SPECIAL BADGE TO BE ISSUED

Southland Times, Issue 24236, 20 September 1940, Page 6

SPECIAL BADGE TO BE ISSUED

MEN INVALIDED FROM FORCES

WELLINGTON, September 19.

“In view of the fact that volunteering, for service in the armed forces, except to meet the limited requirements of the Navy and Air Force, ceased on July 22,” stated the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, “the issue of special volunteer badges will no - longer be continued. It will be understood, of course, that all those volunteering until July 22 to whom badges have been or are yet to be issued are fully entitled to wear them.

“It should be fully realized also that today all eligible men are liable to selection by ballot as the time comes for their group to be called up. It will be apparent, therefore, even to those foolish people who adopted the practice of distributing white feathers, that under the ballot there can be no slackers. From now on a badge as evidence of willingness to serve will be unnecessary.

“However, there is another class of men to whom the Government desires to give a well-earned distinguishing badge—the soldier, sailor or airman disabled as a result, of enemy action. We have been advised that the King has approved of the issue in Britain of a special badge bearing the cypher of the Sovereign and of a pattern easily distinguishable from that issued in the last war to men invalided from the armed forces and merchant marine fishing fleets. “It is proposed that a badge be issued in similar circumstances in New Zealand and the necessary steps are being taken to secure his Majesty’s assent to this proposal. The badge will, I feel sure, meet the position adequately.”