| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25351 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Metal, plastic, wool cloth |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1941-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Sweetheart brooch: 1 Australian Corps Troops, Royal Australian Engineers - Staff Sergeant J A Whelen,
Description
Triangular brooch suspended from a bar with a pin back fastening. The triangle forms a frame for a miniature colour patch of 1 Australian Corps Troops of the Royal Australian Engineers. This is a purple triangle on a grey felt background. The frame is faced with a plastic cover and has a small rising sun badge attached to the apex.
History / Summary
This sweetheart brooch was bought by NX123176 Staff Sergeant John Arnold Whelen for his wife, Elizabeth Whelen (nee McClure) whom he had married in 1943. Whelen was born in Cardiff, Wales in February 1914 and enlisted in Canberra, ACT on 30 April 1941. He served with both the 1 Australian Corps Troops and 2 Australian Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers and was discharged on 20 December 1945.