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SA Union: British Empire Service League: South African Pilgrimage to WW1 Battlefields

SA Union: British Empire Service League: South African Pilgrimage to WW1 BattlefieldsSA Union: British Empire Service League: South African Pilgrimage to WW1 Battlefields
SA Union: British Empire Service League: South African Pilgrimage to WW1 BattlefieldsSA Union: British Empire Service League: South African Pilgrimage to WW1 Battlefields
Form: Circular
By: Maurice Delannoy / Arthus Bertrand & Cie of Paris
Date: 1934
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0800;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
50.2 mmBronze53.3 gm$75

Edge: Plain. Stamped: “BRONZE” and the triangular maker’s mark: “A.B. & CIE” star at the top, cog wheel at the base.

Obverse: In the art deco style, Britannia with plumed helmet holding a spear, right. Signed: “M. Delannoy” on the left.

Reverse: Across: “IN COMMEMORATION / 1914 – 1918 / FROM FRENCH EX-SERVICE MEN / TO THEIR COMRADES OF THE / B.E.S.L. (SOUTH AFRICA) / PILGRIMAGE 11-14 JUNE 1934”

Notes: A pilgrimage, under the auspices of the British Empire Service League, was organised in 1934 for South African WW1 ex-service men and their families to visit Europe and in particular the battle fields of France and Belgium. In total 315 members sailed from Cape Town on 18th May 1934.

This medallion was presented to the members of the pilgrimage at dinner hosted by the Federation Interallie des Anciens Combattants (the French veterans association) at the Palais d'Orsay on 13th June 1934.

Maurice Delannoy (1885-1972) was a French sculptor and medalist working in the art deco style designing coins and medals. He studied at the Ecole de Germain Pilon and studied under Charles Valton (1851-1918) and Jules Roine Edward. Later in his life he was a professor of drawing. He was awarded the Medal d'Honneur in 1936 and made a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur in 1947.

The enamelled B.E.S.L. (S.A.) badge shown here (diameter 32.3 mm), by Thomas Fattorini of Birmingham, was worn by members of the pilgrimage during their tour.

A 40-page booklet with photographs recording the events of the pilgrimage was produced by the Chairman of the Pilgrimage, J.H. Alldred, Esq.