Framed WWII Female Relative's Badge with two stars issued to Beatrice Maud McDonald
Framed WWII Female Relative's Badge with two stars issued to Beatrice Maud McDonald, mother of Lance Corporal Clarence John McDonald and Private (William) Keith Kitchener McDonald.
The frame is black with gold detailing and contains seven gold-rimmed inserts on a black mat - a portrait and biography of each man, the Female Relative's badge and explanation, and the message from King George VI sent to all returning Prisoners of War.
The reverse of the frame has a card backing held in place by tape, and a white cord attached to two metal clips for hanging. A page of research compiled by Mostly Unsung is attached to the back. The framer's sticker is in the lower right corner.
Although not visible, the badge issue number is A65866.
Clarence John McDonald was born on 29 November 1916 in Geraldton. His younger brother (William) Keith Kitchener was born on 17 May 1918.
Lance Corporal Clarence John McDonald (Service Number WX8620) and Private (William) Keith Kitchener McDonald Service Number WX8621) both enlisted in Claremont with the 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion on 18 October 1940. Note the consecutive service numbers.
They both served in the Northern Territory before being sent to Singapore where they were reported as Missing in Action on 16 February 1942. They were later confirmed to be prisoners of the Japanese.
Keith died of sickness in Siam (Thailand) on 25 November 1943, aged 25. He is buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery; Joint grave 1. O. 48-49.
Clarence was repatriated at the end of the war (September 1945) and was discharged on 9 January 1946.
This poignant frame was presumably assembled by a family member to commemorate the service of their relatives.
The Female Relative's Badge was of great social significance as it was a way of recognising the wartime sacrifice of women and especially mothers.
Details
Details
Text with Female Relative's Badge:
"Mrs B.U. [sic] McDonald
WW 11 Female Relatives Badge
No. A65866
2 sons Enlisted:
WX 8620 C. J. McDonald
WX 8621 K.K. McDonald"
Under portrait of Clarence McDonald:
"Lance Corporal Clarence John McDONALD WX8620
Served in Australia including the Northern Territory and
Singapore with 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion.
Missing in action 16 February 1943 [sic] in Singapore and
confirmed later as a Prisoner of War.
Repatriated to Australia September 1945."
Under portrait of Keith McDonald:
"Private Keith Kitchener MCDONALD WX8621
Served in Australla including the Northern Territory and
Singapore with 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion.
Missing in action 16 February 1942 in Singapore and
confirmed later as a Prisoner of War.
Died of sickness in Siam 29th November 1943."
On Message from the King:
"AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES
His Majesty
King George VI
has instructed that the following message
from himself and Her Majesty the Queen
be conveyed to every ex Prisoner
of War on disembarkation
in Australia.
The Queen and I bid you a very warm welcome
home Through all the great trials and
sufferings which you have undergone at the
hands of the Japanese you have been constantly
in our thoughts. We know from the accounts
we have already received how heavy these
sufferings have been. We know also that these
have been endured by you with the highest
courage. We mourn with you the deaths of so
many of your gallant comrades. With all our hearts,
we hope that your return from captivity will
bring you and your families a full measure of
happiness, which you may long enjoy together
George R.I.
6.10.45
Perth, W.A."
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