Presentation watch fob : Private Gerald Frederick Wrigley, 1 Machine Gun Battalion, AIF

Places
Accession Number REL36245
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Enamel, Gold
Maker Unknown
Place made Australia
Date made c 1919
Conflict Period 1910-1919
First World War, 1914-1918
Description

9 carat gold watch fob presented to Private Gerald Frederick Wrigley upon his return to Australia after the First World War.
Fob in the shape of a shield. Obverse features a Rising Sun, crossed rifles and a saluting soldier, a colour patch for 1 Pioneer Battalion, AIF. Three blue enamelled bars across the top of the shield read 'DUTY BRAVELY DONE'. A blue enamelled boomerang shape at the bottom of the shield reads 'RETURNED'.
Reverse is engraved with the inscription 'Presented to PTE G.F WRIGLEY. by the FURRACABAD CHEER "O" GIRLS CLUB on his return from the GREAT WAR Sept 1919'.

History / Summary

Gerald Frederick Wrigley was born in Surry Hills Sydney NSW in 1883. He was a farmer prior to enlistment with Engineer Reinforcements 2nd Military District. He was transferred from 1 Pioneer Battalion AIF to 1 Machine Gun Battalion on the 9 April 1918 and was discharged on the 13 August 1919. He saw service in France. This presentation watch fob was given to Wrigley by the Cheer 'O' Girls Club of Furracabad NSW. The Cheer 'O' Girls Club was one of the patriotic organisations established during the First World War to provide comforts and entertainment for Australian troops. They may have also helped organise welcome home events. During the Second World War the Cheer 'O' Girls again played an important role in providing refreshments and dance partners for Australian and American service personnel on return from service. Dances were held to provide entertainment for the soldiers and keep their spirits high.