Historical information

Allied military badges collected during the Great War 1914 to 1918 by Private (Shoeing Smith) John BLAIKIE 2341 who was born at Wangaratta. He was a Blacksmith and at the age of 42 enlisted on May 28 1915. He embarked on August 10 1915 and served with the 14th Battalion. He returned to Australia in January 1918 and discharged as medically unfit on April 10 1918. Inset photograph is of John BLAIKIE

Significance

Large collection of allied military badges collected during the campaigns in France, Belgium and Egypt in 1916-17 by John BLAIKIE 2341. A Blacksmith who at the age of 42 years enlisted in the Army and served during the first world war. On his return to Australia he was discharged medically unfit due to rheumatism and senility. He was a stalwart of Wangaratta RSL and his collection was present to the Sub Branch as a souvenir of the first world war.

Physical description

Brown timber frame in the shape of Australia containing a large collection of badges and small photograph

Inscriptions & markings

Souvenir of the Worlds Great War 1914 to 1918
Military Badges Collected by J BLAIKIE
14th Batt 4th Div AIF
In Belgium France & Egypt 1916-1917