Boys Life Brigade Badges

The Boys’ Life Brigade produced a great number of badges in its 27 years prior to union with The Boys’ Brigade. The list below has been compiled using information and badges held in The Boys’ Brigade archive Collection, as well as public and private collections. If there is anything missing or and errors with this content please contact us.

For further information on the badges and their use, please follows the BLB Links provided.

Mufti badges

BLB Buttonhole Badge - silver with blue scroll
BLB Buttonhole Badge - silver with red scroll
BLB Buttonhole Badge - brass with blue scroll
BLB Buttonhole Badge - brass with red scroll
BLB Buttonhole badge
BLB Buttonhole badge
BLB Semi Jubilee Fund 1925
BLB Brigade Week 1926
BLB- Tin Buttonhole Badge
Lifeboys - tin button badge
Lifeboy buttonhole badge

Lifeboy Transfer badges

Transfer Badge
Transfer Badge - 3rd Class Order of Merit
Transfer Badge - 2nd Class Order of Merit
Transfer Badge - 1st Class Order of Merit

Uniform badges

BLB Boys Buttonhole Badge - Silver
BLB Boys Buttonhole Badge - Brass
BLB Shoulder Title
BLB Company Title
BLB Boys Cap Badge
Captains Star
BLB Officers Collar & Cap Badge - brass
BLB Officers Collar & Cap Badge - silver
BLB Boss - Silver
BLB Boss - Brass
Lifeboy cloth jersey badge
Lifeboy - Cap and Collar Badge
BLB - Cadet Cap Badge

Service Awards

3 Year Service
1 Year Service
War Service

Proficiency Awards

Third Class award
Second Class award
First Class award
Cyclist
Physical
Pioneer
Signaller - Elementary
Signaller - Advanced)
Swimming
Transport
Oarsman
Sailors
Arts
Band (Drum)
Band (Lyre)
Buglers
Citizen
Gardener
Handicraft
Live Stock Keeping
Local Knowledge
First Aid
First Aid
First Aid
Church Service
Scripture
Cook
Fire
Wireless
Life Saving
League of Nation
Temperance
Thrift
Scouts
Second Class Scouts
First Class Scouts

Cyclist

1912 -1926

Cyclist – Access to or possession of a cycle in working order; ability to ride, and to mount and dismount from the pedal.

To be able to repair puncture, and adjust or replace fittings on own machine.

Knowledge of map-reading and rules of the road.

Ability to improvise transport by cycles in first aid cases.

Cyclist drill as laid down in Cyclist Training (Government publication), and if an N.C.O., to be able to command in such a drill.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Signaller

c.1902 -1926

Signaller (Elementary) – Morse (visual) or Semaphore Code may be used. To signal and read two different sentences (i.e., one to be signalled and one to be read), consisting of 24 words (120 letters). The sentence must be signalled within the following time limits: Morse Code 7 minutes & Semaphore 4 minutes. Standard of accuracy should be 95%.

Signaller (Advanced) –  Morse and Semaphore by flags, and Morse by buzzer of Lamp. To signal and read, by the three methods, two messages of the same length and in the same time as the Elementary Test and also have a working knowledge of Numerals and Stations Signals.

The advanced signalling badge should not be easily awarded, as it is not intended to be worn as a mere ornament but to denote sound practical knowledge of communication by signalling in all its branches,

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Swimming

c.1921 -1926

Swimming – Must be able to swim:

  1. 500 yards optional stroke
  2. 100 yards correct breast stroke
  3. 50 yards back stroke using arms
  4. 50 yards back stroke without arms
  5. Enter water by diving, plunging, or jumping correctly. 

Swimming Certificate (illuminated) may be obtained from H.Q. for award to all members capable of swimming 50 yards or over.

Source: the Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Transport

1912 -1926

Transport – Knowledge of names, uses and positions of all parts of the Company’s own wagon, and methods of dismounting and assembling those parts. How to care for and clean all parts and fittings. Knowledge of Transport Drill. If a N.C.O., ability to command a squad in that drill.

Knowledge of methods of loading and unloading waggon, balancing the load, shifting weight, packing and roping etc., fixing the tarpaulin. Knowledge of the rules of the road as far as they apply to heavy traffic. Some knowledge of map-reading, appreciation of gradients, metalling, etc. Knot-tying, splicing, etc.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Oarsman

c.1921 -1926

Oarsman – To be able to row with one and two oars, to scull over the stern, to manage a boat single handed, including steering with oars; to bring a boat alongside pier of landing-stage; to pick up a mooring and make a boat fast.

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Sailors

c.1921 -1926

Sailors – To be able to row, etc., as above, also to be able to manage a boat under sail (either lug, jib and mainsail or other rig). To know the different methods of tacking, wearing, jibing, and running with the wind. To know what to do if caught in a squall, or in heavy rollers.

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Arts

c.1916 -1926

Arts – To show a fair amount of proficiency in at least one subject in each of the following groups:

1. Instrumental Music – Bugles, trumpets, triangles, cymbals and drums are not considered as ‘instruments’ for this purpose, as special badges are provided for proficiency in them. Or  Vocal Music – Ability to take part in concerts etc.

2. Painting or Drawing Or  Designing: Ability to prepare correct designs for any practical purpose (architecture, masonry, ironwork, woodwork etc) Or Photography: To be able to take photos and develop plates.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Band

1912 -1926

Band – All qualified drums, cymbals and triangles to wear the drum badge. All qualified brass and reeds – in fact, all other band boys – to wear the lyre badge. Tests to be selected by the C.O. of Bandmaster, or both.

Note: The bugle badge is not essentially a band badge, and is to be awarded only for proficiency in duty and ceremonial calls, for which any member of the Company may qualify.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Bugler

1912 -1926

Bugler – To blow accurately any 15 of the following calls: Fall in, Dismiss, Reveille (rouse), Markers, Officers, Alarm, Cookhouse, Second Dinner (hot potatoes), Lights Out, Guard, Post, Officers dinner, Ambulance, Last Post, Retreat, Fire, Orderlies (fatigue), and the Special B.:.B. call (to be obtained from Headquarters) 

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Citizen

c.1916 -1926

Citizen– An elementary knowledge of State and Local Government; qualifications and methods of Parliamentary and municipal voting; the public offices and their works; the administration of the law; the Navy and Army; composition of ‘Union Jack’; principles of taxation; our relations with our Colonies and foreign countries; our fundamental charters and statuses.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Gardener

c.1921 -1926

Gardener – To know the action of frost, rain and wind on the soil, and how to protect plants from the common pests.

To know the methods and reason for hoeing. Be able to double dig or trench a piece of ground eight feet square. Grow successfully from seed four kinds of vegetable, or eight varieties of flowers.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Handicraft

c.1916 -1926

Handicraft – A boys must be able to execute neatly the repairs most commonly needed in a house, such as putting in a pane of glass, repairing bells, putting up shelves, fixing locks, etc.

He should know the principle of common household things such as water taps, how to read a gas meter, whereabouts of the stop tap in his house, etc.

He must be proficient in one of the following hobbies: Carpenter, iron works, fretwork, leather work, brass or metal work, wood carving, boot repairing or tailoring.

The test of proficiency must be left ot the examining officer, but it must be sufficiently hard to make the badge of real value. For instance, no boy should have a badge for carpentering unless he can make a strong, well-finished box with square corners.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Live Stock Keeping

c.1921 -1926

Live Stock Keeping – Must keep either of the following: Poultry, rabbits, bees, goats, pigeons, doves or pigs.

Must know how to feed and house them, and be able to answer questions as to their habits, etc.

Must keep accurate accounts showing either a profit or loss in his hobby.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Local Knowledge

c.1916 -1926

Local Knowledge –   Country Companies: A knowledge of the lanes, by-paths and short cuts for a distance of at least 2 miles in every direction from Headquarters, and the general direction of the principal towns for a distance of 25 miles; also the names of the various farms within a radius of two miles.

Town Companies: A knowledge of the streets and short cuts for a distance of 1 mile in every direction from Headquarters, and a general knowledge of the district within a radius of 5 miles.

Town and Country Companies: A knowledge of the exact position of the police stations, hospitals, nearest doctors and chemists, telegraph and telephone offices, fire stations, churches, schools, and principal buildings generally. The size of the town must determine the extent of the knowledge, and in large cities it might be confined to the district in which the boy lives.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Church Service

c.1916 -1926

Church Service – For Service to the Church; This badge is of great importance, and may only be awarded by the Minister or Sunday School Superintendent.

It is intended as an encouragement to the boys who do definite work for the School or Church, and while no definite test is laid down the following may be useful as an indication of work that would qualify for the badge: Acting as steward at Sunday services; visiting absentees from the Sunday School; advertising meetings by house to house visiting or distribution of bills; collecting flowers etc., for special services; repairing forms, hymn books, etc.; sustained and effective work for bazaars, sales, or raising funds for School or Church.

Officers are earnestly requested to co-operate with Headquarters in preventing abuse of this badge.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Scripture

c.1921 -1926

Scripture – Gain not less than a first-class certificate or its equivalent in an examination recognised by the Church or Sunday School.

Source: The Boys’ Handbook, published January 1926 

Cook

c.1916 -c.1921

Cook – To be able to light a fire and make a cook place with a few bricks or logs; to cook the following dishes well: Irish stew, vegetables, rice pudding; to make tea, coffee, or cocoa; to mix dough and bake break in oven, or a damper at a camp fire; to have knowledge of carving joints and poultry.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Fire

1912 -1926

Fire – Tests will be supplied on special application, stating the material available for practice, the amount of time regularly given to fire drill, and the Company regulations respecting the qualifications of boys allowed to enter the fire section.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Wireless

c.1921 -1926

Wireless Elementary – Must construct a workable Crystal Set, and understand its functions, and should be able to answer questions on the functions of cyrstals, Fixed and Variable Condensers, Induction Coils, and types of Aerials.

Wireless Advanced – Construct a workable Valve Ste or Valve Amplifier for Crystal Set and understand its functions and details for upkeep. Should be able to answer Questions as laid down for Elementary Badge and, in addition, understand the general principle of Valves, Transformers, Resistances, Grid Leaks, High and Low Tension Batteries, Telephones, Loud Speakers, and the various terms commonly used in connection with Wireless.

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Life Saving

1912 -1926

Life Saving – To obtain this badge a boy must posses either the B.L.B. Certificate for Life Saving from Water, or that granted by the Royal Life Saving Society.

B.L.B. Certificate: In order to encourage the teaching of swimming and life-saving from water, Headquarters issue a special diploma to boys who reach a certain standard of efficiency. The requirements are as follows:

Theoretical: Before entering for the practical work, members must have attended six Company or Battalion lessons (occupying at least 30 minutes each) or land drills for rescue and release, resuscitation, respiration and circulation.

Practical: Land drills for rescue and release; Schafer method of resuscitation; To swim fifty yards on the breast; To swim twenty-five yards on the back, with hands clasped or folded under the body; To bring up a plate from a depth of not less that five feet; To effect a rescue in the water, illustrating any two methods of rescue and release, the subject to be carried ten yards.

Failure in any one of the abive tests will disqualify for the diploma. The examination in practicle work must be undertaken by a qualified man approved by Headquarters. The preliminary theory certificate, as well as that for passing in the practical work, must be given on special forms, which may be had from the Brigade Secretary.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

League of Nations

c.1921 -1926

League of Nations – Pass a written examination on the two pamphlets: An insurance against War and The League of Nations: what it is and does. Not less than three questions on each pamphlet.

Source: The Boys Manual, published January 1926 

Temperance

c.1921 -1926

Temperance – Ability to pass a reasonable examination on the pamphlet ‘The Hygiene of Food and Drink.’ At least two questions must be set in each of the four sections.

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1919 

Thrift

c.1916 – c.1921

Thrift – A boy of 12 must have 15s. 6d. in the bank, or possess one War Savings Certificate. 

For each year over 12 he must add either 15s. 6d. to his banking account or another certifictae to his holding.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Scouts

c.1910 -1920

Scout – This badge is intended to be worn by any boy in the B.L.B. who passes the Tenderfoot test.

  1. How to tie six different kinds of knots. Knot tying is the A B C, as it were, of many scouting exercises, such as first-aid, bridge building, etc.
  2. How the Union Jack has been formed from three separate flags; also the correct way of flying the Union Jack.
  3. How to tell the four points of the compass.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Scout 2nd Class

c.1910 -1920

Scout 2nd Class – Scouts who have passed the Second Class Scout Tests are entitled to wear the Second Class Scout Badge, which should be placed on the right arm, above the elbow.

The Second Class Tests are as follows:

  1. One month’s service as a Tenderfoot.
  2. Elementary First Aid and Bandaging.
  3. Signalling, elementary knowledge of Semaphore or Morse alphabet.
  4. Track half a mile in 25 minutes; or, if in a town, describe satisfactorily the contents of one shop window out of four, observing for one minute each.
  5. Go for a mile in 12 minutes at ‘Scout’s pace’ (Alternately walking and running)
  6. Lay and light a fire, using not more than two matches.
  7. Cook a quarter of a pound of meat and two potatoes without cooking utensils other than the regulation billy. (If possible this should be done out of doors.)
  8. Know the 16 principle points of the compass.

N.B. – The above qualifications do not entitle the Scout to wear any of the Proficiency Badges for which special tests have to be passed. No Scout may wear any Proficiency Badge until he has obtained the Second Class Scout Badge.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Scout First Class

c.1910 -1920

Scout First Class – Scouts who have passed the First Class Scout Tests are entitled to wear the First Class Scout Badge, which should be placed on the right arm. 

The First Class Tests are as follows:

  1. Swim 50 yards. (This may be omitted where the doctor certifies that bathing is dangerous to the boy’s health, in which case he must run a mile in eight minutes, or perform some equivalent selected by the Scout Master.)
  2. Signalling: Send and receive a message in either Semaphore or Morse, at the rate of 16 letters to the minute.
  3. Go on foot alone to a point five miles away, or row a boat to a point two miles away, and return again; or if conveyed by any vehicle or animal, go a distance of 10 miles and back, and write a short report on it. (The journey may be spread over two days.)
  4. Describe or show the proper means for effecting a rescue in two of the following accidents (allotted by the examiners): Fire, Drowning, runaway carriage, sewer gas, ice breaking; or bandaged an injured patient, and revive an apparently drowned person.
  5. Cook satisfactorily two of the following dishes: Porridge, bacon, hunter’s stew; or skin and cook a rabit, or pluck and cook a bird. Also make a ‘damper’ or half a pound of flour, or a ‘twist’ baked on a thick stick.
  6. Read a map correctly and draw and intelligible sketch map. Point out a compass direction without the help of a compass.
  7. Use an axe for felling or trimming light timber; or make an article of carpentry or joinery, or metal work.
  8. Judge distance, size, height and numbers within 25 percent error.
  9. Bring a recruit and train him in the points required for a Tenderfoot. (This may be postponed when recruits are not immediately desired.)

N.B. – The above qualifications do not entitle the Scout to wear any of the Proficiency Badges.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

Physical Training

c.1921 -1926

Physical Training – 1 -General physical development of the boy’s body; he should habitually hold himself in an upright position, shoulders back and head up, and should walk correctly. He should be able to run a mile in ten minutes without difficulty of breathing. This on a level road. Or walk a mile in fifteen minutes. He should be able to expand his chest well, making at least 10% difference between the chest empty and full of air. He should habitually breathe through his nose.

2. Physical Exercise – He should be able to perform a movement in any table of P.T. for schools, Board of Education Publication, and explain what effects it has on his muscles and body.

3. He should know the bad effects of smoking and alcohol on the body and health. No boy under 16 who smokes should be allowed to wear the badge. The following items of personal cleanliness should also be taken into account; He should keep himself clean as working conditions will allow; Use the toothbrush daily; Know the action of dirt on the skin; Know the action of food and the necessity of the daily rear; Generally to know what it means to ‘Live Pure’. 

What is taught in connection with the last paragraph will depend on the age of the boy and the officer’s discretion. It is not suggested that this should form part of the test for the badge unless the examination is being conducted by the boy’s own Captain.

Source: The Boys’ Manual, published January 1926 

Pioneer

1912 -1926

Pioneer – A good practical knowledge of all than an advance party for camp ought to posses. This would include tent ptching, erection of marqees, trenching, arranging for water supply, preparing and fixing latrines, improvising field ovens, cooking, etc. This knowledge may be acquired not only on the occasion of the summer camp, but by means of week-end camps and field days. It is desirable for the pioneer badge should be able to ride a bicycle. The badge should be restricted to the older members of the Company, and is intended to encourage Companies to work a summer programme. Divisions and Battalions may lay down special regulations on the general lines indicated.

Source: Stripes & Badges and How to Earn Them, published June 1919 

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