Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Home Front, Fundraising Appeals, "ON Active Service"

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Subcollections

Commonwealth Button Fund and Other Patriotic and Fundraising Buttons of World War 1

Overview

World War 1 celluloid tin button fundraising badge - "On Active service" featuring British Bulldog

Historical information

In addition to the Commonwealth Button Fund, there was a vast array of benevolent societies and privately run patriotic funds and charities operating during World War 1. Like the Button Fund, they were formed to raise money from the public to help support Australia's allies and its soldiers. Patriotic leagues and societies and other groups organised many different fund-raising efforts, including raffles and lotteries, special "days" like "Win the War Day" and "Allies Day". These activities raised over 12 million pounds during the War and immediately after. These private funds filled an important gap by providing the troops with warm clothing and comforts packages, by supervising the care and rehabilitation of returned soldiers and by raising relief funds for civilian wartime victims in Allied Europe.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-319

Inscriptions and markings

The circular badges were most commonly produced with a printed paper design laminated between a tin base and celluloid cover. The button had metal back with a securing pin and attachment.

Contextual Information

A display of Fund Raising and Patriotic Buttons features in the World War 1 Gallery during April and November at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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