ProvenanceBadge produced to fundraise for the Henley & Grange Soldiers’ Memorial.
In June 1919, the local council, along with the large committee responsible for overseeing the funding and implementation of the project, launched a big fundraising campaign to raise the £4000 needed to build a soldiers’ memorial and memorial hall in Henley. A carnival was held in November 1919 as a fundraising event. The carnival was opened by the Governor, Sir Henry Galway, and the festivities continued all day and into the night. There were stalls, decorations, performances and sideshows. Several local bands played throughout the day and a queen competition was held in the carnival theme. At night, there was a lighting display and fireworks for the crowds to enjoy.
At 4pm Captain Butler flew over Henley in his Bristol monoplane and performed air stunts for 30 minutes. Harry Butler was a famous First World War aviator. He was born in Yorketown and always had a fascination with aviation. During the war he joined the Australian Air Force, but was so keen to get involved that he travelled to England to join the Royal Flying Corps and see some action. On 6 August 1919, he flew home to in time for some organised celebrations in his honour. Butler performed aviation tricks for the crowd who had gathered to welcome him home. His passion with aviation continued throughout his life. He is remembered as an aviation pioneer of South Australia.
Once the committee raised the necessary £1800, the memorial was erected. Construction of the hall began in 1921 and the memorial hall was opened by the Premier in 1922. There are bronze honour rolls on the outside of the building underneath a detailed stained glass window, which is lit up and visible at night.SignificanceIllustrative of the badges that were popular as a means of raising funds to support returned servicemen and women from both the First World War and the Second World War. This and other associated badges are a rich source of evidence on the material and cultural history of fundraising and sporting organisations in Australia. The symbols, colours and mottoes used on the badges themselves also express ideas about the values and identity that Australians held in the early to mid-twentieth century, particularly during wartime.DescriptionCircular badge: printed paper between tin base and celluloid cover. Centrepice: sepia toned picture of Captain Harry Butler, Royal Flying Corps. Marked 'Henley & Grange Soldiers' Memorial' 'Capt. Butler' 'Carnival Nov.29,1919'.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementKeywordswartime badgescharity badgesfundraisingfundraisingDate of Creation1919Date of Usage1919MaterialTin
|paper
|celluloid Accession NumberHT 1985.2023
