Posted 12 years ago
Chrisnp
(310 items)
I can’t believe I let ANZAC day slip past without my saying something, so I hope this will serve as belated respects and sincere thanks.
The first image is the famous Rising Sun Hat Badge of the Australian Military Forces. This one is in copper and looks like the WWI version, but is likely WWII vintage, based on the manufacturer. The reverse is marked “K G Luke, Melb.” Luke also made US Badges during WWII.
Next is a smaller version of the rising sun as worn on the uniform collar. The other item is an Australia shoulder title. These were souvenirs brought home by an American Doughboy after the First World War. Both have faint hallmarks on the backs that I can’t quite make out.
Next is an insignia of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. It is brass, and this particular badge with the “Onward” motto was worn by the British section of the NZEF, made up of New Zealanders who were living in the UK.
Lastly, a more recent badge, that of the Royal Australian Regiment, which was formed in 1948. The regiment served in the Korean War, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and East Timor, and elements served in Iraq. This particular badge is hallmarked “Swann & Hudson, Frankston VIC.”
You always have very interesting items, and I enjoy all the background info you provide.
Thanks for this item from Down Under!
If there is any memory of Viet Nam that is positive, it was getting in to an Aussie base camp and tipping a few followed by everyone standing and singing Waltzing Matilda at closing time.
Thank you for sharing the items, the history and bringing back a fun memory.
Thanks for the love fhrjr2, ttomtucker, AR8Jason, toolate2, mrmajestic1, packrat-place and BELLIN68. And a special thanks for the love and comment by vetraio50,who I notice is from Sydney.
When I walked into the multi-national operations center in Baghdad, one of the first things I noticed was an Aussie slouch hat hanging on a wall, brim turned up at the side. It was a not-so-subtitle reminder that once again Australia was there with us.
The first badge is a 1900 - 1930 version, when they still sang "God save the King"! worn before the ascent of Queen Elizabeth. I have the same one like yours given to me by my dad - given to him by an aussie soldier in the '50s. Nice collection!
Correction: it's a 1904 - 1939 version.
It's ANZAC Day again, and I just want to wish our friends Down Under my thanks and wishes for a safe and thoughtful holiday, and most of all, peace.
And to you and yours from Down Under Chrisnp!