Recess Antiques

Description

GCR
Great Central Railway
WW1 Railway Service Badge
Maker: J. A. Wylie & co, London.
Badge No. 4531.

Before conscription was introduced in 1916, the army relied on voluntary recruitment. It was assumed by many that a man not in uniform was avoiding joining up and was therefore often accused of shirking their duty to their country. The famous white feather campaign saw men not in uniform presented with a white feather as a symbol of cowardice.

The official badges were intended to prove that the wearer was doing their duty to their country in a time of war in a different way. They were not in uniform, but they may have been working in munitions factories, railways or in the dockyards carrying out work that was vital to the war effort.

After conscription, the need for these badges faded, along with the white feather campaign. However, many continued to be worn throughout the war, especially by female shift workers for whom the badge could give priority boarding and fare concessions on public transport, as well as indicating that there was nothing disreputable about these ladies travelling alone at night.

Approximate dimensions: diameter 27mm, weight 9 grams.
There are surface marks associated with normal use and age.
Overall in very good condition.
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