Badge [Telcom]
Maker and role
Stokes Badges, Maker
Cable and Wireless Limited, Commissioned by
Production date
1945
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2013.552
Production period
Description
Oval brass badge with a pale blue enamel face. "O", inverted "T" symbol, and zig zag pattern on face. Royal blue banned with "TELCOM" below. Safety chain and pin.
Brief History
25 New Zealand men were recruited in 1944 by Cable and Wireless to serve in a uniformed communications unit attached to the British Army in WWII.
They trained for 15 months at the Telegraph Training School at the Ponsonby Post Office and Leys Institute. In addition to their formal training, they were encouraged to take up physical pursuits such as swimming and cricket to build fellowship and fitness.
In May 1945, the recruits travelled by ship from Wellington to Colombo via Melbourne. As with war correspondents, they were not a formal part of the armed forces but were subject to the same risks.
These Telcom badges were given to the wives and mothers of the Cable and Wireless staff. The recipient of this badge wore it throughout her life.
They trained for 15 months at the Telegraph Training School at the Ponsonby Post Office and Leys Institute. In addition to their formal training, they were encouraged to take up physical pursuits such as swimming and cricket to build fellowship and fitness.
In May 1945, the recruits travelled by ship from Wellington to Colombo via Melbourne. As with war correspondents, they were not a formal part of the armed forces but were subject to the same risks.
These Telcom badges were given to the wives and mothers of the Cable and Wireless staff. The recipient of this badge wore it throughout her life.
Marks
TELCOM Logo
STOKES Engraved
TELECOM Logo
STOKES Maker's Mark
STOKES Engraved
TELECOM Logo
STOKES Maker's Mark
Credit Line
Stokes Badges et al. 1945. Badge [Telcom], 2013.552. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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