The Girls' Brigade (Ireland) which was formed in Dublin in 1893 on twin pillars, Bible Class and Physical Training, and had as its aim 'The extension of Christ's Kingdom among Girls'

Membership at the time of Union was 8,000

In the early years of The Girls' Brigade individual companies decided upon their own 'uniform'. Each company was identified by its own colour or colours - no two Companies were allowed the same colour or combination of colours.

e.g.Records show that the1st Company used Red and White, wearing short Black or Navy skirt, loose white blouse and Red bow.

The 3rd Company used Red/White/Blue, wearing a Navy sailor suit, White vest and Red bow.

However, in 1925, a Dress Committee was formed with the purpose of getting Companies into the same 'uniform'. The following uniform was agreed.

• CAPTAINS

  Plain navy tailored costume or Company blazer and navy skirt. White shirt blouse, coloured tie and black sports hat. White gloves, silver membership badge, black stockings and shoes.

• OFFICERS

  Company blazer and navy skirt, white shirt blouse, coloured tie, black stockings and shoes. Black sports hat or Glengarry and white gloves.

• SUB-OFFICERS

  Navy tunic and company blazer, white blouse square neck (no collar), glengarry hat, gloves, gilt membership badge and Sub-Officers badge. Black stockings and shoes (rubbers preferred)

• PRIVATES

  Navy tunic and company blazer, white blouse square neck (no collar), glengarry hat, gloves, gilt membership badge and black stockings and black shoes (rubbers preferred)

G.B. Tunic

Tunic, with three single pleats at each side of the front - similar at the back.

The tunic was worn by ALL RANKS for Physical Training

• FIRST AID BADGE

  (Red Cross on Grey Ground)

• HOME NURSING BADGE

  (White Cross on Grey Ground)

• MUSIC BADGE

  (Navy Clef on Grey Ground)

• HOUSECRAFT BADGE

  (Stove, Brush and Iron on Grey Ground)

• NEEDLEWORK BADGE

• SWIMMING BADGE

• LIFE-SAVING BADGE

• CANDIDATE EFFICIENCY BAR

  (Cherry bar on grey background)

1. To attain this award a girl had to attend weekly parades and Sunday School regularly.
2. Not more than two misses were allowed in any session, and one for parade.
3. Sunday School attendance had to be certified on a Brigade attendance card and signed by the Sunday School Teacher or Superintendent.

• CANDIDATE BROOCH

  (Two flags in silver)

• THREE YEAR BROOCH

The Three Year Brooch, awarded to Junior and Senior members who had served for three years in the Company with good conduct and had missed not more than 1 parade meeting and 1 Bible Class in each of the three years.

The Brooch was silver with the G.B. initials in the centre and was worn in the centre of the tunic above the company badge.

• FIVE YEAR BROOCH

• TEN YEAR BROOCH

• THE G.B. STAR

The G.B. Star was the supreme award of the Brigade that was adopted at a Brigade Council which was held for the first time in Belfast on 4th June, 1948.

To qualify a girl had to secure the following

1. Scripture Badge - hold at least 5 annual scripture certificates of 75% gained in Brigade exam.
2. Efficiency Badge and 4 Bars - 5 years gaining 85% for weekly, parade & bible class attendance. Work and conduct also had to be satisfactory.
3. Gymnasium Badge - Girl had to be placed on "A" team in sections A or B of the GB competitions and/or gain at least 2 company awards for gymnasium.
4. Any other FIVE badges - i.e. First Aid, Home Nursing, Music, Choral, Cookery, Laundry and Housewifery, Needlework, Arts and Crafts, Swimming

The STAR was worn as a brooch in the revere of the blazer or Officer's coat.