Historical information

Brassards were worn on the right arm by an Australian soldier on active duty with the United Nations. This brassard was worn by Sapper Tommy Wickham on peacekeeping duty in Namibia. The Australian Army contributed soldiers to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) peacekeeping mission to Namibia between 1989 and 1990.
Sapper Wickham gave the Brassard to Ken Howe in 1992-93, and Ken donated it to the Beechworth RSL around the year 2000.

Significance

The Australian contribution to the UNTAG mission was the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam war. Sapper Wickham was one of 300 soldiers sent to Namibia.

Physical description

Polyester/Cotton brassard in a light green. Sewn on the main body of the brassard are two round patches, the first patch represents Australia and features a kangaroo in gold and the words 'Australia' in white, the second represents the United Nations featuring the United Nations symbol. The brassard is secured to the sleeve by a slit in the top through which the shoulder strap is threaded and elastic strip around the arm.

Inscriptions & markings

Australian patch:
AUSTRALIA/

UN patch:
UNITED NATIONS /