'Red Letter Day' fundraising button 1917

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State War Council

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold during World War One to support the 'Red Letter Day for maimed soldiers' appeal in 1917 by the Wattle Day League, Hospital Wing.
It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover. The button is cream with a red border and writing, featuring the date and purpose.
In the centre, there is a rectangular red letter with black writing. The words 'South Australia', and a depiction of a stamp and postal mark appear in black along the upper edge of the red letter. The address on the letter is 'Hospital Wing, Keswick'.
The maker's details appear on the rim of the button in black letters.
The reverse has a metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.

Historical information

According to the Australian War Memorial, buttons/badges like this were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause. This example is associated with the Wattle Day League, formed almost concurrently in NSW and South Australia in 1909-10 with the purpose of promoting awareness of the plant, encouraging people to wear it and pushing for its adoption as a national symbol.
The homesickness felt by many troops serving in France and the Middle East saw the wattle become a powerful symbol for Australia and home. The League used its popularity to promote and support many fundraising events; in this case, the Keswick Military Hospital and its work with maimed soldiers. The appeal was held on 21 December 1917.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00342

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Social History
War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Ink

Metal