The WW1 Silver War Badge (forum archive)

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Posted by plbramham » Sun Dec 09, 2012 4:18 pm

plbramham General Global moderator Posts: 1369

===The WW1 Silver War Badge=== Usually known as Silver Wound Badge, but this is not really accurate as it was also issued to service personnel discharged through sickness (Remember WW1 was the first war ever when the number of wounded casualties exceeded those lost to disease or sickness). It was also called the Discharge Badge, Wound Badge or Services Rendered Badge, and was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement. The number on the back of the badge is that particular badge’s number not the serial number of the recipient. Lists of recipients and badge numbers do exist – see below. The award of a Silver Wound Badges is (usually) indicated on the soldier’s medal index card by “SWB” followed by the badge roll list reference number. The sterling silver lapel badge was worn on civilian clothes, it was forbidden to wear it on a uniform. No doubt it helped prevent the wearers receiving “white feathers” if they appeared able bodied. I have a couple of Border Regiment examples: Sergeant William Newsham serial number 8767, badge no. 33010. Low serial number suggests he was a pre-war regular or territorial. Date entered war (4/1/15) and theatre “1” (France & Belgium) means he was in 2nd battalion if a regular or 1/5th battalion if a territorial L/Cpl. Curtis serial no 5352, badge no 81913. Note he enlisted on 27/8/14 and was discharged on 5/8/15. Rather rapid promotion unless he was a pre-war regular/territorial (hence low serial number) and actually re-enlisted in August 1914? He only served in Britain as seen by the right hand column show “Yes” or “No” for whether served overseas. Also he was 3rd Battalion, hence depot, home service. He was discharged sick not wounded. There was a similar WW2 item, which was not numbered – Again “The King's Badge” was only worn only on civilian clothing It was issued by the government to those who served after the declaration of war on 3/9/39 who had been discharged through injury due to war service. Basically it was to show that the wearer was a veteran and those eligible were members of the armed forces, the merchant navy, the fishing fleets, the Coast Guard, police, Civil Defence Services, and the Home Guard. Paul Silver War Badge for Curtis & Newsham The rear of L/Cpl Curtis’ badge showing it's number 81913 L/Cpl. Curtis on the November 1916 list. Sgt. Newsham on the January 1918 list. Sgt Newsham’s medal index card showing his SWB entitlement