Hi Pete,
The only problem I have with that idea is that I feel it hinges on these being white badges as they were the only set of badges specific to RY service, gold on No. 1 uniform being standard other than the addition of the Royal Yacht arm title.
It would also require that white badges were issued to Yachtsmen for No. 2 uniform prior to HMY Britannia being commissioned for the earlier pattern of marksman badge to be made in white and I've been informed elsewhere that's not the case and that white badges were introduced instead of red for Royal Yacht service in 1952-53, quite happy and hopeful of being corrected on that point however.
Otherwise these would be standard gold badges (save the arm title) and then there's no reason to my mind for the earlier pattern of marksman badge regarding using up old stocks.
Confusing indeed. I suppose the big question is, were they issuing white on blue badges prior to 1920?
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