| Place | Oceania: Australia, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL39133 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Celluloid, Paper, Tin |
| Maker |
A W Patrick |
| Place made | Australia: South Australia, Adelaide |
| Date made | c 1916 - 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Small fundraising badge : Our Fighting Men - Australian Comforts Fund
Description
Small circular pressed tinplate badge with a celluloid face and a pin attachment to the reverse. Features the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in slouch hat and shouldered rifle against an Australian flag, enclosed by a white border with the words 'Our Fighting Men / Australian Comforts Fund' printed in red.
History / Summary
Fundraising badge produced to support the activities of the South Australian branch of the Australian Comforts Fund. Such badges were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause. This example employs the image of an Australian soldier to encourage support for the Fund. The Australian Comforts Fund was one of the premier organisations supplying overseas troops with items such as musical instruments, games, books, newspapers, magazines food, writing sets, and warm clothing through small canteens near the front lines, and through the London-based 'AIF and War Chest Club'. The Fund was formed on 24 August 1916 from a number of State based organisations. Its motto was 'Keep the Fit Man Fit'.