Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade meritorious service badge presented to B.M. Apsey

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A.J. Parkes & Co.

1972

Overview

Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade sterling silver and enamel meritorious service badge presented to B.M. Apsey in 1972.
It features a central circular area with a blue enamel border containing the words 'QUEENSLAND AMBULANCE TRANSPORT BRIGADE'. Inside the border is a gold-edged Maltese cross filled with red enamel, some of which is missing, on a bright yellow gold background. The letters 'Q' 'A' 'T' 'B' appear in the gaps between the four arms of the Maltese Cross.
A second blue enamel arc appears below and contains the words 'MERITORIOUS SERVICE'. Continuing above this second arc and surrounding the central area is a decorative silver laurel wreath.
A silver bar sits horizontally behind the central emblem. The left side of the bar is engraved with the number '19' and the right side is engraved with '72', indicating the year 1972.
The recipients name is engraved on the upper part of the reverse and the maker's mark (A.J.P) and the letters 'STG. SIL' appear below.
There is a pin clasp for attachment. A chain connects the lower left side of the laurel wreath to a safety pin, which serves as a secondary guard or fastening mechanism to prevent loss.

Historical information

The Q.A.T.B. was formed in 1902, evolving from the City Ambulance Transport Brigade (C.A.T.B.) which began in Brisbane in 1892. The badge features a red Maltese Cross, a common symbol in ambulance services, designed by two C.A.T.B. Bearers, Seymour Warrian and Eustace Jack, while travelling to and from Ipswich by train for first aid instruction in 1892. The Maltese cross was highly favoured by Queen Victoria, arising from her special sympathy for the sick and injured, and her high regard for those who served others.

The Q.A.T.B. was responsible for instructing in first aid, transporting the sick and injured, and teaching basic nursing and sanitation principles.
In 1991, the Q.A.T.B. became a state-run service, transitioning into the Queensland Ambulance Service (Q.A.S.).

It is likely that this badge was presented to Beryl Miriam Apsey, nee Heath. Beryl was born on 13 June 1909 in Maryborough, Queensland. She married Frederick William Apsey on 17 November 1930 and they resided in Inglewood, Maranoa, Queensland.
When the badge was presented, she would have been 63 years of age. It represents an extended period of continuous service with the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB).
In 1972, the QATB relied heavily on localised community branches and sub-committees. Women recognised with this award at the time typically served as vital healthcare personnel, honorary officers, or leading members of the Ladies' Auxiliaries who managed local station fundraising, community first-aid education, and disaster welfare support.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01083

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Medicine and Health

Social History

Material

Enamels