Did you know there was a badge for mothers and wives who lost a son?

Question

The Australian Government issued a badge in the First World War, and another during the Second World War, for mothers and wives who lost a son or husband.  The two badges may be located on Space:The Australian Army, or at least I think that is how it is written.  Rose Shout (nee Howe) has the badge on her profile and a heartbreaking story. I'm sorry if I haven't put the pictures up correctly.  I'm still learning.

Comments

It would of been heart breaking for parents. Especially loosing more than one son or a husband I wonder if they treasured the badges.

Answer 1

Thanks Ken - America has something similar:

American mothers and wives were authorized to display a blue star banner and wear a pin showing that their husband/son (or wife/daughter) was in harms way.  

Two or more stars were placed on the flag for multiple sons.

If the soldier died, a gold star was authorized to be worn.

Last year I added to my "to do list" that we should make a sticker for American blue/gold star moms/wives.  Maybe it is time.

Answer 2

Thanks, Ken.
I have added the Badge to my GrGr Uncle's Wife, Catherine's Profile (https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Brownlow-209). She had a terrible life. Her mother killed her father. Her mother was hung. Her Baby brother died. She & sister were brought up with relatives, Then two sons & a grandson were killed in WW1 and another son suffered from the effects of being gassed. It was great to be able to honour her.

Now to add it to her daughter's Profile.

Comments

My pleasure, Eileen.