It was originated by King George V following their service in the First World War.
Merchant seafarer's primary job was to carry food grains, edible oil and cereals to the Royal Navy soldiers during the world war. They were not issued with any kind of arms and ammunition, as their primary job was to look after the Royal navy soldiers food supply only, not to fight the battle.
This Merchant Navy (MN) identification badge was issued to seaman on board British ships in January 1940.
The Merchant Navy name have been adopted in Britain in 1922, as part of King George V's formal acknowledgement of merchant seafarer's service and sacrifice during the First World War. That conflict cost the British Empire's merchant marine - as it was then better known - 2500 ships and 15000 seafarers.
During the First World War, merchant seafarers were not issued with any sort of identification badge, and as they did not wear uniforms many were made feel uncomfortable ashore. The issue of MN badges during the second World War was designed to indicate that the wearer was taking an active part in the war effort along with the Royal Navy.
