SA Union: Oudgeinterneerdes en Politieke Gevangenes (B.O.P.G.) Badge

Form:

Circular. Uniface. Brooch pin on back.

By:

Date:

1946-85

Ref:

Laidlaw: 1138;

Variations:

Size	Metal	Mass	Value
22.1 mm	Silver	4.7 gm	$40

Edge:

Plain.

Obverse:

Within a rectangular frame in the centre across, strand of barbed wire, Above left: "B.O." and below right: "P.G.". Above and below the frame, five vertical bars.

Reverse:

Blank. Brooch attachment. Stamped: "SILVER" at the foot.

Notes:

During the Second World War many of those South Africans who were actively opposed to South Africa fighting on the side of Britain and the allies were held without trial in internment camps. Die Bond van Oudgeinterneerdes en Politieke Gevangenes (B.O.P.G.) (the association of internees and political prisoners) was founded in April 1946. The main task of the B.O.P.G was to look after the interests and further the comradeship of fellow internees. It was also formed to create employment and to assist in financing their less fortunate members who had suffered hardship over the 1939-1947 period. This silver badge depicting prison bars and barbed wire was worn by the members.