Fundrasing paper poppies : G J Howell, VC

Place Oceania: Australia, New South Wales
Accession Number REL/08983
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Paper; Crepe paper
Maker Howell, George Julian 'Snowy'
Returned Sailors and Soldiers' Imperial League
Place made Australia
Date made 1930
Conflict Period 1930-1939
Description

Three red paper poppies with paper covered wire stems. The base of each flower has a green tag stapled around it. This tag is printed with a serial number and signed in ink 'G. Howell V.C.'. Accompanying the flowers is a handwritten note which reads 'Inverell 9/12/30 Dear Mr Elwin, I am forwarding on behalf of the Poppy Day Appeal Authorities a poppy autographed by a V.C. Winner to be handed to each of your workers on Poppy Day,and on their behalf please convey to those workers the authorities best wishes and appreciation. Yours sincerely (illegible signature) Hon Secy RSSL'.

History / Summary

From 1921 the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League (RSSIL), later to become the Returned Services League (RSL) began selling red poppies on Armistice or Remembrance Day (11 November) to raise money. In 1930 the First World War Victoria Cross winner, George Julian Howell signed these poppies to be distributed by Mr William Elwin to his workers as a reward to those selling poppies on behalf of the Inverell RSSIL branch.