Summary

Alternative Name(s): Pin, Button

Fundraising badge for the British Red Cross.

The British Red Cross were founded in July 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War as the British National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War. They were reconstituted as the British Red Cross in 1905 and given a royal charter in 1908 when Queen Alexandra became their president. The Voluntay Aid Detatchment (VADs) was also inaugurated around this time to provide support to territorial forces during times of war. During World War I the British Red Cross had 90,000 volunteers who supported the sick and wounded British troops.

Badges such as this one were used to raise funds to support their efforts. This particular example was distributed in South Australia, the only state which appears to have raised funds specifically for the British Red Cross. Although the Serbian, Italian and Belgian Red Cross Societies featured in fundraising appeals across the nation, most states preferred to raise funds under the collective banner of the Red Cross Society.

Physical Description

Round metal badge in red,white, blue and gold. Gold back ground with two banners at bottom. British flag in centre with red cross at left.

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