Valour Bears® WWI Australian Imperial Force (AIF)
Private William “Billy” Bailey
Meet Private William Bailey, affectionately known as Billy to his family, friends, and comrades.
Billy enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 17 November 1914, eager to serve his country with courage and conviction. He was the only son of Martha and Geoffrey Bailey, a close-knit family from regional New South Wales who proudly watched him depart as part of the early reinforcements.
Assigned to the 6th Light Horse Regiment, Billy embarked from Sydney on 6 February 1915. After weeks at sea, he landed at Gallipoli on 15 May 1915, joining his comrades in one of the most defining campaigns of the Great War.
A Story Worn With Pride
Billy’s uniform proudly displays five service chevrons on his right sleeve.
• The red chevron signifies that his service began in 1914
• Each blue chevron marks an additional year of service thereafter
Together, they stand as testament to his long and dedicated commitment throughout the war.
Billy remained in service until 1918, enduring the harsh realities of desert warfare. In October 1917, during the historic Battle of Beersheba, he sustained injuries in the line of duty. For his service and sacrifice, he was awarded a wound stripe, worn with quiet pride on his left forearm.
More Than a Soldier
More than just a soldier, Billy represents the spirit of endurance, mateship, and quiet heroism that defined the Australian Light Horse.
Dressed in historically accurate detail, complete with:
• Rising Sun Badge
• Slouch hat
• Authentic AIF insignia
this Valour Bear™ stands as a heartfelt tribute to all who served, and a comforting companion to those who remember.
Valour Bear® – Limited Edition
This Valour Bear® is part of a strictly limited release of just 500 bears worldwide.
Each bear:
• Is individually numbered
• Forms part of the official Valour Bear® series
• Is crafted to the highest quality standards
• Is designed to be cherished, displayed, and passed down
This first release marks the beginning of an ongoing commemorative collection, each Valour Bear® telling its own story of service and sacrifice.
Why Valour Bear® Matters
Valour Bear® has been created to offer a gentle, meaningful way to honour service and sacrifice, particularly for families and future generations.
It is:
• A keepsake with purpose
• A starting point for remembrance stories
• A symbol of courage made accessible
The Valour Bear® Collection
Valour Bear® is a premium commemorative bear series honouring stories of service, courage, and sacrifice.
Each Valour Bear®:
• Is produced in strictly limited runs of no more than 500
• Is individually numbered
• Represents a specific story, service, or historical theme
• Is designed to the highest quality standards
As the collection grows, future Valour Bears® may honour different branches, conflicts, and service stories, each united by the Valour Bear® commitment to dignity, education, and remembrance.
