Description

Description: [UK] – Old Contemptibles Association – Member’s Lapel Badge (No. 297).

Maker’s Name: Unknown

Condition: Very Good

Comments: [UK] – Old Contemptibles Association – Member’s Lapel Badge (No. 297). Complete with attachment device.

The name ‘Old Contemptibles’ arose from an Order of the Day issued by the Kaiser during World War One, which mentioned ‘Sir John French’s contemptible little army’. All ranks of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) who served in France and Flanders within range of the enemy artillery during the 5th Aug – 22nd Nov 1914 were entitled to call themselves ‘Old Contemptibles’.

The Old Contemptibles Association was founded by Capt JP Danny, RA on June 25th 1925. The Association had 178 branches in the United Kingdom & 14 overseas branches. It produced its own magazine The Old Contemptible and all members were known as “chums”.