Hi
Thanks to Tim's sterling work, I've now identified my big bronze Australia badge (3013). The surname (Tyson) was a little unusual and this has led to a most interesting wander through the pages of TROVE (Australian National Archives newspaper database).
It would appear that he was the nephew of an immensely wealthy "squatter" who had a vast land holding in the 19th century.
I've still yet to determine what the "special skill" he had to offer that entitled him to the badge but, from what I've read about the issue of the badge and if I've read this correctly, it may be sufficient for him to have offered his services as "manpower" in the UK.
As the numbers on these badges seem to head towards the high 4,000 range (anyone seen something close to 5,000?) it is conceivable that being fit and able was enough...
Not got "Australians Awarded" to hand at present so I should maybe re-read the entry!
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