Any idea on this armband?

[Tom Tom]

Hi,

On the back of this photo, it says "To Alice, from Tom"

This was sent to my great great Aunt.

Does anyone know what the armband he is wearing is? I think it dates from somewhere around WW1 - could it be something to do with someone being deaf?

Thanks for looking.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w34/colwoodtom/ToAliceFromTomTFConnellypossibly_zps201020c8.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/colwoodtom/media/ToAliceFromTomTFConnellypossibly_zps201020c8.jpg.h tml)

[Tom Tom]

May have answered my own question.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/history/state-controls-during-the-first-world-war

Although I am not entirely clear what the article means. Does it mean he has said he is ready to serve and is waiting to be called up, or saying that he would be willing, but is unable to?

Hmmm..

[kiterunner]

It looks like the former to me, Tom.

[Tom Tom]

Thanks Kate.
Was hoping it would signify he wasn't fit for service. I know one of Alice's brothers (called Tom) was deaf and wasn't able to serve in WW1 (his three brothers did). I do have a photo of him, but it is very grainy and you can't see his face very well.
She had a half brother called Tom too, so it could possibly be him.