Introduction to Badges and Insignia of the British Military- Part 1

With massive public interest in badges and insignia Contact Left will be blogging on the subject on a regular basis. The compilation of the blogs has entailed close consultation with many official authorities, including regimental headquarters, manufacturers, collectors and subject matter experts. Despite working with the above mentioned we cannot be sure that all blogs are entirely free from mistakes though we are sparing no effort in ensuring it as accurate as possible. We would greatly appreciate attention being drawn to any errors that may be found to have crept in.

Contact Left sells a massive range of official badges and insignia and are known as one of the leading retailers in the world.

Badges and Insignia are exceptionally important in the Military and are used to distinguish ranks, regiments, corps, brigades and services. They will identify if someone has passed a specialist course or if someone is an expert in a certain area. All regiments have badges and insignia however at times only certain insignia will be worn and in combat situations sometimes none will be worn.

Badges can be broken down into various categories and ultimately various enthusiasts, collectors, manufacturers and even the military themselves can all give different titles to these.

Cap Badges

These badges are worn on headdress and identify which regiment or area of service you are from. Cap badges are made from various materials including metal, wire embroidery and cloth.

Above (left to right) are - Description: Insignia, Organisation Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Enlisted personnel. Corinthian Mask w/sword through, silver and gold hand embroidered on navy. Description: Insignia, Service Cap. Gilding Metal, Dead Gilt And Burnished. With Red Enamel Rose, Crown And Wreath and "NEC ASPERA TERRENT" on scroll under the rose. Duke of Lancasters. Vertical hook fitting on rear. Description: Insignia, Organisational. Cap. Soldiers, Special Air Services. Cloth. Embroidered, light blue on dark blue.

Organisational insignia arm

These badges are worn on the arm and identify which regiment or area of service you are from. These are made from various materials including wire embroidery and cloth.

Above (left to right) are - Description: Badge, Organisation, Arm. Air crew, Army Air Corps. Cloth, Embroidered. Light blue on dark. blue. Eagle (large) in flight. Description: Badge, Organisation, Arm. Pioneer Sergeants. Grenadier Guards. Cloth. Wire embroidered. Gold on dark blue. Grenade with seven point flame. Description: Insignia, Organisational. Gurkha Band. Cloth. Hand embroidered. Black on scarlet.

Organisational insignia collar

These badges are worn on the collar and identify which regiment or area of service you are from. Collar badges are normally worn on dress uniform and are made from various materials including metal, wire embroidery and cloth.

Organisational insignia shoulder

These badges are worn on the shoulder and identify which regiment or area of service you are from. Worn on either the top or side of the shoulder and made from various materials including metal, wire embroidery and cloth.

Organisational insignia brooch

Brooches are normally worn by Pipers and made of metal.