On War Service

[Mike Jackson]

Found in England decades ago. It is hallmarked Thomas Freeman, Birmingham 1919. 28mm across. What would its status be? It's not numbered and not a conventional sweetheart badge. Who would have worn it? Your ideas would be welcome.
AIF HM 1919.jpg

[kingsley]

Hi, this is one of the official WW1 government issue lapel badges given to civilians so they would not be given a white feather on the train. There are Medically Unfit, Req for Home Service, Munitions Worker etc. This one is quite a nice badge: I would be interested in it if surplus to your needs, can probably find you a nice swap.

[Mike Jackson]

Thanks. So in this case it would have been issued to British civilians supporting the AIF HQ and base units in England?
Mike

[militiaman]

Hi

Is it possible to post an image of the rear of the badge?

I bought an example from EBAY several years ago, and do not remember it to be as nicely detailed as yours.

If it ever goes onto the market Iwould also be interested in this badge.

All the best

Dennis

[kingsley]

Hi mike,
I doubt if it was issued to British civilians because the UK had its own (eg csossed cannons on circle etc). Because of the AIF in the design I have always assumed it was for Australian civilians in UK.

[Mike_2817]

That it is silver, perhaps something to do with the Australian Embasy? Normay 'War Work' badges were not silver.

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by militiaman

Hi

Is it possible to post an image of the rear of the badge?

I bought an example from EBAY several years ago, and do not remember it to be as nicely detailed as yours.

If it ever goes onto the market Iwould also be interested in this badge.

All the best

Dennis

Herewith. The rectangular mark on the reverse above the pin is the residue left by a small self-adhesive label placed there by the vendor c 30 years ago.
AIF HM 1919.02.jpg AIF HM 1919.03.jpg
My wife is Australian, so it won't be going anywhere (as far as I know).
Mike