I wonder if anyone has a collection of badges that includes the aptly named "Sweetheart Badges" ? Just in case you hadn't heard of these before, I rush to explain. These are miniature badges of famous regiments, usually enamelled and were made to be worn by the girls that were "left behind". Illustrated below is a full size cap badge of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars and the equivalent sweetheart badge that I was able to buy for Nita after the war. She wears it once a year, on the AJEX parade, although it appears to be hidden by her handbag The pic shows my sweetheart plus my younger daughter Ruth & her hubby, all meeting up after the 2008 parade. ps Before someone asks "The regimental motto was the Latin Mente et Manu of the 4th Hussars, meaning Might and Hand which was inscribed on the cap badge and regimental crest" I would also be obliged if one of the moderators can edit the title of this thread so that it no longers reads "SWEATHEARTS" .
Attached scan of Cameron badge. Worn by my Mother originally, but now worn by my wife when we attend reunion at Inverness or travel to Holland for various remembrance services etc. Its about 20 millimetre diameter.
I've got this one. My Great-Uncle Dave gave it to one of his sisters before going to France in 1917 with the Grenadier Guards.
I have a Royal Engineers one which was given by my Grandfather to my great-grandmother. I'll try to find it and post a pic here. It's a nice enameled version of the RE cap badge.
Hi I'm writing a final dissertation for my degree on the subject of replica WW2 military insignia made for gifts to wives and girlfriends and often known as 'sweetheart jewellery'. I have lots of examples of the brooches but would love to find some photos of women wearing them or perhaps documents, letters or anecdotes. Very little has been written and no museum has these items. If anyone has anything like this and would be kind enough to let me use it I would be so grateful. I don't need originals, just images, and of course you would be acknowledged in the dissertation. Many thanks if anyone can help.
Like this ? http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/general/16241-sweetheart-badges.html And Welcome Aboard ! Ron
Thank you for your reply. Yes, that's the kind of object I'm writing about. I have several examples of the jewellery, but what I am looking for is photos of women in civilian clothing wearing the brooches, to show how they were used. I suspect the only place I will find them is if someone happens to have a family photo. Fingers crossed!
Yes, I know this is not what you are actually looking for but thought it worth the showing anyway It shows she who must be obeyed wearing her sweetheart brooch at an AJEX Remembrance Parade in 2006. If you look closely you will see that I am also wearing a 4th QOH badge. Ron
Hi Pen From my Book on the 10th Medium Regt RA. The lady wearing a ROYAL FUSILIERS (City of London ) sweetheart clip c1940 Rob
Ron, thank you for the lovely photo. Rob - that 's exactly what I wanted. Would you allow me to use the photo in my dissertation? if it's in your book presumably you have copyright? It's only for academic use. Also, do you happen to know the names of the couple and is the soldier also from the Royal Fusiliers? Sorry, I'm not an expert on military matters! Thank you so much for your help.
Ron, thank you for the lovely photo. Rob - that 's exactly what I wanted. Would you allow me to use the photo in my dissertation? if it's in your book presumably you have copyright? It's only for academic use. Also, do you happen to know the names of the couple and is the soldier also from the Royal Fusiliers? Sorry, I'm not an expert on military matters! Thank you so much for your help. Pen No problem you using the © photo for your dissertation. Glad to be of help. The photo is of Mr+Mrs Bishop of Brentford W.London c1940 and he was indeed a Royal Fusilier of the 16th Battalion, City of London Regt. Regards Rob
Ron Thank you so much for the photo and information. I'm very grateful. I have been looking for something like this for weeks with no luck! Obviously not looking in the right place. Best regards Pen
Several of the Auction houses such as Christies, Sothebies, Bonhams etc often feature a section of sweetheart jewellry in some of their sales - it might be worth contacting them as the images are usually very good.
pen, Have you access to Pamela Caunt's work? It's available here: Badges, medals, uniforms, collecting etc
pen doesn't did pics of the badges themselves but them actually being worn. but would love to find some photos of women wearing them or perhaps documents, letters or anecdotes. I know there are some pics on the forum but I've had no luck finding them. It used to be so easy finding old threads & posts but not anymore.
Hallo again Ron Sorry to pester you again! Are you able to tell me anything about the circumstances in which you bought the sweetheart brooch for your wife? I'm hoping to include something about the significance of wearing the insignia of a relative's regiment or service. I believe they became popular gifts from the beginning of the war, presumably as mementoes when couples were parted. I hope this isn't too personal - just any info would be interesting. Thanks again, Pen
Hi Peter Yes, I have her book and one or two other catalogues. Thank you for the link to your pages, which is also a help. Pen
Pen Hallo again Ron Sorry to pester you again! Are you able to tell me anything about the circumstances in which you bought the sweetheart brooch for your wife? I had to do some thinking as to my actual purchase of it but finally remembered. A few years back I lost a good friend, who had served with me in the 4th QOH. Shortly before his death, acting strictly on impulse, I gave him my own cap badge as he didn't possess one. It was while visiting a local stall that dealt in WW2 badges that I found a badge to replace mine and also spotted and bought the sweetheart badge seen above. As luck would have it, I recently mislaid Nita's badge and only today have bought one on e-bay for less than a fiver ! When it arrives I will photo it and paste it here Ron