Semaphore Cheer-up Society badge : Mrs W M Waters

Pressed metal patriotic bagde with showing a wreath and the words 'SEMAPHORE CHEER-UP SOCIETY WELCOME HOME'. There is a pin fastening on the reverse.

The South Australian Cheer-up Society was established in 1914 and comprised volunteer women workers who offered support to soldiers through the distribution of comforts, provision of meals and entertainment. Badges such as this were sold in an effort to raise funds. This badge was worn by Mrs Winifred Mabel Waters, wife of 4542 Private Johny Waters who died in France in 1917. Born in Cornwall, England, Private Waters migrated to Australia with his family at the age of 4 and settled in South Australia. As a 23 year old motor driver he enlisted with 27 Battalion on 20 December 1915. He embarked from Adelaide aboard HMAT Shropshire on 23 March 1916 and proceeded to join his unit in France in December. On 27 February 1917 during the German withdrawal to the new Hindenburg Line defences, Waters was wounded in action. He had been fighting at Malt Trench, between Warlencourt and le Barque in France and received a severe gun shot wound to the head which fractured his skull. He was admitted to 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital but later died of his wounds on 7 March. He is buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery, France. In 1922 Mrs Waters married a returned soldier, 1452 Driver Richard Trendall.