GEIC The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Contingent

[badgecollector]

hi all
a few weeks back i asked if anyone could ID this australian made shoulder title? it is in the style circa WW1 and made by stokes melbourne.
well i think ive found the answer
GEIC = Gilbert and Ellice Islands Contingent

By 1918, the islands were a colony of the British Empire and another personnel offer was made. This time it was for the services of members of the Native Police Force, who would travel to New Zealand as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Contingent. There were a total of 25 men who made the voyage late in the June of 1918. The colony paid for the travel costs, as their service was seen as the duty of good citizens of Empire.

Initially, the contingent sailed to Australia, where they disembarked in Sydney for a few days before sailing on to Wellington. Their arrival was hailed as evidence of the unity of the British Empire. During their brief visit to the capital, the newspapers wrote with enthusiasm about the arrival of the volunteers: ‘When this little company of men […] arrive at the front, it may be said that every part of the British Empire is helping’.

so am i correct and if so, how rare is this title?

cheers
BC

[btns]

Hi,
The letters could be generic: Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony.
Attached is a later button. I worked out the letters myself and I do not know who used these buttons.
best regards,

edit: the button could be for this training school:
MV Teraaka - Tarawa Marine Training School

https://www.milemarker.co.uk/post/that-sinking-feeling

The days of designing and producing uniform buttons for small entities are long gone ...

[badgecollector]

thanks btns
you maybe right but the titles manufacture is of a WW1 style including the maker mark to rear.
bc

[altcar73]

Originally Posted by badgecollector

hi all
a few weeks back i asked if anyone could ID this australian made shoulder title? it is in the style circa WW1 and made by stokes melbourne.
well i think ive found the answer
GEIC = Gilbert and Ellice Islands Contingent

By 1918, the islands were a colony of the British Empire and another personnel offer was made. This time it was for the services of members of the Native Police Force, who would travel to New Zealand as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Contingent. There were a total of 25 men who made the voyage late in the June of 1918. The colony paid for the travel costs, as their service was seen as the duty of good citizens of Empire.

Initially, the contingent sailed to Australia, where they disembarked in Sydney for a few days before sailing on to Wellington. Their arrival was hailed as evidence of the unity of the British Empire. During their brief visit to the capital, the newspapers wrote with enthusiasm about the arrival of the volunteers: ‘When this little company of men […] arrive at the front, it may be said that every part of the British Empire is helping’.

so am i correct and if so, how rare is this title?

cheers
BC

Gilbert & Ellice Islands Constabulary.

Dave.

[badgecollector]

Originally Posted by altcar73

Gilbert & Ellice Islands Constabulary.

Dave.

Hey Dave
Thanks for the reply
You probably correct but maybe both?
From what I’ve read the constabulary formed the basis of the contingent
BC

[altcar73]

The correct title of the G&EI Police was indeed, "Constabulary". They wore chrome plated versions of that badge right up until the end of the G&EI name.

Dave.

[badgecollector]

thanks Dave
this badge is white metal and not chromed.
still think it could be either
bc