On War Service 1915
AssociatedAssociated with
John M. Henderson & Co. Ltd.
(Aberdeen, Scotland, founded 1866)
RecipientAwarded to
Edmond Merson
(Strichen, Scotland, 1890 - 1979)
ManufacturerManufactured by
J R Gaunt and Son
Date1915
Object NameMunitions Badge
Mediumfire gilt
ClassificationsWartime
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width): 4.2 × 2.7 × 3.4cm
AcquisitionPresented in 2012 by Mr Douglas Merson.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS088251
About MeMany men who didn't go to the front during World War One suffered abuse or were given the dreaded white feather of cowardice. To combat this, companies such as John M Henderson & Co of Aberdeen produced badges to show that their employees were engaged on essential war work. These badges sat along side official government issues in the years 1914 and 1915. By 1916 however there were so many unique, company badges (which were almost impossible to authenticate) that the government made them illegal.
In their place the government produced a final On War Service badge used for the rest of the war. Triangle in shape, this brass badge featured the King's crown and the date, "1916".
