Advanced Awards

The Seniors’ Badge

This badge introduced in 1991 is available to all Seniors (15-18 year olds) who complete various activities under the same headings as the main BB Badges - Adventure, Community, Interests, Leadership and Physical.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

The Brigade has taken part in this scheme since the Pilot Scheme was started in 1956. Badges were first available in 1958. In addition to the official Duke of Edinburgh’s Award lapel badges Boys’ Brigade Boys are permitted to wear the special Boys’ Brigade Arm Badge when in uniform. Plain bronzed for Bronze level (introduced in 1983). Silver/Green for Silver level Gold & White at Gold Standard.

The King’s Badge

Instituted in 1913 by permission of HM King George V. The first Badge was presented to Col./Sgt Arthur Reid, 1^st Glasgow Company in March 1914. Originally gained upon the recommendation of the Captain, for boys age 16 or over with 90% attendance for not less than three sessions, hold NCO rank, and a specified number of other Proficiency Badges.

The Kings changed, but the Badge hardly changed at all. The BLB cross was added behind the anchor in 1927.

The Queen’s Badge

On the accession of Queen Elizabeth II there was a need for a name change. This happened at the beginning of the session in 1953. The name changed but the crown didn’t. The 1953 Queen’s badge actually has the King’s Crown on it! Pre-1968 the only Badges worn on the left arm, between the shoulder and elbow were the King’s/Queen’s Badge, the Long Service Badge and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Silver/Gold Arm Badge, in that order.

It was completely redesigned to match the shape of the 1968 badges in purple enamel. A miniature of this badge was introduced in 1975 to be worn as a Buttonhole Badge by those gaining the Award after 1968. In 1984, the badge changed slightly, the same basic design was used but with a cold epoxy resin coating to make the badge resemble more closely the 1983 Activity Badges. The regulations were: to hold the President’s Badge, attend Queen’s Badge Candidates Conference and Completion Course. Show a knowledge of Boys’ Brigade at National and International level, practical leadership in the Company and service to others.

In 1983, the new Activity Badges were issued, but the barrel Queen’s and President’s did not change. The Badge was finally completely redesigned again and introduced in 1994. At the Royal Review, Windsor Castle, in 1994, HM The Queen presented the first badge to nineteen boys, one from each district of the Brigade. A miniature of this Badge was also introduced.

The President’s Badge

A Blue enamel, barrel-shaped badge introduced in 1968 with the new scheme. A combination of service and other badges were needed to qualify. A miniature of this badge was also introduced.

The badge was completely redesigned again in 1994 to match the new Queen’s Badge. A miniature of this badge was also introduced.

The Founder’s Badge

A bronzed finished badge introduced in place of the Queen’s Badge for those countries which are or were not not part of the Commonwealth, i.e., Republic of Ireland, South Africa, etc. First issued in 1962.

If you want to find out everything there is to know about BB Badges and more get the new book Badges of the Brigade - Volume I for more information click HERE