Red Cross Queen Medal 1916 - Western Australia
1916World War One era circular bronze medallion produced to raise patriotic funds for the Australian Red Cross Society in Western Australia.
The obverse features a central cross with horizontal lining inside its arms. The number '12' is enclosed inside a circular frame at the exact intersection of the cross.
Stamped around the upper border is the text 'RED CROSS QUEEN' and 'MEDAL' along the bottom edge, punctuated by decorative stars.
The reverse features two crossed flagpoles flying the Australian Red Ensign and the Union Jack flags.
The state initials 'W.A.' are positioned above the flags while the year '1916' sits directly below the crossed bases of the poles.
A hole has been drilled at the top of the medallion through which a small metal jump ring is threaded. A much larger ring is attached to the small ring and would have held a ribbon or pin for attachment.
During World War One in 1916, Western Australia hosted massive fundraising Queen Carnivals where localised communities voted for different 'Queen' candidates by purchasing penny votes and commemorative medals to support the war effort.
This medal features the number 12 and related to the Red Cross Queen candidate registered as No. 12, Mrs J.D. Connolly. She ran prominent newspaper campaigns urging citizens: 'If with the Red Cross—Vote for the Red Cross Queen: Mrs. J. D. Connolly. Registered: No. 12'.
Presumably, all of the other candidates had similar medallions with their number impressed in a circle at the centre of the cross. These medallions were minted by Cumpston’s in Perth.
Details
Details
On front of medal:
"RED CROSS QUEEN
12
MEDAL"
On revertse of medal:
"W.A.
1916"
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