Dec 1919 have a
'B' prefix and are numbered from 1 up to 450,000. From Dec 1919 to Jan
1920 about 5,000 were issued, with 'O' prefix. From Jan 1920 to Mar 1922
the series had plain numbers and ran from 450,000 to about 520,000.

After 1 Apr 1918, RAF men were issued with badges prefixed RAF and over
10,000 were issued. The Royal Navy also had a separate series, prefixed
'RN' with at least 43,000 issued.

No, the number on the SWB is not the regimental number. The answers, as so
often, lie in the archives at the PRO.

Yours aye,

Iain Kerr in Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Web Page at: http://home.clara.net/iainkerr/index.htm
RootsWeb Sponsor and Listowner for the WORLDWAR2 Mailing List.

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