| Accession Number | REL/05806 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Gilded bronze |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1916: Homefront |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1914-18 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Lapel badge: Volunteered For Active Service, Required for Home Service - Wardle family, Ballarat
Description
Circular, gilded bronze 'Volunteered For Active Service' Badge. Around the outside of the badge in raised lettering is 'VOLUNTEERED FOR ACTIVE SERVICE'. In the center of the badge is the Australian coat of arms surrounded by 'ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE REQUIRED FOR HOME SERVICE' in raised lettering. On the reverse of the badge are two lugs which are both missing. Beneath the lug is impressed the badge number '1893'.
History / Summary
The Volunteered For Active Service, Required for Home Service badge was sometimes issued by the Department of Defence to those who volunteered for active service but were withheld due to services required in Australia.
Such badges were issued after people helping the war effort were subjected to criticism and personal attacks. They were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform.
A number was often stamped on the reverse and a certificate provided as authentication.
This badge was part of a donation made of material related to the service of Captain Robert Norman Wardle of the Australian Army Veterinary Corps, and was likely issued to a member of Wardle's family during the First World War.