Silver War Badge : Sapper C S Mathieson, 7 Field Company Engineers, AIF

Place Europe: France
Accession Number REL34253
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Silver
Maker Unknown
Place made United Kingdom
Date made c 1917
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Description

Silver War Badge with impressed serial number 'A84331' on reverse. The badge is circular with the words 'FOR KING AND EMPIRE SERVICES RENDERED' around the rim, and a voided cypher and crown of King George V in the centre. The reverse has a hinged horizontal pin clasp.

History / Summary

This badge was issued to 2712 Sapper Charles Swanson Mathieson, of Brisbane, Queensland. A carpenter by trade, Mathieson enlisted in the AIF on 1 September 1915. He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Suffolk with 7 Field Company Engineers on 22 December and served on the Western Front. In August 1916, Mathieson sustained a severe gun shot wound to his right shoulder and was admitted to hospital in England. He embarked for return to Australia on 20 November 1917 aboard HMAT Suevic. He was discharged from the AIF on 22 December 1917. The silver war badge was issued to officers or men who had been retired or discharged on account of age, wounds or sickness that rendered them permanently unfit for further service.