United Kingdom. A Mine Clearance Service Badge, c.1919

In white metal, featuring a moored mine encircled by a wreath, topped with a King’s Crown, and bearing the inscription MINE CLEARANCE SERVICE at the base, the reverse is voided with both lugs intact, measures 56 mm (w) x 82.4 mm (h), worn on a strip of dark blue cloth, no seams on the obverse, light wear and corrosion on the reverse, in very fine condition. 

Footnote: At the end of the First World War, the Admiralty appointed an International Mine Clearance Committee on which 26 countries were represented. The Supreme War Council allotted each Power an area to clear, the largest falling to Great Britain. Some 40,000 square miles of sea needed clearing. In February 1919, the Royal Navy established the Mine Clearance Service, to clear the thousands of mines laid during the conflict. It was formed with special rates of pay and conditions of service. Members of the Service wore a specific metal cuff badge and cap tally. By the end of 1919, over 23,000 Allied and 70 German mines had been swept with the loss of half a dozen minesweepers. It operated from 1918 until it was disbanded in 1920.