Pair of brass 'A' Gallipoli service badges : Private W H Brentnall, 2 Field Ambulance, AIF

Places
Accession Number REL31245
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Brass
Maker Unknown
Date made c 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Pair of brass shoulder titles in shape of the letter 'A'. The badges appear to have been cut from an earlier shoulder title such as 'RAMC', and are not officially issue 'A's. Each have a pair of attachment lugs brazed on at the top and bottom of the letter's broader leg.

History / Summary

Worn by 56 Private Walter Harold Brentnall of 2 Field Ambulance, AIF. Brentnall was born in Brunswick, VIC in August 1895 and was a dental mechanic until his enlistment in the AIF on 18 August 1914. Brentnall landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was a stretcher bearer for the five months he served there. He was hospitalised with enteric fever in the United Kingdom but later returned to duty in France. During service in France he was wounded in the hand and was repatriated to Australia in September 1917. These brass 'A' Gallipoli service badges were authorised for wear by Gallipoli veterans on each colour patch in 1916. Originally embroidered, they took the form of brass letters from 1917.