Historical information

This badge belonged to Mirth Marfell who was a student at Warrnambool High School from 1929 to 1930 and from 1935 to 1936. Warrnambool High School was established as an Agricultural High School in 1907 and, after a merger with Warrnambool North Technical School, it is known today as Warrnamboool College. Mirth Marfell, the daughter of Henry and Helena Marfell, was born in Warrnambool in 1919. Her grandfather, John Marfell, a Warrnambool hay and corn dealer and miller connected to the Warrnambool Co-operative Milling Company, was prominent in community and civic affairs in the town. Mirth Marfell completed her nursing training at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and served in the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War Two for five years. She then became the first Australian nursing organizer for the Victorian Royal College of Nursing.

Significance

This badge is of interest, firstly as a memento of Warrnambool High School from the 1920s and 30s and secondly because it belonged to Mirth Marfell, a Warrnambool person who had a distinguished nursing career.

Physical description

Shield shaped metal and enamel badge with scroll attached to lower edge. The shield area is silver coloured with raised royal blue text centrally and a turquoise narrow rounded bar with golden coloured text under it. There is a thin wire across the upper area . The scroll is royal blue with golden coloured text . A pin clip is on the reverse.

Inscriptions & markings

W h S NIL SINE LABORE WARRNAMBOOL