WW2 Returned From Active Service Badge
2023.220.36
Brass RFAS badge
Name/Title
WW2 Returned From Active Service BadgeEntry/Object ID
2023.220.36Description
Returned from Active Service badge showing a Rising Sun, wings and anchor, representing the three services, within a boomerang shape bearing the words 'RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE'. The badge is surmounted by a King's crown. A unique number, the manufacturer's details and date of manufacture, together with 'ISSUED BY THE C'WEALTH GOVT' are on the reverse. Two modified pins and attachments are intact.Use
This Returned from Active Service badge was issued to WX41402 David Kidd McLAREN of the 2nd AIF, as indicated by the "A" next to the number, 162233. David Kidd McLaren was born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 31, 1912. A storekeeper by trade, he enlisted into the AIF on February 18, 1942, and was posted to the 29th Garrison Battalion, which was raised in August 1940, and tasked with local defence in Western Australia. Posted to ‘G’ Company, David served in Port Hedland, providing defence for north west ports of Australia from May 1942 until early December 1943. In April the same year, he was transferred to the 19th Garrison Battalion, and posted to Claremont until the unit’s disbandment in November 1944. After a short stay in hospital, Private McLaren was transferred to NSW, where he undertook further training, before being sent to New Guinea (Port Moresby) in July 1945. Returning to Australia two months after the Japanese surrender on September 2 1945, David was discharged on January 2 1946. Issued to soldiers by the Department of Defence, it showed they had helped the war effort by serving their country. Returned soldiers were sometimes wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not in uniform, and wearing the badge helped avoid this. A certificate provided authentication and a number was often stamped on the reverse.Category
Badge, Personal Effects, War Memorabilia