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Australian Munition Workers
Overseas AMW History
The Australian Munitions Worker scheme started seeking volunteers in the middle of August 1916. Men enlisted under a joint Australian Commonwealth – Imperial Government scheme for providing skilled Australian workers to British war industries during the First World war. Under this scheme the volunteers would receive free passage to Great Britain , an allowance for travel time , a special allowance for the duration of service , and eventual repatriation to Australia . Initially only skilled workers were sought , however at the request of the British Government later groups included large numbers of navvies for general labouring. (see next post) Badge Obverse : Australian coat of arms set on a ribbon with the legend 'MUNITIONS WORKER' and curved below , the word 'AUSTRALIA'. (photo 1) Reverse : ISSUED/ BY/ DEPARTMENT/ OF / DEFENCE / STOKES & SONS MELBORNE and stamped with a badge/worker number. Badge had 2 lugs (N/S). (photo 2) The design of the badge was the same for all groups but different finishes were used to indicate which group the volunteer belong to. Gold (gilt) : CHEMISTS – Records show that approximately 300 Australian chemists were employed under the scheme and that (for some) they had to 'apply' for the badge once in the Great Britain. Quote:
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Silver (plated) : MANAGERS and qualified factory supervisors. Bronze : Basic workers. The badges were issued on 'enrolment' and the badge/worker number was recorded in the volunteer's file. (photo 3 shows an example). Note – Chemist/Draughtsmen had their worker number recorded at this time and this number was on the badges they were (later) issued. I can find no record when Manager/Supervisor badges were issued. References : NAA (National Archives of Australia) “World War 1 Australian Munitions Worker Badges – List of Recipients” by Lieutenant-Colonel Neil Smith. “Australians Awarded” by Clive Johnson. “Australian Munitions Workers” website. Badge photos courtesy of Rob (Jackhr).
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British Legion/Royal British Legion , Poppy/Remembrance/Commemorative. Poppy and British Legion Wanted |
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