WW1 Australian Required for Home Service Exemption Lapel Badge

Nice example retaining much of the gilded finish. Lug reverse. One of the rarer patterns of the Department of Defence Exemption badges.

The Volunteered For Active Service, Required for Home Service badge was sometimes issued by the Department of Defence to those who volunteered for active service but were withheld due to services required in Australia.

Such badges were issued after people helping the war effort were subjected to criticism and personal attacks. They were wrongfully accused of showing disloyalty to their country because they were not seen wearing a military uniform.

A number was often stamped on the reverse and a certificate provided as authentication.

Code: 1052