commemorative
The simple answer to this question is that cap badge backings are commemorative.
What they commemorate is as wide & varied as the number of regiments that wear them.
I think it's safe to say that it is usually to commemorate some action or battle that the regiment took part in.
Sometimes it's to commemorate the passing of some famous personage that is linked to the regiment. etc.etc.
I think much more interesting is the tartan backings of Scottish/Highland regiments and particularly when these tartan backings were introduced.
They are not seen, generally, on pre WW1 photographs. I have an old Cameron Highlanders badge and have it displayed on a patch of 79th or Cameron of Erracht tartan........I've often wondered if this is correct. (not knowing the date of the introduction of tartan badge backings)
My old pre-1914 Camerons badge is probably being incorrectly displayed on a modern cap badge backing.
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