History

The Female Relatives Badge was issued to the nearest female relative of soldiers on active overseas service during the First and Second World Wars.

Two different versions of the Badge were issued during the First World War. The first was issued to the nearest female relatives of soldiers, nurses, airmen, masseuses who rendered service abroad. This version features the cut-out initials ‘AIF’ encircled by an oblong-shaped enamelled border with the inscription ‘ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE TO WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA.’ An enamelled scroll is attached to the bottom of the oblong-shaped border and features the inscription ‘FOR DUTY DONE’. The Crown of St. Edward surmounts the oblong-shaped section and attaches to a chain and pin.

The other version was issued to the nearest female relative of Royal Australian Navy personnel who had enlisted for general naval service in foreign waters at some point during the war. This version features a cut-out anchor encircled by a ring with the the inscription ‘ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY TO WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA’. The Crown of St. Edwards surmounts the ring. An enamelled scroll with the inscription ‘FOR DUTY DONE’ is attached to the bottom of the ring, and a chain and pin is attached to the left hand corner of the scroll.

Both versions may have rectangular-shaped bars suspended from the bottom to denote additional family members involved in the war effort.

A single version was issued to the nearest female relatives of Australian Defence Force personnel during the Second World War. This circular badge has a laurel wreath border and features the Australian continent in the centre, surrounded by another laurel wreath and then the inscription ‘TO THE WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA’. The Crown of St. Edward is affixed to the front of the badge. Bar suspenders with gold stars may be attached to the bottom of the badge to denote additional relatives involved in the war effort. The number of relatives is indicated by the number of stars.