dom Posted 19 November , 2005 Share Posted 19 November , 2005 Hi Once again another mystery.I purchased this item many moons ago with a 1915 star trio to an Australian(born in Scotland) who had been killed in action , what is it ? The item itself is 11cms x 6cms the hanger and bottom are what seems to be made of plated steel. The bottom part has a gilt star attached,at the back of the top there is a number stamped (4173 which is different from the medal service numbers) and brooch attachment.The cloth is a black and is embroidered.See attached scan.Does anyone know what it is and what purpose it served? Cheers Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted 19 November , 2005 Share Posted 19 November , 2005 I have not seen one with a ribbon before but the bottom bit looks very like the badge awarded to women who had a son in the forces. The one I have is a stamped silver plated badge with a map of Australia in a chain circle. Between the chain and an outer laurel wreath it says To the Women of Australia. Surmountedby a kings crown voided. Underneath suspended is a bar with small gilt commonwealth starsalmost identicalto the one displayed. The badge is numbered on the back Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Doneley Posted 19 November , 2005 Share Posted 19 November , 2005 This is a "Mothers and Widows" badge, issued by the Australian Government to the mothers and widows of servicemen who died in the Great War. It was only used for WW1 and, being cloth, not many have survived the ravages of time. The star indicates the number of sons - in this case, one. Black ribbon for mourning, the sprigs of wattle for Australia, and a representation of the Australian "Rising Sun" badge. Note that the scroll "Australian Military Forces" did not appear on the actual badge till about 1948; prior to that it read "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces". Today it simply reads "The Australian Army". The next of kin also received a booklet "Where the Australians Rest" - an A4 sized soft cover book that described the various cemeteries in France, UK, Gallipoli and Palestine. These were in addition to the plaque, letter, scroll and medals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grantsmil Posted 20 November , 2005 Share Posted 20 November , 2005 This is an example of the same badge, but for two losses. By the way, welcome Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Doneley Posted 20 November , 2005 Share Posted 20 November , 2005 Thanks Grant. Long time, no hear - but all my fault. Put my collecting life on hold for a while, but back at it again now. Two stars, eh? Haven't seen one, but know they're around - and some with even more! My great grandmother would have got one with 2 stars. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherree Posted 20 November , 2005 Share Posted 20 November , 2005 Very interesting badges, I suppose my GGGrandmother would have got one with one star. There is no mention of it in the records, I mean the Plaque and the medal and Memorial scroll were all receipted and signed for and put with my GG Uncle's records. I didn't know that this badge existed, but it is nice to know that it did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dom Posted 20 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 20 November , 2005 I have not seen one with a ribbon before but the bottom bit looks very like the badge awarded to women who had a son in the forces. The one I have is a stamped silver plated badge with a map of Australia in a chain circle. Between the chain and an outer laurel wreath it says To the Women of Australia. Surmountedby a kings crown voided. Underneath suspended is a bar with small gilt commonwealth starsalmost identicalto the one displayed. The badge is numbered on the back Greg <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi your one probably has a similar significance as the one I possess. Regards Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dom Posted 20 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 20 November , 2005 This is a "Mothers and Widows" badge, issued by the Australian Government to the mothers and widows of servicemen who died in the Great War. It was only used for WW1 and, being cloth, not many have survived the ravages of time. The star indicates the number of sons - in this case, one. Black ribbon for mourning, the sprigs of wattle for Australia, and a representation of the Australian "Rising Sun" badge. Note that the scroll "Australian Military Forces" did not appear on the actual badge till about 1948; prior to that it read "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces". Today it simply reads "The Australian Army". The next of kin also received a booklet "Where the Australians Rest" - an A4 sized soft cover book that described the various cemeteries in France, UK, Gallipoli and Palestine. These were in addition to the plaque, letter, scroll and medals. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Brilliant,thanks for Information ,It obviously is part of the set of medals I possess and will be displayed with them.Thank again. Regards Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dom Posted 20 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 20 November , 2005 This is an example of the same badge, but for two losses. By the way, welcome Bob. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Interesting I wonder what was the most stars placed on one of these badges were? and how much examples still exist. regards Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Doneley Posted 21 November , 2005 Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Stan, Tell us more about the recepient of this group? Who was he? Whic battalion? Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dom Posted 21 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 21 November , 2005 Stan, Tell us more about the recepient of this group? Who was he? Whic battalion? Bob <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Bob I will give some information,but there is a lot of info on him at The Austalian War Memorial sight(including a photo of him),I also found and got his service records digitised at the Australian Archives so these can be read online and the AIF Project has info.Its an interesting read. 1799 Pte Robert Ednie Chapman (he doesnt use his middle name very often) 17th battalion, 2nd Reinforcements.Enlisted 19/4/15.Kia 4/2/17 near Bapaume.Aged 27 Born Kirkcaldy Scotland.Aged 22 when he arrived in Australia. regards Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Doneley Posted 22 November , 2005 Share Posted 22 November , 2005 Great work Stan. It's amazing what records are available here in Australia, all downloadable free of charge. If anyone is interested, there is also a Government website giving basic WW2 service information: www.ww2roll.gov.au Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dom Posted 22 November , 2005 Author Share Posted 22 November , 2005 Great work Stan. It's amazing what records are available here in Australia, all downloadable free of charge. If anyone is interested, there is also a Government website giving basic WW2 service information: www.ww2roll.gov.au Bob <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Bob Yes. Australian records sites are brilliant well detailed and are willing to give out information at no cost .Some of the British sites would do well to take leaf out of the Australian sites book. Regards Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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