These blue armlets were worn from at least as early as 1914 up until after the end of WW2. Initially the armlets carried the abbreviated designation of the formation but this was canned in 1915/16 because of the obvious security issues.
I'm not certain if the BM initials was a Great War thing or post war. In Australia the first mention is 1922 but I feel use of initials commenced earlier. Will have a look at my notes.
With an embroidered gun it was also worn by HQ Corps heavy artillery staff.
Keith
|