W/M versions of B/M ~ G/M Badges

[Jelly Terror]

Anyone who has looked in on the thread concerning the stamp marks to the rear of badges with overlaid scrolls (here) may have caught the last three or so posts concerning all-W/M badges. I hope I will be forgiven for deciding to fish out the subject matter of those particular posts for scrutiny within its own thread here.

Here is a theory regarding the all-W/M Norfolk Regiment badge (first badge shown in this post by Nozzer), which occurred to me after recently reading a passage in Westlake's 'The Territorials 1908-1914'...

A distinction of the TF (because of their Volunteer origins) was that they should have silver or W/M lace and badges in place of any that were gold or G/M in the Regular Army. However, because this might single TF men out as being anything less than as good as Regulars, the practice was not popular with many men/units of the TF.

Since this was seen also as likely to affect recruitment, the WO made provisions in TF regulations for any unit that wanted to, to adopt G/M badges in place of W/M, though permission had to be sought through its county TF Association. Apparently, many units (but not all) applied, and every one that did, was successful in their application.

This may mean that the all-W/M Norfolk Regiment badge, of the type seen in Nozzer's post, was the version originally manufactured and intended for use by Norfolk TF units, and might also explain the W/M or plated badges we see to other TF units, so often attributed to being possibly for bandsmen etc.

In response, Alan O, kindly submitted the following:

Originally Posted by Alan O

A good point. You get the added complexity of units wearing both. Recent examination of 8th Hants show that the TF wore w/m in Number 1 order of dress and black in khaki. This presumably continued until No1 dress was withdrawn. Bandsmen would have retained it when the majority of wearers were in khaki.

That's before you start looking at what was militia w/m or un-named VB Bn badges such as the all w/m Queens' VB badge.

I'd be very interested in members' thoughts on this.

With thanks,

JT