With a recent thread about the WW1 Silver War Badge, thought I would post some images here relating to the WW2 King's Badge which was given to war disabled ex-servicemen/women. I was lucky to pick up a badge, plus certificate and original box a while back. First, the certificate that came with it:
I also have one of these badges Paul in the original box and certificate it was was awarded to a Queensman (1/5th Bn Queens Surreys) he was shot in the thigh while leading a carrier counter attack against 30 enemy trying to blow up a bridge over River Somme, I think they are a cracking little badge...nice pictures
Mine is as good as the day I got it 63 years ago. It was rumoured at the time that at some time in the future it would be exchanged for a better solid silver one....That never happened. Compared with the French Chest Badge they gave the Normandy Vets. It is as I said, it is the nearest Uk equivalent of the purple heart Sapper
Nice presentation Paul. Some of the awards that the Vets have collected over the last 64 years is in my cabinet. I posted that before. It is worth a look just for curiosities sake. Sapper
I also have one of these badges Paul in the original box and certificate it was was awarded to a Queensman (1/5th Bn Queens Surreys) he was shot in the thigh while leading a carrier counter attack against 30 enemy trying to blow up a bridge over River Somme, I think they are a cracking little badge...nice pictures Good to see you posting again, Kieron. The one thing I don't have is the envelope it was sent in, which I suspect was a HMSO/WO one. Would love to see one of them!
Nice presentation Paul. Some of the awards that the Vets have collected over the last 64 years is in my cabinet. I posted that before. It is worth a look just for curiosities sake. Sapper Thanks for posting that, Brian. Always of interest to read your posts.
If we Vets put on all the medals and awards that came our way, we would look pretty much like a Christmas tree.... Of course we don't do it...... There still rages an argument if we should wear these medals or only official British army issue. In The case of foreign awards, they have been given by a grateful people for their freedom. In my view, not wearing them would it seems be quite churlish. They were given in the right spirit.... why not wear them thus? Sapper Sapper
Been floating around my photographic data base increasing keep meaning to update my site but never seem to find the time, my 3 young children have got to hobby stage
I'm not envious of your badge Sapper - You definitely earnt it mate, and I'm glad I never had to. Keep on wearing that one, it does you proud. Cheers, Adam.
Do they still give out wounds stripes? Brian did you get awarded a wound stripe? Ever wear it? In a word Owen...No
Thanks for the ebay link. I hadn't thought of this route. It seems silly to have such a brew-haha over a small piece of metal that some were given and others refused. I had a go round with the head decision maker over this and would seem to me that being in an RAF Crew, eating RAF rations, and all would suffice for being in HM Forces. Good thing I don't have my blood pressure monitor on now. I will get him a pin and he will wear it with all pride, I am sure. Thanks guys.
Yes I had two wound stripes. Worn at an angle, just above the cuffs. But they were on their way out, and many old Vets never claimed them. They died the death of neglect to be honest. I have a uniform top that was created, and used, for Lecture purposes only. I will post it as long as no one notices the dreadful sewing. As to me wearing the medals..... No not if I can help it. I feel stupid wearing this array. Looks too much like an Idi Amin! Sapper
Did veterans get 2 wound stripes for being wounded or a stripe for each time being wounded, in which case Dad should have had 3, though he would have preferred not to have had any!!!! Photo of Dad with 2 wound stripes on forearm of tunic. Surely these are the equivalent of the American purple Heart?
Thanks for posting that photo. Next time I am at Kew with have to find the ACIs for the WW2 wound stripes.