Merchant Seamen's Appeal (Merchant Navy Australia) pin

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Overview

Merchant Seamen's Appeal (Merchant Navy Australia) fundraising pin die-cut into the shape of a marine lifebuoy (lifesaver), complete with printed segments and rope borders.
It features the patriotic colours of red, white and blue on a cream background.
The text reads 'MERCHANT / SEAMEN'S / APPEAL' printed in bold red lettering around the ring between the upper three segments. The bottom of the ring features the official Merchant Navy (MN) crown and anchor crest, also stamped in red ink.
A length of light-blue twisted yarn is looped through the left side of the lifebuoy, which allowed the donor to tie or pin the badge to their lapel or clothing to show financial support.
The reverse is plain and there is no maker's mark.

Historical information

The Merchant Navy (also known as Mercantile Marine or Merchant Service) comprises the civilian commercial vessels and crews that transport goods, passengers, and supplies during both peace and war.
Unlike the Royal Navy or other armed services, it is not a single government organisation, but rather a collective term for privately owned cargo ships, tankers, passenger liners, and tugs.
The pivotal role of commercial mariners was brought to global attention during World War One. Tasked with bringing in essential food, raw materials, and military personnel, civilian ships suddenly became primary targets for German submarine warfare.
German U-boats instituted blockades to starve island nations into surrender. Merchant ships were painted in vibrant 'dazzle' camouflage to disrupt the targeting mechanisms of enemy torpedoes.
Between 1914 and 1918, approximately 17,000 seafarers lost their lives on British merchant vessels alone. In 1919, to formally honour this immense sacrifice, King George V coined the official title 'Merchant Navy', elevating the status of commercial mariners to match that of the armed services.

Many British Merchant Navy seamen were attached to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) or held commissions in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve (RANR/RANVR) during both wars, many as officers.

There are two photograph albums in the collection belonging to British Merchant Navy officers serving on Australian transport ships.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01130

Item type

Badges

Collectibles

Ephemera

Themes

Defence > Navy

Social History

Transport