1914 Harborne Training Corps VTC badge Birmingham

A very rare original early First World War period '1914 Harborne Training Corps lapel badge'; blue enamel title surround displaced by the central bar 'PRO PATRIA' the reverse impressed with ilow issue number '99'. Very good condition, complete with original Y shaped slider fitting, no enamel loss, minor surface scratches.Diameter approx 24mm.The Harborne Training Corps was formed in November 1914 with the proposal of raising the Corps from recruits being married men and single men not eligible for joining the Army or Territorial Force. The first item of uniform the brassard was distributed by Sir Francis Lowe in February 1915. In the same month a miniature rifle range was opened for use by the corps. It appears that by April 1915 the Corps had adopted the title Harborne Volunteer Trainining Corps.