It’s amazing what the smallest thing can tell you about your family history. So don’t discard or dismiss things too quickly. If you’re fortunate like me, you might have a motley collection of small metal badges, symbols which can provide a window into both family history and social history.
This tiny badge, which I think is probably rather rare, is from when my grandfather travelled as a telegraphist with the Australian Post Office entourage for Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Tour of Australia in 1963. The accompanying information card explains protocols and expectations of his role. Knowing this was his job, I found other information about the tour which tells me more about where my grandfather was, and what he was doing, at this time in his life.
He was also a member of the Morsecodians’ Fraternity. He attended meetings of former telegraphists whose aim was to preserve and share Morse code and telegraphy skills. The official business of their meetings was held entirely in Morse code!
As a World War II veteran, my grandfather was also member of the Returned and Services League of Australia, as evidenced by these badges whose design is symbolic. They tell me a little about his participation in the organisation. There’s a pre-1965 Returned Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia badge, a Returned and Services League life member badge, and membership of a sub-branch.
These are just a few examples of badges which are a valuable part of my family history. Don’t overlook the smallest objects or documents. They can provide you with valuable information about your ancestors!
Selected references
Australia. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. , Royal visit by…, Dept. of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Canberra, http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3067370076, accessed 14 September 2024.
RSL Australia, ‘Symbolism’, https://www.rslaustralia.org/symbolism, accessed 14 September 2024.
Untangled Family History 
My father was in the Middle East, although when he tried to get a war pension the Government said that he was there after World War 2 so he didn’t get the war pension. he was there when the King David hotel was blown up and he said he was still being shot at by both sides.
When he died in 2011 my niece asked for his medals and army record so she still has them. I got his watch. I also have a knife that he said he got from his grandmother. She died in 1935 so it is at least 90 years old.
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I meant to mention that when Dad was in the Middle East he was in the Signal Corps so used Morse Code too.
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