What are the silver War Badges some veterans wear?
The King’s Badge was the only “disabled emblem” which was officially awarded during both the Great War and World War Two, though the designs differed slightly. It was also known as the War Badge and Discharge Badge. It was awarded to Service personnel who were invalided out of the Armed Forces before they could qualify for any medals. In 1914-18 there was a tendency for young ladies to stop men in the street and present those who were not in uniform with a white feather for cowardice for failing to join up. The idea behind this badge was probably to discourage these ladies from publicly embarrassing wounded or disabled men. These badges, designed to be worn in the civilian buttonhole, were issued on a medal roll type list, and were individually numbered on the back. Some holders of these badges rejoined, and Naval Regulations for wear included instructions on wearing them in uniform. A similar badge was instituted for 1939-45 but these were not numbered. After the 1939-45 War the issue
