Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Great War London Telephone Service Badge, 40mm by 30mm, bronze-gilt and enamel, centre with inter-twined initials ‘L.T.S.’, surrounded by the words ‘Air Raids - Ducit Amor Patriae’, surmounted by a crown, reverse with original pin fitting; Silver War Badge 1914-18, the reverse numbered ‘NZ22194’; On War Service Badge, by Gaunt & Son Ltd., the reverse numbered ‘39740’; War Munition Volunteer’s Badge, by Gaunt & Son Ltd., the reverse numbered ‘13323’; Indian Army Overseas Service Badge, and a pair of S.J.A.B. enamelled tunic collar badges, generally very fine or better (7) £60-80

The London Telephone Service Badge was awarded by the Postmaster-General during the Great War as a mark of distinction to women telephone operators who voluntarily remained at their posts in the exchanges during air raids, in order that calls relating to such matters as aircraft, defence, police, fire brigade and ambulances could be effected. The majority of the switchboards were located on the top floor of the building under a glass roof, certainly a dangerous spot to be on duty during an air raid.