Royal Marines Stone Coloured King's Badge For Wear on No 5W Dress Arm Badge

In unissued condition with stock number to top right. Circa 9cms in diameter.

On 7 March 1918, His Majesty King George V visited the Depot Royal Marines, at Deal in Kent. On this occasion he inspected Royal Marines Recruit squads, and took the salute of the 4th Battalion at a March Past. Six weeks later the 4th Battalion were to storm ashore on to the Mole in the raid on Zeebrugge, where they won great fame and two Victoria Crosses.

To mark his visit, His Majesty directed that the senior Recruit squad in Royal Marines training would in future be known as the King's Squad. He also directed that his Royal Cypher, surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, would be known as the King's Badge, and would be awarded to the best all round recruit in the King's Squad, provided that he was worthy of the honour. The badge was to be carried on the left shoulder, and worn in every rank. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was graciously pleased to approve that the custom and privilege of the King's Squad remain unaltered.

The King's Badge is not awarded to every squad, and is only presented if a Recruit measures up to the very exacting standards required. Even today, after Exercise Baptists Run (week 15) Section Commanders are identified and nominated on merit to take charge of approximately 8 fellow recruits from weeks 16-26. They are identified by a white flash on their CS95 chest epaulette. From week 26 onwards, the senior Recruit Troop appoints their "Diamonds", usually from the Section Commanders, at a ratio of approx 1 for every 8 recruits in that Troop. Diamonds are identified by having a single red diamond on a green rank sleeve, worn on the CS95 epaulette. The Diamonds will later undergo the Kings Badgeman board, convened by the Commando Training Wing staff. Assuming the board considers they merit the award, one individual may be nominated as a King's Badgeman.

More info on the King's badge see:

https://rmhistorical.com/files/content/King%20and%20Prince.pdf

Comm StWi (371)

Code: 65931