Good Conduct Chevrons date from before the First World War, and were worn by soldiers with the rank of Private (including those appointed Lance Corporal (or Lance Bombardier in artillery units and Acting Corporal in Rifle Regiments) so long as the soldier had not been subject to formal discipline.  The badges took the form of standard NCO badges worn inverted.

First World War

The Good Conduct Chevrons were worn on the left sleeve of the Service Dress uniform, with each 1-bar chevron representing four years of service, to a maximum of four.  Regulations stated that wound stripes, if worn, were to be below the Good Conduct Badge.

Good Conduct Badge
(shown with wound stripe)
Photo and artifact courtesy Ed Storey

(If, after 14 years a soldier had not had his name entered in the Regimental Conduct Book, this requirement was dropped to 16 instead).

(If, after 14 years a soldier had not had his name entered in the Regimental Conduct Book, this requirement was dropped to 21 instead).

(If, after 14 years a soldier had not had his name entered in the Regimental Conduct Book, this requirement was dropped to 26 instead).