Historical information

These badges (often called "Discharged Returned Soldier Badges") were issued by the Department of Defence between 1914 and 1919, to indicate a soldier had returned from active service and been honourably discharged. Wearing the badge helped returned soldiers avoid being wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform.
A specific number was stamped on the reverse of each badge and logged on the veteran's official service record.

Significance

WW1 shows degree of animsity from some civiliand, and efforts of goverments to prevent it.

Physical description

A crowned gilt bronze badge with two lugs on back.
The obverse has the rising sun behind a crown; below on ribbon, AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES; below, A.I.F; around, ISSUED BY DEPT. OF DEFENCE . RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE.
The reverse has been stamped, 76689.