The early 1939 ATS silver lapel badge issued in lieu of uniform

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, having just bought a 7th one of these today as a present for Lez I thought that I would write a little bit about them.

In 1939 at the outbreak of war, there was a huge influx of girls wanting to join the ATS. It was soon discovered that there were just not enought uniforms to go around! So for a short time, the army issued the girls a small silver lapel badge to wear upon civilian clothing to show that they were new members of the Army.

These badges were made from silver and had a vertical pin. Many had a small safety chain attatched to prevent loss. Each badge was numbered. But this was an accountability number and did not correspond to the girls army serial number. The lowest number we have is 332.

After the need for the badges lapsed, thrifty wartime badge makers reused the dies for this badge. However, the number ws now omitted and the pin changed to a horizontal one. These can also be found in gilt plated versions.

Another item which was issued as the same time as the badge was a blue armband with the black letters ATS. Lez has one in her collection and they are incredibly rare, so much so it would not be a good idea to show one on an open forum, as the fakers would soon be making them...

Cheers, Ade.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Here is one converted into a tie pin.

[Adrian Stevenson]

These are the sweetheart versions made using the same dies. Wear to the dies is evident due to over use. The pin asssembly is also much cheaper.

[Nordland/Danmark]

That a nice badge and thanks for the great story about it, and a fantastic gift to your woman,

[Adrian Stevenson]

Here is the new addition.

Cheers, Ade.

[pettrik01]

Hi Everyone ..
Really nice story ..you have give regard for women ..
Nice lapel badge.

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