Historical information

Badges such as this one were issued to soldiers by the Department of Defence to indicate they had returned from active service. It showed they had helped the war effort by serving their country. Sometimes returned soldiers were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform so wearing the badge helped avoid this. A number was often stamped on the reverse and a certificate was provided as authentication. Issued 1914 - 1919

Significance

WW1 The Great War, issued to soldiers who had returned from active duty so as not to confuse the general public that the person whilst not in uniform or displaying medals had in fact served their country on active duty.

Physical description

Two crowned gilt bronze badges with two lugs on back. The obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE.
The reverse has been stamped with number and has the maker's name, AMOR / SYDNEY and Stokes and Sons MELB

Inscriptions & markings

The obverse has the rising sun behind a crown AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; A.I.F; around the bottom, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE.