Good Conduct Stripes

[David B]

In all the photographs of serving soldiers posted on the forum I can say I have never noted anyone wearing good conduct stripes, apart from regular soldiers.

As the first GC stripe was issued after 2 ? years there would have been plenty of opportunities for men who joined for the duration, or were conscripted to become

entitled to these awards. In effect it would seem that the awarding of GC stripes to hostilities only troops was not made. Is this correct ? TIA

[Muerrisch]

No. Not correct.

I am bound to ask how you can tell if a soldier is a regular unless photo is clearly identified!

"Hostilities only" soldiers other than TF were on exactly same conditions and were in every case to be treated as regular soldiers.

In fact members of the TF were specifically granted the right to qualify for the badge in a wartime Order. This was an innovation.

And yes to 2 years.

[David B]

Assumed that regulars would have been in long enough to qualify for GCB, but don't see too many here. Conscripts who were called

up in 1916 would even have had time to qualify for the first badge. It is possible that many of the photos shown were of men who had

just joined and had not qualified.