The Army Order was followed by Army Council Instruction No. 1637 of 22 August 1916 …
“…. it is notified for information, that the term ‘wounded’ refers only to those officers and soldiers whose names have appeared, or may hereafter appear, in the Casualty Lists as ‘wounded’. The braid will be supplied to officers and soldiers under regimental arrangements, and Commanding Officers will ensure that it is not worn by those who are not entitled to it. Sufficient for two jackets will be supplied to each man.”
… and was refined by Army Council Instruction No. 2075 of 3 November 1916:
“1. The term ‘wounded’ refers only to those officers and soldiers whose names have appeared or may hereafter appear in casualty lists rendered by the Adjutant General’s office at a base overseas, or by the G.O.C. any force engaged in active operations. Reports in hospital lists are not to be regarded as authoritative for this purpose.
2. Officers and men reported ‘wounded – gas,’ or ‘Wounded – shock, shell,’ are entitled to the distinction.
Accidental or self-inflicted wounds or injuries do not qualify.”
Wound stripes (vertical bars on the left cuff) were introduced on 6th July 1916 for ‘all those who have been wounded in any of the campaigns since 4th August 1914’.[9] In November, a clarification was circulated re-emphasising that wound stripes should be awarded to those recorded ‘gassed’ or ‘shell-shocked’, the inference being that badges had previously been withheld on spurious grounds.[10] Self-inflicted wounds and accidental injuries were excluded: the wound stripe recognised the consequences of enemy action, and was intentionally associated with heroism and sacrifice.
In August 1916, commanding officers were instructed to ensure that wound stripes were not assumed illegitimately.[11] The illicit wearing of uniform and insignia was a growing problem in Britain, as men tried to avoid the newly-introduced conscription or turn themselves into instant heroes.[12] As early as 12th September 1916, a deserter appeared before a court-martial on charges of fraud. He ‘imposed on the public by pretending that he had lost an arm and by wearing on his sleeve seven of the gold stripes which are the badge of the wounded soldier’. The impostor elicited compassion and charitable gifts, including one sum of £5 (three months’ army pay).[13]
The symbolism of the wound badge as a mark of gallant suffering grew more potent as the war progressed. Some soldiers began to view them as akin to bravery decorations;[14] in the complicated demobilisation scheme following the war, politicians spoke of men ‘with three wound stripes’ (not ‘three wounds’) being released earlier than their un-wounded comrades.[15] In January 1918, permission had even been granted for the badge to be worn on civilian dress, an unprecedented privilege for its wearers.[16]
[9] Army Order 249, 6th July 1916.
[10] Army Council Instruction 2075, 3rd November 1916.
[11] Army Council Instruction 1637, 22nd August 1916.
[12] See L. Ugolini, ‘The Illicit Consumption of Military Uniforms in Britain, 1914-1918’, Journal of Design History 24.2 (2011), pp. 125-138.
[13] The Times, 13th September 1916.
[14] See e.g. C. Lewis, Sagittarius Rising (London, [1936]) , p. 199.
[15] See e.g. Hansard HC Deb. 6th March 1919 vol. 113 col. 635; 7th May 1919 vol. 115 col. 933.
[16] Army Order 9, 1st January 1918.