On Track to Victory

These two railway war service badges date from the Second World War and reflect the scale and importance of Britain’s railways between 1939 and 1945. Issued to employees whose roles were deemed essential, they were worn on the lapel and served a very practical purpose. At a time when civilian men not in uniform could attract suspicion, the badge signalled contribution to the war effort and helped spare the wearer the stigma of the white feather.

Both examples were made by Fattorini, a firm with roots stretching back to 1827. Founded by Antonio Fattorini, an Italian-speaking immigrant who settled in Yorkshire, the company built its reputation through jewellery, watches and fine metalwork. Its long association with official and commemorative badges is still evident today, as the firm continues to manufacture insignia.

The badges shown represent two of the major pre-nationalisation railway companies. One is marked S.R. for the Southern Railway, the other L.N.E.R. for the London and North Eastern Railway. Given the sheer number of people employed by the railways during the war, railway examples are among the more frequently encountered war service badges, though condition is another matter.

Each badge is individually numbered on the reverse to prevent misuse, with additional code letters indicating the manufacturer’s reference. The lug fitting, rather than a pin, was designed for durability, but constant daily wear meant enamel damage was common. Finding examples with clean, intact enamel remains a challenge, and it is this everyday wear that gives these small objects their quiet authority as witnesses to working lives under wartime pressure.