'On War Service 1914' Metal Buttonhole Badge

These badges issued to British and Australian civilians who were employed to carry out essential ‘war work’, that exempted them from enlisting in the military services. During WW1 and prior to conscription, those not in uniform were thought to be ‘shirking their responsibility’ by not signing up for war service, but through wearing this type of badge they were easily identified as carrying out essential war services such as munitions, shipping etc. This badge was issued to Raymond Parker WARBURTON, he was employed as an Electrical Engineer on board the HMAT A4 Pera, a transport ship owned by P&O London, which was leased by the Commonwealth during the First World War. The HMAT Pera was part of the first convoy to depart from King George Sound, Albany Western Australia, on the 1st November 1914. Onboard was 90 soldiers, 6 nurses and 391 horses. Following the sinking of the ‘Pera’ after being torpedoed on the 19th October 1917, Raymond was transferred to the SS Shropshire, until 13th June 1919.