Sailors Soldiers & Airmens' Fathers Association pin

Silver, brass and enamel lapel badge with a stickpin attachment. The badge is round, surmounted with a king's crown in relief. The legend around the circumference on a blue background reads 'IN THE SERVICE OF THOSE WHO SERVE AUSTRALIA'; the central white bordered diamond contains the words 'SAILORS SOLDIERS & AIRMENS FATHERS ASSOCIATION', with the word 'FATHERS' centrally located on a red background. The maker's name and the latter A are cast, and the serial number 5922 impressed, into the reverse.

The Sailors and Soldiers Fathers' Association was established in the First World War and appears to have had branches in most states. The group actively involved themselves with hospital visits, repatriation issues, employment of returned servicemen and the establishment of returned servicemen’s rights relating to principles such as pensions and housing. There appears to have been close co-operation between the Association and the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in forming a group with strong lobbying abilities. Similarly, they were active in raising funds to build Memorials after the war. The Association remained active after the First World War in pursuing returned soldiers’ rights. They appear under a slightly different name during the Second World War (Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Fathers' Association) but their goals were identical.

• Sailors Soldiers & Airmens' Fathers Association (Womens Auxiliary) lapel badge