Female Relatives Badge : Mrs Maud Bones

Circular white metal badge edged by a wreath and surmounted by a King's crown. In the centre is a map of Australia surrounded by another wreath and the words 'TO THE WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA'. Suspended below the badge by a pair of rings is a bar with five seven pointed brass stars The reverse bears a pin fastening and is impressed with the serial number 'A266024' and has the raised words 'ISSUED BY THE C'WLTH GOVT' and maker's details 'AMOR SYDNEY'.

The Female Relatives Badge was issued to the wife and/or mother or nearest female relative of Australians on active service abroad during the Second World War. Each star on this badge represents a son on active service. This badge was worn by Mrs Maud Bones of Kogarah, NSW, in recognition of the service of her five sons, NX148681 John Thomas Bones, NX18081 Harold Ian Bones, NX149093 William Edward Bones, NX170981 Douglas Bones and 137513 Frederick Raymond Bones. John 'Jack' Bones was born on 31 January 1913. Serving initially in the Militia (home defence force) with the 45th Battalion and 103 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, John transferred to the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 14 December 1942. He received training at the Army School of Artillery and Gas School and transferred to 53 Australian Anti-Aircraft Regiment in July 1943. He served in New Guinea from October to February 1944, and at Tarakan from May 1945 to October. John was discharged with the rank of sergeant on 12 November 1945. Harold 'Rusty' Bones was born on 19 July 1915. He was serving in the Militia as a gunner with the 59th Battery, 18th Field Regiment before joining the 2/5th Field Regiment AIF on 28 May 1940. In June he married Trixie Helen Bones who later served as a private with the Australian Womens Army Service. Harold embarked for service in the Middle East in October, returning to Australia in March 1942. In October he travelled to New Guinea but was evacuated to Australia in December suffering from malaria. He returned to New Guinea in April 1943 where he served until February 1944. Harold was discharged with the rank of sergeant on 27 February 1945. William 'Bill' Bones was born on 15 October 1921. He was serving in the Militia as a gunner with the 61st Battery, 18th Field Regiment when he transferred to the Second AIF in July 1941. In April 1944 he took part in anti-malaria drug trials in Queensland. William served in Borneo with 2/5 Field Regiment from June 1945 until his discharge in January 1946. Douglas Bones was born on 19 November 1923. An 18 year old plumber, Douglas was a driver with the 2nd General Transport Company before transferring to the Second AIF on 17 September 1942. He qualified as an armourer and served in New Guinea from October 1944 to July 1945. He was diagnosed with malaria in September 1945 and was discharged from 1 Infantry Troops Workshop, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with the rank of craftsman on 15 March 1946. Frederick Bones was born on 30 September 1925. Aged 18 he enlisted in the RAAF on 1 October 1943 and served in Australia as a telegraphist. He was discharged from Station Headquarters Richmond with the rank of leading aircraftman on 17 April 1946.