City of London Volunteer Corps

[concordia.victrix]

Greetings all,

I think a couple of points are worth making in response to Mike's original post.

First, at a time when New Army units were wearing post office uniforms and buttons for cap badges, VTC's were turning out in mufti with a red on khaki issue "GR" armband. A lapel badge such as Mike's would have been the only available distinguishing insignia at this time and quite possibly worn as such on parade.

Second, the White Feather League is worth a mention. Founded, I understand by a senior naval officer and supported by the Pankhursts, mother and daughter, its purpose was to confront young men out of uniform and use young women to present them with a badge of cowardice. These occasions could go spectacularly wrong it appears, such as when a VC winner was presented with one on his way to a function, another soldier slapped a woman in the face with his paybook and yet another cleaned his pipe with the feather before returning it with some choice remarks. Even Capt WE Johns vocalises Biggle's response to the receipt of a white feather.

The offence was deep-rooted and as attitudes changed as the war progressed, I suggest it went as far as men who had experienced war, not caring to see others who had not, pressed into it in this manner.

It is said that the Silver War Badge was introduced in September 1916, as a lapel badge, wholly or partly for the purpose of exonerating discharged servicemen from this type of affront. It seems to me that there is a proliferation of lapel badges of this era for similar considerations and that to a greater or lesser degree, cap badges were also worn in the lapel.

So Mike, in answer to your question, I think your lapel has a clear place in history and a legitimate part in any collection of VTC insignia.

ATB

Jonathan

[Graham Stewart]

Originally Posted by concordia.victrix

Greetings all,

I think a couple of points are worth making in response to Mike's original post.

VTC's were turning out in mufti with a red on khaki issue "GR" armband.


ATB

Jonathan

unknown V.T.C. - d.jpgVTC.JPGDerby Scheme.jpg
Your description of the VTC armband for this period is incorrect - the initial armband for wear by all associated units in both civvies and the grey/green 'uniform', was infact the black lettering 'GR' on a red cloth band. It was removed from wear with the uniform in April 1916 and then only worn by non-uniformed personnel on parade.

The red 'GR' lettering and red crown on a khaki band was a later issue armband worn after the introduction of the 'new' Volunteer Force in 1916 and brought into being in January 1917 under Volunteer Force Order XXVIII, replacing the old brassard previouly mentioned. Again only worn with civilian clothing.

The red crown only on a khaki armband was worn by "Derby Scheme" members only.

[Jelly Terror]

Originally Posted by Graham Stewart

Attachment 142908Attachment 142909Attachment 142910
Your description of the VTC armband for this period is incorrect - the initial armband for wear by all associated units in both civvies and the grey/green 'uniform', was infact the black lettering 'GR' on a red cloth band. It was removed from wear with the uniform in April 1916 and then only worn by non-uniformed personnel on parade.

The red 'GR' lettering and red crown on a khaki band was a later issue armband worn after the introduction of the 'new' Volunteer Force in 1916 and brought into being in January 1917 under Volunteer Force Order XXVIII, replacing the old brassard previouly mentioned. Again only worn with civilian clothing.

The red crown only on a khaki armband was worn by "Derby Scheme" members only.

Further examples of the 'Georgius Rex' and Derby Scheme brassards:

Derby 1a.jpgDerby 1b 001.jpgimage.jpg
VTC 65.jpgVTC 68.jpg
VTC (56).jpgVTC (59).jpg