General Service Buttons

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Can any one confirm the use during the Great War of other ranks wearing the regimental button as opposed to the general service button and how common was this?

Regards

[Bob Bacon]

Peter, I think that this partially answers your question, and gives you a background on the subject of buttons!

In 1751, British regiments were numbered, after 1767 these numbers were shown on buttons. In 1881, the numbering system for regiments was discontinued. Although regimental pattern buttons continued for Officers, Other Ranks wore 'General Service' buttons from 1871 until after the First World War (the same pattern throughout the Army). The British Army is full of exceptions, and some regiments permitted NCOs to wear regimental buttons during this period.

The British Button Society (http://www.britishbuttonsociety.org/) was founded in 1976 and deals with all types of button. The Society publishes 4 excellent journals per year (called 'Button Lines').

[Birmingham Fusilier]

Thanks Bob

I recall something to do with the changing of the buttons during the First World War from Welch to Welsh causing much upset, to the point that the order was actually dis-obeyed.

Can any one elaborate on this please?

Regards

[jungle1810]

Hello Pete,
The title of the RWF was changed about the end of the First Boer War, until 1922. when it reverted back to Welch.Most of the 2nd Battalion ignored it and used Welch when writing home. Especially Frank Richards, Greaves, Siegfried Sassoon. I am not sure about buttons but I could check in a book I have on buttons.
Regards Don