'British Red Cross Day' fundraising button 1917 - small size

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Commonwealth Button Fund

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'British Red Cross' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It has a depiction of a Union Jack flag on a blue flagpole and a red cross on a gold background. There is a white ribbon scroll at the bottom of the button which contains the words 'British Red Cross'.
The reverse has a silver metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment. Most of the silver paint has worn off.

Historical information

The Commonwealth Button Fund was established in mid-1915, with the first Button Day being held in November of that year, supporting the people of Belgium. Over the course of the next 6 years, 33 Button Days were held raising money for a variety of patriotic and charitable causes including the Australian, British and French Red Cross, Hospitals, allied countries, current serving men and women, discharged, wounded and disabled servicemen and women, and their families. The buttons were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause.

"British Red Cross' button day was held on May 24 1917, to coincide with Empire Day. The British Red Cross Society supported the sick and wounded of all allied nations and sent food parcels to those taken as prisoners of war.

This smaller sized button sold for 1 shilling, while the larger size sold for 2/6.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00319

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Ink