Australian Red Cross Society NSW Division Transport badge

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c. 1940

Overview

Australian Red Cross Society NSW Division Transport metal and enamel badge. The word 'Transport' is made from silver painted brass or bronze and sits within an arc containing dark blue enamel bordered by the same silver metal. An enamel red cross with a narrow silver border is attached above from the centre of the arc. Some of the silver paint has rubbed off to reveal the base metal underneath.
On the reverse of the badge, the raised letters 'A.R.C.S' are positioned on the horizontal arms of the red cross, while the letters 'NSW' appear on the lower vertical arm.
The reverse also has a vertical brooch pin for attachment. However, the lower clasp part is missing and the pin is bent. There is no maker's mark.

Historical information

The Australian Red cross Society set up a transport service in 1915, driving soldiers who had returned on the hospital ships to their homes or convalescent facilities. By the end of 1916 the Service included 2,500 cars, with more than half overseas, working on the battlefields of France, Italy and East Africa. Transport duties included daily ambulance rounds to hospitals, weekly outings with patients, and delivering and collecting materials. The Australian Red Cross also developed the Cycle and Motor Cycle Corps, with volunteers delivering special Red Cross messages or small parcels.
The busiest time for the Transport service came at the end of World War Two when volunteer drivers met thousands of wounded servicemen and returning prisoners of war.

This badge is believed to date to the World War Two period.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00597

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Social History
Transport
War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Brass