ProvenanceThe Richmond and Keswick Gala Day, held on 30 November 1918, was a carnival organised to raise funds for the Richmond and Keswick Trench Comforts Fund. Spectators enjoyed a programme of musical performances, competitive horse events, sporting events and available refreshments. Over 200 entries were received for the various events.
The Australian Comforts Fund had many local branches. The fund was formed to send comforts to the troops. They also had small canteens near the front lines that served food and supplied items such as portable stoves, clothes, sporting equipment, games and reading material. The ACF also provided troops on leave with a recreational club in London called the AIF and War Chest Club. The Fund ceased to operate in 1920, but was revived in 1939 at the start of World War II. The ACF provided these new troops with embarkation kits filled with basic supplies such as soap, razors, tobacco, clothes and barley sugar.SignificanceIllustrative of the badges that were popular as a means of raising funds or showing support for particular organisations or causes during World War I. This and other associated badges are a rich source of evidence on the material and cultural history of Australia, particularly during wartime. 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.DescriptionCircular badge; printed paper between tin base and celluloid cover. Rim marked 'Richmond and Keswick Gala Day' '1918' Inset coloured illustration depicts soldier in trench with box marked 'ACF'.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementDate of Creation1918Date of Usage1918MaterialTin
|paper
|celluloid Accession NumberHT 1986.0048
