Military Insignia on Civilian Clothing
 

Badges such as the SWB, munitions badges, 'On War Service' etc, are often seen being worn on civilian clothing in old photos and postcards. Occasionally too, a soldier in civilian clothing can be seen with their regimental cap badge in the lapel of their jacket (as in the example below). However, I wonder how common it was for items such a Wound Stripes to be worn on civvies? Anyone have examples of this kind of thing to share?

With thanks,

JT.

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A very interesting photo.
Appears to be a Royal Fusiliers cap badge?

Yes indeed, Bill... Royal Fusiliers.

Regards.

Hi,
Just an opinion... the 'uniform' may be Hospital blues (blue jacket, trousers, white shirt and red tie) and not civilian dress.

Steven

It's a thought, Steven, but did the 'hospital blues' jacket not have lapels with white facings?

Regards.

Hi,
Most contemporary photo's I've seen do show white facings, but I have also seen jackets without the facings and with or without pockets.

Do a Google image search for 'Hospital blues' to see what I am referring to.

Steven

Or possibly employed within the Civil Service/War Office or other establishment, where wounded ex-servicemen were employed?

Years ago I had the chance to buy a group photo of the combined 5th/68th Depot Staff at the end of the War, which contained more civilians(both men & women) on it than service personnel. Needless to say I dipped out, going round all of the stalls to see what else was for sale.

Superb rare photo , thank you for showing .

Here is the whole photo:

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I recently missed out on acquiring a similar photo of a larger group of men with wound stripes on what appeared to be civilian clothes. Given the stigma during the Great War period attached to men of service age who were not seen in uniform at home, it is not surprising why this sort of thing might have been done (SWBs notwithstanding).

Not only that, but who is to say that many of these men were not proud of their service and sacrifice and happy to show it in this manner?

Anyone else have similar pics?

Thanks for that. Interesting to see some of those :)

Here's an interesting example; overseas service stripes on civilian jacket. Worn together with medal ribbons and SWB:

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Interesting photograph. If indeed these are not hospital blues, then I wonder if the overt display of the two wound stripes and cap badge on the lapel are in fact a way of saying “I’ve done my bit” to those ladies of the “White Feather” brigade, who from what I understand never missed an opportunity to dole out their rather shameful symbol of cowardice to those unfortunate enough to be caught out of uniform.

Regards,

Zob.

I don't think so ......... surely the war is over? White feather hysteria was in the past.

The overseas chevrons not issued until into 1918, and the BWM and VM ribbon even later.

Hi,
I was referring to the initial photograph which does not display overseas chevrons or medal ribbons, as the gentleman in the second picture is quite clearly wearing attire that could not be confused with “Hospital blues”, and as you say was most probably taken post war.
Regards,
Zob.

I wonder if there is an "economic" aspect to the latest photo?

As Grumpy says, it has to be post war if the ribbons are BWM & VM. Probably late 1919 at the earliest, more likely 1920.

Given that rather than returning to a "land fit for heroes", many ex-servicemen actually returned to a land full of the unemployed. It's almost as if he is saying "I did my bit and now I deserve a job".

David