Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button

Badge featuring the words 'Vote Yes for Conscription and Australian and British flags. Made during the controversial debates surrounding the conscription of Australians into the armed forces in World War I.

In 1916 the Australian Government, under Prime Minister Hughes, called for conscription of Australian men as voluntary recruiting did not seem to be producing sufficient numbers to supply the front line. Referendums were held in 1916 and 1917 on the issue of conscription, which caused great divisions in Australian society and the Australian government. Both referendums were defeated and conscription did not occur.

Physical Description

This is a round badge with pin on back. The obverse has at its centre crossed Australian and British flags and across the front of the flags in red on a white background, text is inscribed.

Obverse Description

At the centre, crossed Australian and British flags, across the front of the flags in red on a white background, VOTE YES; above, OCT 28 / 1916.

Edge Description

AUTH E NANF A.W. PATRICK 440 RAE ST. N. FITZROY [...] 203 KING STREET MELB

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