Historical information

This item is a First World War Australian Imperial Force (AIF) Female Relatives Badge, issued by the Department of Defence between 1915 and 1917. They were introduced under Military Order 280 of 1917.

Badges were presented to mothers, wives or the nearest female relative of soldiers and nurses serving overseas. A similar badge which replaced the AIF in the centre with an anchor was presented to female relatives of sailors serving in the Royal Australian Navy.
Mothers were entitled to the award of an additional silver bar, suspended below the badge if another son also served.

Significance

This item is significant because it recognised the contribution and sacrifice of women throughout Australia who saw their husband, sons and later their daughters involved in active service during World War I.

Physical description

A small brooch made of stirling silver with blue and white enamelling. The middle section is an oval shape with the letters AIF in the centre.
A crown is at the top of the oval and a scroll below it. Two small halls at the bottom of the scroll allow small bars to be added.
The majority of the inscription is around the oval shape with FOR DUTY DONE on the scroll.

Inscriptions & markings

Issued by Dept. of Defence AIF
To Women of Australia
For Duty Done

On Back 58796
Stokes & Sons
Melb.
STGSIL