The Little Silver Badge

A uniform for the Merchant Navy was introduced in 1918, with that for officers being modelled on the Royal Navy. Seamen on cargo ships normally wore nondescript working gear, although personnel on large passengers liners wore a recognisable naval uniform.

During the Second World War this situation continued, and it was decided to issue all Merchant Navy personnel with a badge to indicate to the public that each individual was engaged on vital war work. A small MN badge was introduced from 1940, made in silver, to be worn on the lapel of a jacket when ashore. For many merchant seamen this was the only uniform they had.