Royal Marines - Kings Badge

Hi
Up to- date question - just reading "A Short History of the Royal Marines", a RM Historical Society publication.

There is a reference to the Kings Badge ,which is awarded to the best recruit in Kings Troop. Shortly after a visit to Deal by King George the Fifth in 1918 ,he directed that the best recruit "provided he reaches the required standard"be awarded the Kings Badge.The article goes on to say that the badge is worn on the top of the left sleeve - the badge is worn throughout the Marines career,and in all order of dress

Question 1 does this mean that it is worn on the day to day barrack dress, ie shirt sleeve order and when wearing pullovers?
Question 2 How many Kings Troops are there a year and how many wear the badge throughout the Corp at any one time.

Thanks
Graham

Hi Graham

Not sure if you have made any contacts with the RM Historical Society, or one of their historians Major (Retd.,) Mark Bentinck RM ? They meet once a week on Thursdays at the RM Museum. [email protected]

Pete

As I understand it, these days every batch of RM trainees at Lympstone are motivated by the challenge that one of them will be awarded the King's badge for best all-round achievement thru training. This means that a King's Badge is presented at every passing-out parade every year, and is then worn on the recipient's Uniform for the rest of his time as a marine. The whole number at any one time obviously then depends on how long each one remains in service.