Bear Patches: You spoke we listened

The 9th and 25th Battalions were both formed in Queensland and each wears the colours Black over Blue. After hundreds of suggestions for colour patches it was these two that attracted the most votes and the most Likes. But it was the stories, both the pride in each battalion’s role in the war and the personal connections people have to the men who served, that made them standout.

People like Judy Weldon and Scott Nicolls both had grandfathers serve in the 9th. As young men their grandfathers were in the first wave to come ashore at Gallipoli. Fortunately both men went on to survive the war. Bertie Pumfrey’s granddaughter Judy wanted the patch to honour his service. He enlisted on 18 August 1914. Bertie was wounded at Gallipoli on 30 April and rejoined his unit nine days later. Judy says he went on to survive being shot and gassed on the Western Front. For many people the 9th’s place in history as the first ashore at Gallipoli was reason enough.

The 25th Battalion attracted votes from Soldiers – both former and current members of the Battalion, as well as others who’s grandfathers had fought with the battalion from the final stages of the Gallipoli campaign though to the legendary ‘mutiny’ in September 1918 when the Battalion was ordered to disband and the men move to reinforce other battalions. The men refused and the 25th was allowed to go into the line one last time on 3 October 1918 when they took part in the successful attack to break through the German defences around Beaurevoir. For many people, in fact for most, it was the simply the 25th’s distinguished service and perseverance despite heavy losses at Pozieres that deserved to be recognised.

There were many votes for other battalions and units, and selection was difficult – each battalion and every person who has a connection to those battalions deserves recognition, but ultimately the votes and engagement around the 25th won the day and the black over blue diamond patch was selected for Sgt Grey Wilson, the Greatcoat Bear.

Those who voted for the 9th should not be too disappointed though. The black over blue rectangular patch of the 9th is already part of the Great War Bear collection through the limited edition Private Clarence Thomas, Gallipoli Stretcher-Bearer Bear.

But with so many people expressing stories of family connections and their desire to make their bears part of the family story, the people at Australia in the Great War have agreed to create a library of embroidered patches that people can add to any of the Great War bears.

Lindsey Davie of AGW says the people who advise on historic detail for the bears are looking at options to allow people to select any of the colour patches worn in the Great War.

“We don’t know exactly when or how but we will work out a way to make this happen early in 2017. History is about connecting and sharing and if these beautiful bears can help people share their family story though the generations it is a wonderful thing.”