Military armband

[fatbob]

This query relates to the posting on lanyards earlier.

I recently had the good fortune to aquire a collection of items relating to onbe man who served in the RAMC. Included were his cane, a postcard of the man himself, a white lanyard, sweetheart brooch, dogtags, copies of the RAMC magazine from 1917 and numerous RAMC brass titles.

There is also a khaki armband (I believe the correct term is brassard), it has a red crown sewn onto it. Can anyone tell me what this denotes?

Any help much appreciated.

Fatbob.

[Joe Sweeney]

Fatbob,

These armbands are usually called "Derby" or "Derby Scheme" Armbands. These were issued to men who had attested but not called up yet to show that they were serving. White Feather protection. I believe these were issued under other circumstances and not just strictly men attested under the Derby Scheme.

Joe Sweeney

[Max Poilu]

In early October 1915 Lord Derby was appointed head of recruiting in the British Goverment. In an effort to increase the numbers of men enlisting (before conscription was introduced in 1916) he instigated the "Derby Scheme" wherby men would attest for service and would be called up if (!) and when needed, in the meantime they received a Khaki armband to wear with their civilian clothes thus avoiding being branded a "shirker" or being given the white feather of cowerdice.

[Chris_Baker]

This is a Derby Scheme armband.

[fatbob]

Many thanks for all your help in answering this one.

Fatbob