ContributorCommunity HistoryDescriptionA pre-World War Two gilded brass and enamel lapel badge of the Sons of Sailors and Soldiers League of Australia. The badge is surmounted by a King's Crown, and comprises the gold letters 'SSL' on a red background surrounded by a white band containing the words 'SONS OF SAILORS AND SOLDIERS'. The band is surrounded by a blue enamelled laurel wreath, below which are red ribbons containing the words 'LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA'. On the reverse are a pair of attachment lugs, the impressed serial number 'WA 1453' and markings which read 'REGISTERED 10310' and 'L.ORBUCK MELB'. This badge was donated by the Secretary of the Scarborough sub-branch of the Returned and Services League.CollectionMilitary collectionDate createdc1932-1936Materialsbrass and enamelHistorical details
The Sons of Sailors and Soldiers League of Australia (SSL) was first formed in Adelaide, South Australia in November 1931 as a junior branch of the Returned Soldiers League. Branches were later formed in Queensland (from 1934 onwards), New South Wales and Victoria and possibly Western Australia and Tasmania.
The SSL was originally set up 'to preserve the ideals and inspirations of the Returned Soldiers League, guarding the good name and observing a becoming respect towards all sailors and soldiers, setting an example of public spirit and high endeavour, preserving the memory of those who died for the country, maintaining monuments erected to them, assisting in providing for the sick, wounded, and needy among us who served in the war, and aiding any work undertaken for the amelioration of conditions of their descendants.' Membership was open to sons aged 16 and over, and to brothers of veterans who had themselves been too young to serve in the First World War. The SSL was to be non-sectarian and non-political. A free SSL badge was to be issued to every member.
CONNECTIONS
Related personMalcolm TillRelated placeScarborough
Sons of Sailors and Soldiers League of Australia badge. City of Stirling Art and History Collection, accessed 05/12/2025, https://collections.stirling.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/10305
