| Accession Number | REL/15085 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Metal |
| Date made | c 1941 - 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Guinea Pig Club badge : Flight Lieutenant William Mitchell Stanley, RAAF
Description
Small silver metal badge in the form of a guinea pig with wings.
History / Summary
Flight Lieutenant William Mitchell Stanley, RAAF, was badly burnt when he landed in his blazing aircraft in September 1944. He was pulled from his plane by Wing Commander Jack Napier Davenport, RAAF, who was awarded the George Medal for his bravery in the rescue.
Stanley was subsequently treated under pioneering reconstructive surgeon Dr (later Sir) Archibald McIndoe at the Queen Victoria Hospital near the village of East Grinstead. McIndoe's patients, including Stanley, formed the 'Guinea Pig Club' for their role in the development of untried plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques.
Stanley was discharged from the RAAF in May 1946.