Historical information

WW2 Merchant Navy Australia, issued by the Commonwealth Government 1940 MN War Service officially-numbered silver lapel badge. A company called Bishop also manufactured badges in Melbourne .

Significance

Intended as a form of service badge for Australian Merchant Seafarers especially those perhaps serving on the newly armed civilian craft.

The term Merchant Navy was coined by King George V in 1919, as recognition of the sacrifice made by merchant seafarers during the First World War.

Physical description

WW2 Merchant Navy war service solid (silver) badge. Initials ‘MN’ enclosed by oval rope motif with crown above. The word ‘Australia’ (UC) displayed beneath. Retains original two-loop lapel fixtures.

Inscriptions & markings

Officially-numbered 10910 on the back. Inscribed "issued by the Commonwealth Government 1940". "Wallace-Bishop Brisbane".