'Wattle Day League Hospital Wing' fundraising badge 1917 - large size

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A.W. Patrick

1917

Overview

Circular fundraising badge or button sold to support the 'Wattle Day League Hospital Wing' appeal in 1917. It is made from printed paper between a tin base and celluloid cover.
It features a central depiction of Father Christmas with a loaded sack, surrounded by a broad white border edged both sides in red, and a white outer border. Written in red around the inner border is the text 'Wattle Day League Hospital Wing' on the top and 'Our Xmas Gift to Maimed Soldiers' on the bottom. The words 'Hospital Wing Keswick' are written in red on a parcel in Father Christmas' sack and the date, 21-12-17, is printed above his head.
The badge is discoloured and soiled. The maker's details are printed in black on the rim of the badge.
The reverse has a dark metal back with a void into which a metal pin is secured for attachment.

Historical information

Fundraising badges such as this were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause.
According to the Australian War Memorial, the Wattle Day League was 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.
Founded by women and members of the Australian Natives Association, the League aimed to foster patriotic pride and national identity among Australians through the planting of wattle and other activities, eventually leading to the wattle being incorporated into the Australian Coat of Arms.
The homesickness felt by many troops serving in France and the Middle East during World War One saw the wattle become a powerful symbol for Australia and home. The League used its popularity to promote and support many fundraising events.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00733

Item type

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1