Pennies for planes
Discover the Hidden Stories Behind Australia’s WWII Fundraising Badges | https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQ548YFP on Amazon
During World War II, the Australian home front was a whirlwind of "Queen Quests," "Baby Competitions," and "Ugly Man" competitions - it was a time of tireless fundraising and it was BIG BUSINESS, supporting the troops and paying homage to the Americans stationed in Australia.
Millions of tiny celluloid badges were pinned to lapels or worn over the heart, each representing a contribution to the war effort and a personal story of patriotism.
Pennies for Planes is the definitive visual reference and genealogical resource for these forgotten relics. Spanning 138 pages, this expanded color edition brings the home front to life with high-resolution imagery and meticulously researched historical context.
Why this is an essential resource for Genealogists, Historians, and people interested in World War 2:
Comprehensive Index of Names: Features over 150 individual candidates, volunteers, and local unsung heroes. Trace your family history through the faces on these badges.
580 High-Resolution Color Images: For the first time, see the intricate details and vibrant colors of nearly 600 unique badges as they were meant to be seen.
Integrated Research: Historical notes are positioned directly adjacent to the badges, allowing for seamless identification.
Advanced "History Detective" Sections: Deep-dives into the people, and fundraising process plus information about 5 Australian badge manufacturers.
The Human Element: Augmented with contemporary newspaper photographs to connect the badges to the real people who wore and campaigned for them.
98 references consulted plus 115 different Australian newspapers from across the country.
Whether you are a serious numismatist, a local historian, or a descendant searching for a piece of your family’s wartime legacy, Pennies for Planes provides the keys to unlocking a unique chapter of Australian heritage. You will also see how Australia has always been global in its outlook, and ready to stand with its big friends and allies, in particular the United States and Britain, while also being the beneficiary of that support.
Discover the remarkable life and service of General Sir Iven Mackay in my latest book, Pennies for Planes, now available on Amazon.
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