YMCA Canteen Worker Pin

[Home Guard]

I recently picked up this little YMCA Canteen Worker pin because it is white metal. I already have an identical pin but it is brass. Does anybody know the difference in using he two metals? Could it be a rank indicator, or maybe identifying the number of years served?



Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

Terry

[ARPCDHG]

The brass version is probably just an economy version. There were two sizes of these badges too, again probably for economy? Jon will likely know.

[Home Guard]

Thanks ARPCDHG! I hadn't thought of that and finding info online has been tough so far.

Terry

[mike_vee]

Nothing to do with your badge , just an excuse to post a photo of this British Legion Canteen badge .

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[Home Guard]

Mike, I am sure glad you did because that is a lovely badge!!! Would it be a wartime one?

Terry

[mike_vee]

Did a bit of digging as I wasn't sure of the history of the YMCA Women’s Auxiliary.

Within the first fortnight of war being declared, 250 social centres or ‘huts’ for troops were operating and within the first month the YMCA Women’s Auxiliary was formed.

Princess Helena, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, founded the YWCA Women's Auxiliary Force during WW1.

By 1918, over 40,000 ‘ladies of the red triangle’ , had served in the Auxiliary. All were unpaid and, even when serving abroad, had to meet their own living expenses.

Were there WW1 badges ?

PS. Terry , I am still trying to date the BL badge .

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[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by mike_vee

PS. Terry , I am still trying to date the BL badge .

Found a mention of the Women's Section setting up mobile canteens after London was bombed in 1940 , so possibly my badge is from that era ?

whilst new programmes such as mobile canteens were set up by members in heavily bombed areas such as London and Bradford.

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[Home Guard]

Mike,

That is awesome about your BL badge! And, thank you for the info re the YMCA pin. So I am thinking from what you've posted it might be WWI? I was thinking it was probably WWII. Long shot assumption - maybe he brass one is WWI and the sliver one is WWII????

Always appreciate the help!

Terry

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Home Guard

Mike,

That is awesome about your BL badge! And, thank you for the info re the YMCA pin. So I am thinking from what you've posted it might be WWI? I was thinking it was probably WWII. Long shot assumption - maybe he brass one is WWI and he sliver one is WWII????

Always appreciate the help!

Terry

I automatically assumed it was WW2 but wondered if anyone knew whether there was a WW1 version ? With over 40,000 women have 'served'during WW1 it seem likely the would have some form of recognition.


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