HC Deb 12 March 1924 vol 170 cc2343-4W
Major HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for War if there are any occasions and, if so, what occasions upon which service officers and men are allowed to wear unofficial insignia, such as the shamrock and the leek, when in uniform; and whether he will give a list of the emblems which are officially recognised?

Mr. WALSH

Units are permitted to wear the national flower or emblem on their headdress on the following occasions:

  • St. George's Day—English Units.
  • St. Andrew's Day—Scottish Units.
  • St. David's Day—Welsh Units.
  • St. Patrick's Day—Irish Units.
These emblems may also be worn by English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish soldiers serving in other units. All ranks when not on duty are authorised to wear a poppy on the uniform headdress on the anniversary of Armistice Day. Individual units have also been authorised from time to time to wear other emblems on particular anniversaries, but I am not in a position to give a complete list of such authorities without more research than would, I think, be justified.