Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button, Pin

World War I-era pressed tin fundraising badge. The badge features a white map of Australia with the words 'I Will Help Until the War is Won' against a dark blue background with gold border. Surrounding the map are the stars of the Southern Cross.

The Australian War Memorial website records that this fundraising badge was produced to encourage and display patriotic support for the war effort. Such badges were sold in trams, buses, at railways stations and at rallies to raise money for the stated cause. This example is a generic badge encouraging support for the war and may have resulted from the strong and divisive debate over Conscription.

One of 24 fundraising badges attached to a black velvet ribbon. Purchased and collected by the donor's great-grandmother, Mrs Lillie Mary Holinger, in Melbourne (probably Canterbury).

Badges were worn or displayed on ribbons during and after World War I, commemorating involvement in the war effort and expressing patriotism. They were generally made to raise funds for particular causes, including comforts and medical aid for those serving overseas; assisting widows and children of deceased soldiers; and assisting with the purchase of aids and treatment for soldiers who returned with disabilities.

Physical Description

Circular pressed tin badge featuring a white map of Australia with the words in red capitalised inscription against a dark blue background with gold border. Surrounding the map are the stars of the Southern Cross. The back of the badge is a dull tin with minor rust. A bent nail has been utilised as the pin and is attached through a hole in the back of the badge.

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