Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.World War I-era pressed tin fundraising button. The button features the French flag and a red cross over a starburst, against a gold background. Encircling the image is a white ring with the text ‘French Red Cross’ in blue."French Red Cross"first world war (1914-18)

The use of these buttons as a means of raising revenue through patriotic sentiment occurred soon after Australia pledged allegiance to Empire. Buttons reflected ‘public sentiment, courage, patriotism, generosity and several [un- named] virtues’ such as the martyred mother of a ‘fallen’ hero. Attention was paid to attractiveness of design, encoded symbolism and high quality of production. Expressing ‘loyalty’, they were tokens to be kept for perpetuity. Female labour was used to operate the die that compressed the tin backing, photographic print and celluloid cover together. The pin was applied by hand. Women, of all ages, entered into the spirit of voluntary sales. Often they were sold at the entry and exit points of major pedestrian thoroughfares. The women of Kew set up a kiosk in front of the Post Office and the Railway Station to solicit their round, oval and square shaped wares. Pride in salesmanship was affected by publishing the name of the woman and her fiscal achievement in the major newspapers of the dayWorld War I-era pressed tin fundraising button. The button features the French flag and a red cross over a starburst, against a gold background. Encircling the image is a white ring with the text ‘French Red Cross’ in blueFrench Red Cross

These badges were issued in World War One to raise funds for the victims of the war in France. Three of the badges are specifically connected to the French Red Cross (Croix Rouge Francaise) established in 1864. These badges were sold nationally in Australia during World War One to assist the people of France.These badges are retained as examples of the efforts in Australia during World War One to assist the people of France..1 Three circular metal slightly concave badges with pin clip on the reverse. The badges feature the Tricoleur and a a red cross with rays around it on a gold coloured background. There is text on a white surround and the rim is gold coloured. .2 One circular slightly concave badge with pin clip on the reverse. The badge features the Tricoleur on a gold coloured background with text. .1 FRENCH RED CROSS .2 FRANCE'S DAYworld war one, tricoleur

This manual was produced by the Mission to raise funds for the French Red Cross. A first edition was printed in 1915, and then a second and a third. 6000 were at least sold. This sample, held at the Rare Books Collection at Monash University is only one of two known, the second one is held at the Australian War Museum. It is mentioned in Minutes Meetings and in a few articles but the author is unknown. Miss Godfrey spoke French fluently and gave lessons at the YMCA along with Miss Weigall (probably Nancy, sister of Joan Lindsay). She also was friend with the French community having been invited to the Alliance Francaise (Frederica Godfrey was Secretary in 1902), to the Crivellis (Madame Crivelli created the French Red Cross), and probably with the Pignolet family, whose daughters had a French school and one of them had written a manual of French (also held at Monash for comparison maybe).The Ladies from the Guild were educated women and had travelled to even studied in Europe, like Miss Godfrey were able to speak French. In 1915 she and two other ladies gave French classes in the YMCA training camp. With her network Miss Godfrey knew Charlotte Crivelli, a French lady, who created a branch of the French Red Cross in Melbourne. French phrasebook with French flag Revised edition Price 3D (ALL PROFITS FOR FRENCH RED CROSS SOCIETY) To be obtained at the FRENCH RED CROSS / Commercial House, Flinders St. or at / Seamen's Institute, Australian Wharf / MELBOURNE Compiled by the Missions to Seamenfrench red cross, lhlg, ethel augusta godfrey, charlotte crivelli, monash university, rare books collection

Special effort by the St Kilda Patriotic Committee for the French Red CrossSingles sheet of white paper that has discoloured with age, folded in half and printed in purple on three of the four pagesst kilda patriotic committee, wwi, world war i, the girls who stayed at home, french red cross

Marie Lion migrated with her sister, Berthe Mouchette and her husband in 1885. Berthe established an art school in the city. After the death of her husband the sisters purchased a school, Oberwyl, in St Kilda in 1885. The school was later one of the LHLG schools. Berthe was the founder of the Alliance Française of Melbourne in 1890. With the Great Depression, the sisters had to sell Oberwyl and moved to Adelaide. They returned to France during WWI to nurse wounded soldiers. And returned to Adelaide in 1916 after Marie contracted an infection. She was the South Australia representative of the "Société d’assistance maternelle et infantile". After the end of the war a number of French villages were ‘adopted’ by cities in Australia. Dernancourt, a small village in the Somme was adopted by Adelaide, and Mme Mouchette and Mme Lion worked to raise funds to help in the rebuilding of the almost completely destroyed town.The picture shows the link with the French community. Ethel and her sister Frederica Godfrey could speak French and were well acquainted with the members of this community: Charlotte Crivelli for example. Frederica was secretary of the Alliance Française of Melbourne in the early 1900, in 1917 she also became Honorary Secretary of the French Red Cross, funded by Charlotte Crivelli.Portait of two ladies standing in the middle with 3 soldiers from the French Navy, a wounded digger and a young man.French sailors at zoo / Madame Leon (Lion is the correct spelling) & Miss Godfreylion, marie (1855–1922), mouchette, berthe (1846–1928) nee lion, alliance française of melbourne, société d’assistance maternelle et infantile, france, french, zoo, french red cross, crivelli, charlotte (1863–1956), anzac, french navy, oberwyl, ethel augusta godfrey 1861-1935, frederica godfrey

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire held fundraising events for the support of Red Cross Victoria and made cakes and knitted socks, gloves and scarves for distribution to serving men and women Metal buttons with printing on themRed Crossred cross, fund raising buttons, wwi, wwii, french red cross, british red cross, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, caulfield repatriation hospital

Unique and significantFrench Red Cross letter card written by Brendan Culcutt on the 10th June 1916 from a Turkish POW camp to his father in Melbourne VictoriaSee photos

1. Australian flags - ' Allies For Freedom and Life' 2. Red/white/blue rings; shield - 'Anzac - Remembrance Day' 3. Soldier carrying rifle 'Lest We Forget'. 4. Silhouette of bugler - 'Anzac Bay'. 5. 'Discharged soldiers fund - For Our Returned Soldiers. 6. French Flag - 'French Red Cross. 7. Union Jack British Red Cross. 8. 'Anzac APC-25 1919. 9. White ensign 'Our Sailors Day' 4969. 10. 'I Will Help Until The War Is Won'numismatics, badges

Small badges sold for fundraising during WW1Twenty seven small metal badges which were sold for fundraising during WW!. Ten of them relate to Australian, French, Italian, British Red Cross. Others Anzac/Remembrance Day, Peace Loan 1913. Subscriber,Hospital Day.See photo

This exercise book contains the Minutes of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Employees Patriotic Fund. This fund was established in 1915 in a scheme whereby employees of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill donated 2½% of their weekly wages to the fund to assist with the war effort during World War One. The money received was given to such charitable causes as the Red Cross, the Belgian Fund, the Babies of France and the Local Distress Fund. The Patriotic Fund was discontinued in 1919This Minute Book is of interest as an example of the local campaigns organized in Warrnambool to assist the war effort in World War One. It includes the names of office-bearers of the group and lists the type of activities in which they were engaged. Therefore it is of benefit to researchers. This is an exercise book with a green and black mottled patterned cover with red binding on the spine. A printed label on the cover has been torn away. The pages are cream-coloured with printed blue lines. The entries are handwritten in black ink. The book has been bound with metal staples but the binding has come apart at the top section. There are four loose sheets of material connected to the Minuteswarrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woolen mill, world war one and warrnambool

The sender is unknown at this point.Xmas card four pages light cream colour, front has embossed Rising Sun with the words “Strike Hard” under, two crossed flags under representing the 57th BN colour patch Red/Black followed by 57th Battalion AIF, at the bottom “Xmas 1916”, a ribbon Red/Black holds the pages together.On first page in pencil, “Letter following”, In centre printed, “With best wishes from your Boys in France”, in pencil , “ To Fred from Ted” cards, xmas, 57th bn

The letter gives a graphic description of the front line and is signed of with just “Will”, a number with 4 digits is under this, possibly a Regt No but it does not match up with anyone re the date on the letter. Letter in the collection relating to A.G Ferris No 2156 AIF, refer Cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Letter, “Australian Branch of the Red Cross”, letter head in red, hand written in black pencil, dated, double sided.main point. “France, 51st Gen Hospital 10/12/1916”, “Dear Friend”letters, red cross

Cafe Chantant is a type of musical establishment associated with the Belle Époque in France. The music was generally lighthearted, sometimes risqué, even bawdy but, as opposed to the cabaret tradition, not particularly political or confrontational. This event was possibly associated with the Ballarat School of Mines as a fundraiser for the Red Cross during World War One.A card with silk screen design and a Red Crossred cross, craig's hotel, world war one

Refer Cat No 172, 173 for service details.Timber frame, mid brown with glass front. Dark green mount. In Memoriam Certificate decorated in grey, silver print, flowers & leaves, red & blue crossed flags. Red paper common seal of the Shire of East London at lower right. Oval shaped black & white photo, portrait of a soldier in uniform inserted in a frame within the certificate at lower left. Some of the print appears to be hard printed.“Bmdr A.J Dalziel 3rd Div Trench Mortar Battery. Died in France 24th Feb 1916. Aged 24 years. Signed by Shire of East London, President & Councillors”documents-certificates, frame accessories, shire seat loddon, dalziel

Stephen Nicholas Flett No 97 joined the AIF in A Coy 25th Batt on 10.2.1915 age 29 years 7 months. Embarked for Egypt 29.6.1915, embark for Gallipoli 4.9.1915, hospital 20.12.1915 with Jaundice, return to Egypt 30.12.1915, rejoins unit 5.3.1916, embark for France 14.3.1916, hospital 29.3.1916 with Mumps, then Orchitis, rejoin unit 30.4.1916, promoted Cpl 30.10.1916, KIA 14.11.1916 at Flers France. There are 4 statements to the Red Cross re his death all different but appears to be KIA by a sniper..1) To Frances dated 2 May 15 from Steve Flett 25 BN .2) To sister dated 8 Nov 15 from Steve on Gallipoli .3) To sister dated 15 Nov 15 from brother Steve on Gallipoli .4) - .6) To mother dated 29 Oct 16 from Steve, France .7) To sister dated 12 Sep 16 from Steve, France .8) To Frances dated 7 Jun 16 from brother Steve, France .9) To sister dated 9 Apr 16 from S N Flett No 7 Gen Hosp, France .10) To mother from Steve dated 5 Sep 09, Chillagoe .11) Page 2 of above .12) To sister from Steve Flett dated 18 Sep 12, Chillagoe .13) Page 2 of above .14) To Neil & Annie from Uncle Steve, undated .15) Poem headed 'Newhall Busay", 11 lines, no author's namedocuments - letters, military history

Medal, French - Croix De Guerre, 1916, features a cross representation, crossed swords, centre has embossed bust figure with text around, red and white ribbon.numismatics - medals, military, france

In January 1923, 5 years after the end of WWI, the two French cruisers Jules Michelet and Victor Hugo went on a tour in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand consolidating the friendship between the countries. The cruisers arrived in January 1923 and Melbournians were invited to visit the ships. Amongst them the ladies from the Guild and especially Dora Walker. In the "Jottings from Our Log"number 69 dated from January 1923 we can read: Our French Visitors The French cruisers, “Jules Michelet” and “Victor Hugo”, each with a complement of 26 officers and 747 men, paid a visit to this port towards the end of the year. Many of the sailors made good use of our institute, and were supplied with French magazines and papers, and were delighted to find that quite a number of ladies could speak French fluently. Over one hundred men were present at the Institute on one of our special nights during Christmas week, when each French visitor was supplied with refreshments and a cigar. Through the great kindness of some of our ladies, each man aboard the two cruisers was supplied with a packet of cigarettes. These were greatly appreciated by the men, and a warm letter of thanks was received from each of the captains."Reflects the close links and mutual friendships developed between French and Australian community developed between LHLG members from 1906 onward especially during WW1 and support of the French Red Cross.Black and white photograph jules michelet, victor hugo, french cruiser, ww1, france, dora walker, french sailors, dora simpson, lhlg, navy

There are three (3) letters from Ormond to Mona that were written whilst Ormond was 'Somewhere in France' in 1916 and one (1) Certificate to Miss M Barker from the Red Cross acknowledging her service during WW1 1914-1919.These are original letters written in 1916 and an original Red Cross Certificate issued after WW1.Three (3) grey lead pencil written letters from Ormond to Mona on oblong buff paper and an oblong paper Certificate awarded to Miss M Barker.Three (3) Letters four (4) pages from Ormond to Mona written from 'Somewhere in France' on 28 September 1916, 8 October 1916 and 18 November 1916. One (1) Certificate awarded to Miss M Barker. The certificate has been awarded by the Red Cross to Miss Barker for Four years service to the Society during the Great War 1914-1919. letters, red cross certificate, miss m barker, ormond

These Medallions were made in 1918 to commemorate ANZAC Day. They were issued by the Education Department of Victoria to school children. The medal was also sold on behalf of the Australian Branch of the British Red Cross Society. The medal was made in bronze, silvered bronze, silver and gold.This medal is an original.Round silver medallion. ?Silver Bronze. Red, white and blue ribbon.On the front of the medallion an engraved picture of a soldier, the words Honor to the AIF. One the back of the medallion ANZAC Dat 1918, Gallipoli, France, Palestine.anzac day 1918 commemorative medal, victorian education department

Ernest William Dark was born at Ballarat East. Before his enlistment on 10 April 1915, aged 19, Dark was a boot salesman. His next of kin on the enlistment papers was his mother Sarah Dark of 40 Bridge Street, Ballarat East. Ernest Dark was a very early World War One enlistment with the regimental number of 19A. He was a member of the 6th Field Ambulance. Black and white photograph of soldiers pushing an ambulance through the mud during World War One. The scene is most probably in France. Verso: "Dear Miss Holmes, I am sending this P.C. to thank you for a pair of sox which I received from the red cross, (sic) with a note inside on which was your your name and address. My unit, the 6th Aus. Field Ambulance, had received quite a lot of red cross goods from the Ballarat district, and I am writing to let you know how much the boys appreciate them. Please accept my best thanks. Yours sincerely. Pte E.W. Darkchatham, chatham family collection, ernest dark, dark, world war one, world war i. world war 1, ambulance

Black and White image of a donkey and cart covered with fabric and featuring the Red Cross Symble. It is an Indian Ambulance, Suez Canal.Verso: "An Indian Ambulance Cart with myself (Harry Holmes) at the donkey's head."8.7 x 14.0 cmchatham family archive, chatham, holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, france, ambulance, harry holmes, horse drawn waggon, egypt

Attached to his R.S.L. Membership Card along with the funeral notice, is a subsequent newspaper article written at the time of Walter West's death, which reads: Death of Pioneer Settler/ A pioneer settler of/ the Red Cliffs irigation/ district and one of the/ last men to be evacuated/ from Gallipoli, died sud/denly on Saturday night/ aged 84./ In 1922 Mr. Watler Thomas/ West came to Red Cliffs/ where he established Block/ 86 in the irrigation district./ He lived there until his/ death on Saturday after playing bowls at the Red/ Cliffs rinks on Saturday/ afternoon./ Mr. West was born in Jeparit and served with the/ 24th Battalion in Egypt and/ Gallipoli./ He was awarded the Mili/tary Medal in France in/ 1917 and the Military Cross/ in 1918 when he captured/ single handed an enemy/ machine gun post./ He settled at Red Cliffs/ on his return when the/ area was placed under irri-/gation./ For 25 years he operated/ a unique partnership with/ the late Mr. Martin Nippe, his adjoining property/ owner. The pair pooled their/ horticultural equipment for/ joint use./ Mr. West joined Mildura/ Legacy in 1942 and was an/ active member until his/ death./ The funeral will be held at the United Church, Red/ Cliffs this morning at 10.30Type written obituary, presumably used when Walter West,MC,MM, died.Walter West MC,MM/ Red Cliffs residents were saddened to learn of the sudden passing on Saturday last/ of Walter Thomas West MC,MM., a Pioneer/settler and well respected citizen./ "Wal" as he was affectionately known, was/ born at Dandenong some 84years ago./ He served with distinction in World War 1/ with 24th Battalion. He was an original ANZAC, and also saw service in/ Egypt and France. He received two awards for gallantry in the field - The Military/ Medal in France 1917 and the Military Cross in France/ in 1918 when he was responsible for the/ single handed capture of an enemy gun and crew./ He was an original soldier settler and developed/ his fruit block in Red Cliffs which is still/ operated by his son Tom. In 1922 he/ became an original Trustie of the Methodist/Church and was the last surviving original/ Trustie. He served on the Board of/ directors of the Red Cliffs Co-Operative Co.Ltd/ from 1954 to 1967, and was Chairman of Directors/ in 1963 and 1964. He showed a keen interest/ in youth activities and some excellent cricketers/ were produced as a result of his coaching of/ the Methodist Junior Cricket Team. He was an/ active and keen member of Mildura Legacy/ for 34 years, serving as President in 1947 and 1948./ He was secretary of the Cemetary Trust for many years, served on the Hospital Committee/ was a member of Memorial Lodge, a member of Red Cliffs Senior Citizens Club and a /member of Red Cliffs Sub-Branch R.S.L. since / it's inception./ He was a keen member of the Red Cliffs/ Bowling Club and took part in a club event on/ the day of his passing./ It was the pioneer settler and men with ability/ and initiative of Walter West that brought/ out the Community Spirit which resulted in/ the Red Cliffs we know today.1918, 1917, ww1, walter, thomas, west, mm, mc, 24th, battalion, aif, gallipoli, bullecourt

This medal is one of the type issued by the Victorian Education Department, EVD, and sold on behalf of the Australian Branch of the British Red Cross Society. The same medal was made in a variety of metals, including bronze, silvered bronze, (as with this one), silver and gold.Many Moorabbin Shire young men volunteered to serve in World War 1 and their families willingly gave financial support to Red Cross and similar aid agenciesA small silvered bronze medallion with a metal loop at the top.One side of the medallion has a flag embossed in the middle inscribed with the words, Gallipoli, France, Palestine. At the top of the medallion are the initials EVD. Around the lower edge is embossed ANZAC DAY 1918. On the reverse side fo the medallion is embossed an AIF soldiers bust, he is wearing his slouch hat. Around the edge of the medallion is embossed the words HONOR TO THE AIFarmy, badge, medallion, victorian education department, british red cross, australian red cross, world war 1918 gallipoli medal

postcard from France WW1 showing photo of Red Cross Nurse , soldiers and cannons / painted / coloured printed in Paris pencil message to Dolly from North France / good condition for agepostcard, photograph, world war 1, photo of red cross nurse , soldiers and cannons ww1