The origin of the Prefects’ Badge

A discussion has arisen about the origin of the badge worn by Prefects, either in silver or bronze, according to status. Gold badges have recently been introduced for the Captain of School and the Pupil Senior Leadership Team.

In an online forum, one of our Old Marians saw it described as the CCF cap badge and emailed to query this. I was able to tell him that it was certainly the Prefects’ badge during my time at School, since I used to order them from a manufacturer in Birmingham. I had the double loop on the badge altered to a pin, so I know that the design was meant to be sewn onto a cap at some stage.

Confirmation came from former English teacher (1992-2002) and Officer in the CCF, Bob Champ, who wrote the CCF history “Patriotic Scholars: A Century of Service”. He writes:

"As to the prefect’s badge, JSA’s (John Anderson, former Second Master and author of the second history of the School 1954-2004) view was that it had been intended at some time in the ‘30s to use the design for the Corps, but that the Staffords’ badge was mandated and retained. The new badges, having been made, were then and subsequently used as prefects’ badges. I have only ever seen the pinned variety, of course.”

Looking at his archived notes, there is a letter from Jake Whitehouse (author) which explains:

“The photograph is of what several reference works refer to as the badge of Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall, OTC. The badge is of white metal, some 1.25 inches by 1.5 inches. It bears a version of Queen Mary Tudor’s arms, though some local reference is given by the Stafford Knot used to bind the arrow sheaf.

The back of the badge has two tiny loops, obviously meant for sewing to cloth, rather than the loops, blades or sliders normally used for military badges.

I am ashamed to say that the badge is named as the OTC badge in “Staffords 1881- 1978: Badges and Uniforms” by Guido Rosignoli and myself. I can only say in mitigation that during the final stages of production, Guido was rushed into hospital, the book was rushed into print, and we had no opportunity for a final revision.”

The Fink history of the School states in relation to the CCF badge: “Throughout, the badge of the South Staffordshire Regiment has been worn.”

GC 23/04/20