War Chest Day card with badges : Miss G Butler

Accession Number REL39051
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Cardboard, Enamelled metal, Tin
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made c 1918
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Rectangular green card printed in black with 'War Chest Badge of Victory for WAR CHEST DAY'. The card has been decorated with four fundraising pins. Two are flags, one a Blue Ensign, the other a British naval ensign. The other badges are a circular pressed tinplate 'WAR CHEST DAY' badge consisting of a red, six-pointed star on a gold or bronze background and a red enamelled 'WAR CHEST DAY' badge in the shape of a six-pointed star.

History / Summary

This card, pins and badges are associated with Miss Gwen Butler who acquired them on War Chest Day 29 November 1918. War Chest Day was held in Sydney in 1916, 1917 and 1918. It was organised to obtain public support for troops overseas through raising money and the provision of troop comforts. Funds raised on the 1918 War Chest Day were put towards the repatriation of returning servicemen. Miss Butler had an uncle in the Navy (HMAS Sydney), as well as another in the Royal Flying Corps. In addition, her boyfriend also served in the Navy during the war.