Summary

Australia Day Gold Donor medal, dated 30 July 1915, commemorating the Dardanelles (Gallipoli) battle, then underway. Australia Day was celebrated on this day, 30 July in 1915, and attracted enthusiastic crowds.

The celebration raised funds for the Australian Division of the Red Cross, for use on the front, on hospital ships and at hospitals in Malta and Egypt. This followed a successful 'Belgian Day' held on 15 May 1915.
Mint: Stokes & Sons.

Physical Description

Obverse features profile of George V. Reverse has inscription.

Obverse Description

At centre bare head of George V left; below in tiny letters, S&S; on arms of cross, REMEMBER THE DARDANELLES 1915

Reverse Description

JULY / 30TH / 1915 / AUSTRALIA DAY / GOLD / DONOR

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Ernest Scott, Australia During the War, vol XI of the Official History of Australia in the War, 1914-1918, Sydney, 1938, pp 728-731, describes the use of badges:

"A device previously introduced in Melbourne was widely adopted -- the sale of a button or metal badge sometimes of uniform size and design, sometimes varying according to the amount paid. This proved an excellent device. In the most-frequented spots in city and suburbs the stall-holders, with the aid of many friendly assistants, had erected dainty booths, and in and around these worked thousands of bright-eyed girls -- nurses, teachers, and others -- selling the various wares and the buttons of the Day."

In New South Wales, 839,550 pounds was collected; in Victoria 311,848 pounds.

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