KING GEORGE V Silver "SERVICES RENDERED BADGE" W.W.I

Over a million of these Sterling Silver badges were issued, with an official certificate of entitlement. Initially they were given to servicemen who had been honorably discharged through wounds or sickness. The aim was to reward the man's service, and to legitimate his civilian status when so many others were in uniform. After the Armistice, civilians who had served with the RAMC, female nurses, VAD's and members of QMAAC could also apply, if they had been retired or discharged through wounds or sickness or on attaining the age of 51.

It was also known as the "Silver War Badge", the "Wounded Badge" or the "King's Silver Badge". The initials GRI stand for GEORGE REX IMPERATOR with FOR KING AND EMPIRE above the crown and SERVICES RENDERED below. I suppose that research could be done to find out whose badge this was and for what reason was this medal issued to him or her since each individual badge is numbered and records were kept by the Army. Some badges were marked with a B or an O before the numbering system; this one has a C so was probably issued to a Canadian Soldier. If anyone can trace the owner from the numbers on the back, I'd appreciate the information. This badge was found at a Flea Market with no info. on provenance. RER