Virtual Museum Logo

Boys’ Life Brigade Proficiency Awards

As with other youth organisations of the time, the Boys’ Life Brigade programme evolved over the course of its 27 years. The initial focus was on life saving, and therefore the first awards badge was for first aid. A round white cloth badge with an embordered red cross. There was no formal requirements of proficiency tests for these early badges, which also included badges for signallers and buglers, which were adopted from the British Army Trade Proficiency badges.

First Aid

With the formation of Boys’ Life Brigade Scouts, a Scout 1st Class, Scout 2nd Class and Scout badges were introduced, using the ‘Scouting for Boys’, by Robert Baden-Powell, as the program handbook. Many of the subjects included in the Scout award, was also available as part of other awards later, including swimming, cooking, signalling and map reading.

Scouts
Second Class Scouts
First Class Scouts

It took until the council meeting of 1909 before formal regulations regarding proficiency tests for non-commissioned offers, and for signallers’, buglers’ and first aid badges were introduced, and shortly after a badges sub-committee was formed to look at the issue of proficiency awards and standards. The Life Brigade Chronicle of September 1912 reported: 

  1. All badges are to be made in brass.
  2. When a boy earns his first badge he will require a special armlet on which to fix it: this must be worn on the left arm above the elbow. Armlets to be had in three widths, to hold, two, or three badges: the badges to be fixed on the armlet one above the other.
  3. Badges are to be made annual awards, and may not be retained without re-examination.
  4. Badges are to be obtained from headquarters only, and cannot be supplied without a certificate to the effect that the regulation proficiency tests have been passed.
  5. The following is a list of official badges: Band, Bugler, Cyclist, Fire, First Aid, Life Saving, Pioneer, Scout, Signaller (Elementary), Signaller (Advanced), Transport.

Handbooks were published for some of the awards, starting with ‘Signalling‘ and ‘First Aid in Accident’ in 1913, ‘Handbook of Regulations for BLB Scouts’ 1914, and ‘Handbook of Instruction for Fire Drill’ in 1919, but for many of the other awards it was recommended to use books such as ‘Life Saving from Water’ the official handbook of the Royal Life Saving Society, and many of the recommended tittles were stocked by BLB Headquarters.

Certificates were added for First Aid in October 1913, and swimming in 1914, for boys qualified to wear the badge and by 1921, Headquarters were advertising Good Service and N.C.O.’s certificates together with the Swimming and First-Aid certificates.

Swimming Certificate

During the war years, a few additional badges were added to the scheme, including: Arts, Citizen, Handicraft, Local Knowledge, Church Service, Thrift and Cook. These were produced as woven cloth badges, possibly to make it easier for the BLB Scouts to use these on their uniforms. The Girls Life Brigade, by the mid 1910’s was sharing a lot of resources with The Boys’ Life Brigade, and also used the same badges. The round, black and red, cloth badges were later synonymous with the Girls’ Life Brigade until their union with the Girls Guidry in 1965 to form the Girls’ Brigade.

A War Service badge was instituted during the war year for 100 hours of war service, to be worn on the armlet together with the proficiency awards. The War Service badge was still available to purchase from Headquarters as later as September 1921.

War Service

Shortly after the end of the war, membership of the Boys’ Life Brigade was divided into three classes, First, Second and Third. The Boys Handbook stated: No boy shall be counted a full member until he has passed the Third Class test.

Third Class
Second Class
First Class

By 1920, the Boys’ Life was rapidly growing, and the handbook ‘Stripes and Awards and how to win them’ was published in 1919, and was the first BLB publication specifically for the boy readership. The whole awards scheme was revised a few years years, culminating in the publication of  ‘The Boys Manual’. This described the new thinking behind the proficiency awards, an idea which was carried over to the Life Boys and Junior Section of The Boys’ Brigade post union. The Boys’ Manual, published in January 1926 states: A common error is that of laying too much stress on one side of development. A boy will sometime give all his attention to the physical, and overlook training his mental and social powers, frequently ignoring the fact that the body and mind can only be at their best when they are under the domination of a higher power. It is a well-know fact that no man can put his mental, physical and social powers to their best use unless his life is linked up with God. The BLB programme, therefore, is four-sided: Educational to develop the mental powers; Physical to develop a strong body, Social to cultivate a sense of duty to the community, and the whole dominated by the Devotional, which links up the life with the Divine power and gives force to the other three sides. The four-sided programme is based on the text found in Luke 2, verse 52: ‘And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man.’

With the addition of Scripture, Swimming, Physical, Oarsman, Sailors,  Gardener, Live Stock Keeping, Wireless, League of Nations and Temperance in about 1921, this brought the total number of proficiency badges available to 26. The Boys’ Life Brigade membership card from 1924-25 includes a table with all the proficiency awards and space for the date of the award and the Commanding Officers initials, making provision for the record of the award and the required annual testing. The Proficiency Badges are accordingly classified under their headings below.

Physical

Cyclist
Physical
Pioneer
Signaller - Elementary
Signaller - Advanced)
Swimming
Transport
Oarsman
Sailors

Mental

Arts
Band (Drum)
Band (Lyre)
Buglers
Citizen
Gardener
Handicraft
Live Stock Keeping
Local Knowledge
Wireless

Devotional

Church Service
Scripture

Social

Fire
First Aid
Life Saving
League of Nation
Temperance

By the publication of The Boys Manual in January 1926, the following badges had been discontinued.

Cook
Thrift

The white background cloth proficiency badges are approximately 50mm (2″) in diameter. The black background cloth proficiency badges are all 38mm (1.5″) in diameter, and the BLB produced metal proficiency badges are 25mm (1″) in diameter. The Transport (wheel wright), Drummer, Bugler, Band (lyre) and Signallers badges all originated from the British Army Trade Proficiency badges in use in the early 1900’s. (approximately 32mm) The brass proficiency badges had a round brass backing disk which fitted behind the armlet and was fixed in place by a split pin. 

Colin Swinton

Media Files

Gallery

BLB Links

Boys Life Brigade

Companies

World Wide

Scouts

Displays & Competitions

Brigade Week

Service & Courage

Publications

Proficiency Badges

Service Awards

Boys Uniform

Officers Uniform

Lifeboys

Lifeboys Badges

Lifeboy Uniform

Dr J B Paton

Sir D Finnemore

Union

Share This

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter

© Copyright AD2021 The Boys’ Brigade Archive Trust | © Logos Copyright The Boys’ Brigade

Built By Kobault.

First Aid

c.1900 -1926

First Aid was the first Boys’ Life Brigade badge produced, and until 1909 was awarded at the discretion of the Company Captain, or First Aid instructor, as there were no defined syllabus or regulation for its award. Some Battalions provided instruction and examination at a Battalion level . Following the introduction of the BLB regulations for its award, Battalions were still allowed to imposed more advanced syllabus and examination requirements for Companies under their jurisdiction. 

First Aid – Theory: Knowledge of names and locations of the chief bones, muscles, and arteries; systems of circulation and respiration; treatment of arterial, venous and capillary bleeding; various forms of fracture; treatment of fits, fainting, burns, and scalds; general treatment of poisoning from corrosives, opiates, and tainted food.

Practical: Arrest of bleeding by digital pressure and simple tourniquets; use of splints and bandages in fractures; uses of the triangular bandage; carrying patients by fireman’s lift, hand seats and stretcher; making of improvised stretchers, splints, and bandages.

The second and third year examinations of a boy may well require a more extensive knowledge of the subject; on the other hand, a thorough practical knowledge of first principles is, in the case of first aid, much more valuable than a wider knowledge that is not so thorough. Owing to the frequency with which boys appear to come across accident cases in places where proper appliances are not available, special importance should be attached to the making of improvised stretchers, splints, and bandages. The Executive has not insisted on the inclusion of roller bandages in the syllabus, though it attaches considerable importance to the subject. Many simple accidents at home and elsewhere require the application of a roller bandage, and dressings are generally kept in place by it; and a boy wearing the First Aid Badge should not be wholly ignorant of the method of applying this bandage. Boys who pass the test for the badge are entitled to the First Aid Certificate, The wearer of this badge may be called upon at any time to assist in cases of accident; it is, therefore, most important that no boy shall wear it unless he keeps up his study of the subject.

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

Scouts

c.1906 -1926

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.1906 -1926

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.1906 -1926

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 

War Service

c.1915 -1919

The War Service badge was instituted during the war year for 100 hours of war service, to be worn on the armlet together with the proficiency awards. The War Service badge was still available to purchase from Headquarters as later as September 1921.

Third Class

c.1919 -1926

Before 1921, The B.L.B. Button Badge was used. 

Third Class –

  1. Discipline to the entire satisfaction of the C.O.
  2. Must have been in attendance at every recruit drill for at least four weeks.
  3. Must be able to drill as a recruit, with smartness and precision.
  4. Tie a Reef, Bowline, Fisherman’s, Sheepshank, Sheet Bend and Clove Hitch Knots.
  5. Know the history of the Union Jack and the correct method of flying the same.
  6. Know the B.L.B Promise.

No boy can wear the B.L.B. Badge unless he is 12 years of age.

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

Second Class

c.1919 -1926

Second Class –

  1. Discipline and devotion to duty to the entire satisfaction of the C.O.
  2. An attendance of 9 per cent of all possible attendances at Parade and Sunday School or Bible Class).
  3. Have a Savings Bank Account with not less than 1/- to his credit for each year of his age. (or War Certificates to equivalent.
  4. Drill with smartness and precision in the ranks.
  5. First Aid. Must have qualified for First Class Badge.
  6. Signalling. Know the sign for each letter of both Morse and Semaphore Alphabets.
  7. Swimming. Swim 50 yards.
  8. Describe the correct methods of Saving Life in an four of the following cases: – Fire, Drowning (not including rescue methods), Sewer and Poisonous Gases, Runaway Horse, Ice Breaking.
  9. Be entitled to wear at least one Proficiency Badge other than First Aid 9G.S Star or War Service not to count)
  10. Be able to name 20 out of 25 articles seen for one minute, the list being written an hour later.

The Second Class Badge shall not be given until the Third Class Badge has been worn six months.

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

First Class

c.1919 -1926

First Class –

  1. Discipline and devotion to duty to the entire satisfaction of the C.O.
  2. An attendance of 9 per cent of all possible attendances at Parade and Sunday School or Bible Class).
  3. Have a Savings Bank Account with not less than 2/- to his credit for each year of his age. (or War Certificates to equivalent.
  4. Drill with smartness and precision in the ranks.
  5. First Aid. Pass a third year examination.
  6. Swim 50 yards on breast, and 25 yards on back, without arms, and bring up a plate from five feet of water.
  7. Signalling. Know both Morse and Semaphore Alphabets, numerals and principal signs.
  8. Bring a new member trained by himself in simple drill movements, elementary bandaging, and six knots.
  9. Be entitled to wear First Aid and Citizen Badges , and at least one other Proficiency Badge, not including G.S. Star or War Service Badge.
  10. A similar memory test to Second Class Badge.

No boy shall wear a First Class Badge until he has worn his Second Class Badge six months.

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

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Supporters

The Boys’ Brigade Archive Trust relies on supporters to further the preservation and promotion of the Heritage of The Boys’ Brigade, ensuring that is is accessible and relevant to future generations of young people. If you are able to support our work though a financial donation, by the donation of artifacts, photographs and paperwork of by volunteering please click on the links below. If you wish receive our monthly newsletter please sign up. We look forward to hearing from you and advancing the work of The Boys’ Brigade Archive Trust.

Newsletter
Donate
Volunteer
Contact us

Whats' new

Our volunteer researchers are constantly developing content for The Boys’ Brigade Virtual Museum.

Links to our brand new content can be found below.

Week of Prayer
Exeter Hall
Cleveland Hike