WWI Australian Y.M.C.A 'Snapshots From Home League' enamel badge

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Bridgland & King

c. 1917

Overview

World War One circular metal and enamel fundraising badge produced to promote the Y.M.C.A.'s 'Snapshots from Home League' of Australia.
The design resembles a naval life buoy. It features the words 'Snapshots From Home League' around the circumference on a white enamel background, separated by triangular inserts of blue,
The Y.M.C.A .logo (an inverted triangle) appears in the centre of the badge in red enamel, while the letters Y, M, C and A are embedded in blue enamel around the triangle in the centre.
The reverse has a brooch fitting and the word 'Australia' impressed across it. The maker's details appear below.

Historical information

According to the Australian War Memorial, the Y.M.C.A.'s 'Snapshots from Home League' of Australia aimed to encourage amateur (and professional) photographers to provide images of soldiers' loved ones at home. The Y.M.C.A., which accompanied Australian troops close to the front line, produced forms on which troops could request an image of their family. Amateur photographers were then contacted in the relevant local regions in Australia who arranged to meet families, take portraits and were encouraged to provide free processing of the images and free prints. The programme was advertised in newspapers, early photographic magazines and photographic shops as well as Y.M.C.A. depots.

Due to the success of the scheme in World War one, it was continued during World War Two.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00538

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

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

Material

Brass