Historical information
A variety of badges that once belonged to J B McLean some are souvenirs and a couple are from the A.I.F.
The badges for those returned from active service could be worn by soldiers and nurses who returned to Australia from active service and were honourably discharged.
From information found online: The badge from Ypres is known as a sweetheart badge. Often produced post war as a souvenir. It is the arms of the city of Ypres/Ieper. The crown over the shield is called a "mural crown" and is often seen as part of the arms of cities and towns. The phrase 'sweetheart brooch' is commonly used, but is misleading, as it was not only 'sweethearts' that wore them.
These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F.
J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).
Significance
This is an example of badges held by an ex soldier.
Physical description
Seven assorted badges collected by J B McLean.
Two returned from active service AIF badges.
A kangaroo badge on a blue enamel circle with the word ANZAC.
Badge with the arms of Ypres surmounted by a crown.
A pin with a field canon and a motto in latin.
A pin with the Australian coat of arms from HMAS Australia sailing in the Great Fleet in 1916.
A medallion with the Australian naval flag and the Union Jack.
Inscriptions & markings
01122.1 On the front 'Issued by Dept of Defence. Returned from Active Service. Australian Military Forces. A.I.F.'. On the reverse '188589 Stokes and Sons Melb'
01122.2 'ANZAC' written in silver, on the reverse 'AJC Sterling'
01122.3 'Ypres'
01122.4 A latin phrase: 'Ubique constru stabiles Australia'. It could translate as 'everywhere together and trust'.
01122.5 On the front 'Grand Fleet. H.M.A.S. Australia 1916'
01122.6 On the front 'Issued by Dept of Defence. Returned from Active Service. Australian Military Forces. A.I.F.' On the reverse '117083 ? Perth'
01122.7 on the reverse 'Imitation'.
