Essendon Aerodrome membership badge

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A.W. Patrick

c. 1940

Overview

Circular Essendon Aerodrome membership or war worker's badge made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It has a steel grey border and matching writing on a cream coloured background. The words 'Essendon' and 'Aerodrome' are written in block letters around the top and bottom of the badge, while a Kings Crown and the number '1169' are in the centre.
The reverse has a metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.
The name of the maker is printed on the rim of the badge in cream letters on the grey background.

Historical information

During World War Two, Essendon aerodrome was substantially commandeered by the Royal Australian Air Force. It was used for military aircraft assembly, training, and defence, including housing machine gun batteries and defensive trenches.
It was a key site for aircraft construction and repair, most notably for Beaufort Bombers built by the Department of Aircraft Production.
This identification badge may have been used by a worker in one of these facilities.

There are two photo albums in the collection - one relating to the construction of Beaufort Bombers and the other about their deployment in northern Australia and New Guinea.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00804

Item type

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 2