'On War Service 1915' War Workers badge

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Thomas Fattorini

1915

Overview

World War One unofficial issue 'On War Service 1915' war workers badge. It is a circular gilt, copper alloy and enamel badge. It has the words 'On War Service' and '1915' written in gold on a red, white and blue enamel 'S' shaped ribbon scroll on a gold textured background. The border of the badge is blue enamel bordered either side by gold. There are floral motifs at the top of the badge - shamrock, rose (in red enamel) and thistle, representing the united emblems of Ireland, England and Scotland.
The reverse has the maker's details stamped in relief 'Thomas Fattorini Bolton', and a registration number impressed on the buttonhole attachment.

Historical information

Badges such as these were worn by civilians in order to indicate that the person wearing it was engaged in important war work.
Several of these badges were officially produced and distributed nationally, but many more were produced privately by companies to support their employees.

According to the Imperial War Museum : "Before conscription was introduced in 1916, the army relied on voluntary recruitment. It was assumed by many that a man not in uniform was avoiding joining up and was therefore often accused of shirking their duty to their country. The famous white feather campaign saw men not in uniform presented with a white feather as a symbol of cowardice.
The official badges were intended to prove that the wearer was doing their duty to their country in a time of war in a different way. They were not in uniform, but they may have been working in munitions factories or in the dockyards carrying out work that was vital to the war effort.
After conscription, the need for these badges faded, along with the white feather campaign. However, many continued to be worn throughout the war, especially by female shift workers for whom the badge could give priority boarding and fare concessions on public transport, as well as indicating that there was nothing disreputable about these ladies travelling alone at night".

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00231

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Copper alloy

Enamels