Labour Corps Cap Badge

[Holyboy]

Does anybody know when the Labour Corps cap badge actually started to be worn?

[High Wood]

Originally Posted by Holyboy

Does anybody know when the Labour Corps cap badge actually started to be worn?

Gaylor does not give a date but states, "The Pioneer Corps had had a previous existence during the First World War as the Labour Corps but in that war they were not rated as a combat unit".

I have a Great War Christmas card with the Labour Corps badge on it.

[magpie]

Pretty sure my wife's great uncle has both East Surrey and Labour Corps badges on his headstone.

[sailorbear]

My Grandfather served in the Labour Corps in WW1, he was originally in the Hampshire Regiment, but was posted to the Labour Corps after being wounded in 1916! It is my understanding that the majority of men in the labour corps, had been wounded and classified as unfit for combat duties?


Tony

[Alan O]

Circa 1917 as they wore the GS badge prior to that. Many were downgraded transferees and retained their old regt badges.

[CAM]

Here is a photograph of a War Memorial in Bradford showing one of the fallen with his initial regiment as West Yorks and subsequently Labour Corps.

As an aside, I always stop and look at war memorials. The most interesting are those showing the individuals' regiment (particularly those showing the battalion numbers).

The number of Sherwood Foresters on this one probably indicates a draft to that regiment from this area to replace previous losses.

I also attach a photo of the plaque that is with it as I find this poignant.

Chris

[hindoostan]

My Uncle served as a cook in the Labour Corps.He was awarded the BWM and Victory Medal named to Labour Corps. From photos we have of him it seems he wore the badge of the unit he was attached to. Can't make out all the badges but East Yorks on one?. 1918 postcard from Labour Company, Lincoln's.
John