Summary

Victorian Diggers Contingent Tasmanian Tour badge, Australia, 1939.

Approximately 500 Victorian men who served in WWI went on a tour of Tasmania at the invitation of the State Government arriving in Launceston on 23 April 1939.
The purpose of the tour was to acknowledge the soldiers efforts in WWI as well as stir up patriotism amongst the locals. The group were welcomed by government and military dignitaries and up to 1500 members of the public. They enjoyed several days visiting local landmarks as well as attending a ceremony where Mayor Hollingsworth formally welcomed the contingent to Launceston. He said that "Tasmania and Victoria had much in common, and that during the Great War the battalions had been intermixed.". In addition to this he informed them that "arrangements had been made with the City Council for the badges to serve as a free pass on the tramways, and to admit them to the Gorge".
When in Hobart, the Governor, Sir Ernest Clark, was quoted saying "The nation is not unmindful of, and not ungrateful for, what you did in your youth or early manhood, but there is an equally clear trumpet call to you today to do again what is within your capacity."
Mr. A.H. Puttick-Wynn, who lead the contingent stated that "the Gallipoli League of Anzacs was the first body to volunteer its services when the country was in trouble.".

WWII started in Europe on 1 September 1939 when German invaded Poland. Two days later by Britain and France declared war on Germany.

Obverse Description

A crowned round red, white and black enamelled badge with broken pin on back. The obverse features at centre, a large black V; around below, "TASMANIAN TOUR 1939"; around on red garter, "VICTORIAN DIGGERS CONTINGENT".

Reverse Description

The back has been stamped "137" and has the makers name, "K.G. LUKE / MELB.".

Edge Description

plain

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