Material: Embroidered cotton thread on dark blue cloth
Size: 45mm w x 80mm h
Description: Red embroidered fleur-de-lis with two yellow stars above a scroll bearing the motto “BE PREPARED,” with “BOY SCOUTS” within the design, all set on a dark blue diamond-shaped backing.
Circa: 1920–1950
Notes:
This badge holds high nostalgia value for scouting historians because the deep navy blue cloth background explicitly identifies it as a specialized issue for the Sea Scouts branch, rather than the common khaki-green variant worn by standard land troops. To achieve this elite First Class rank, a Sea Scout had to demonstrate advanced proficiency in pioneering, multi-mile boat-handling expeditions, water rescue, and maritime signaling.