A chance find while reading through The OTC and the Great War suggests the tradition goes back further. My italics.
"Badges of rank and for skill at arms are generally the same as those authorized for the Territorial Force, but the O. T. C. has some which are peculiar to itself. Thus a musketry efficiency badge for those who qualify in the annual course is a rifle in worsted embroidery worn horizontally on the left forearm. Above this, a cadet who represents his school in the Ashburton Shield may wear the school crest in gold embroidery, providing such badge does not exceed one and a half inches in diameter."
|