"Badge Backings and Special Embellisments of the British Army" mention the practice. Tartan patches cut on the bias don't fray as well as those cut square. It was not uncommon to back a piece of tartan backing with another piece to increase the frayed edge around the badge without having the frayed edges run under the badge. Or to add another piece to highlight the badge and backing as seen in the first badge. I think it is a practice that has faded from use.
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