| Place | Oceania: Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL31357 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | White metal |
| Maker |
K G Luke |
| Place made | Australia: Victoria, Melbourne |
| Date made | 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Service Exemption badge
Description
Rectangular white metal badge surmounted by a King's Crown. The centre of the badge has a raised letter 'V' above the word 'VOLUNTEERED'. Two lug fastenings are soldered to the reverse, which is marked in raised letters 'ISSUED BY THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT 1940'. The serial number '9425' is impressed below the lugs and at the bottom is the manufacturer's name, 'K.G.LUKE MELB'.
History / Summary
The Exemption Badge was issued, during the Second World War, to men within the approved age limits volunteering for overseas service in the Australian forces during the Second World War, but who were rejected as being medically unfit. Applicants who were suffering from an evident disease or deformity were not eligible, and volunteers were required to have offered to serve in any of the defence forces before becoming eligible. The badge was then issued by the Army.