Volunteer Air Observers Corps badges

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (V.A.O.C.) was a civil defence formed on 31 December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (R.A.A.F.) support during World War Two. The V.A.O.C. rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, with their main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an R.A.A.F. regional base. Initially the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia decreased. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the R.A.A.F. and home front security in general. The V.A.O.C. was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2 600 observations posts were maintained and around 25 000 personnel served.

Those who did serve were issued with a V.A.O.C individually numbered and registered metal and enamel badge. As no uniforms were issued to civilian volunteers, these were worn to show that the recipient was an active member of the Corps and involved in war related work.

These two badges were bought together and their numbers are also very close together - 14416 and 14428 - so they may have belonged to related family members or those serving in the same observation post or locality.

Two service certificates issued to volunteers are also held in the collection, but were purchased separately.