| Place | Europe: Western Front |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL28783 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Bullion thread, Hessian, Paper, Wool |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Proficiency badge: Signaller, AIF - Sapper A F Kyle, 4 Division Signals Company, AIF
Description
A khaki signaller's cloth proficiency sleeve badge showing crossed signal flags; one blue, and the other white with a horizontal central blue stripe. The flag staffs and the flag borders are embroidered bullion wire. The badge is backed with brown paper and a layer of linen.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of Alan Fairlie 'Bill' Kyle. Born in Toowoomba Queensland in 1897, Alan Fairlie 'Bill' Kyle was working as a clerk in Sydney, NSW when he enlisted in the AIF in February 1916. He embarked HMAT Vestalia on 11 July 1916 and served as a sapper with 1 and 4 Divisional Signals Companies. He returned to Australia in September 1917 and settled in the islands of New Guinea. In April 1942, Kyle was activated as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve and served as a Coastwatcher until he was betrayed to the Japanese and, it is presumed, executed. He was declared dead on 1 September 1942. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his 'sustainded fortitude in hazardous circumstances.'.