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Image Not Available for New South Wales Naval Brigade button
New South Wales Naval Brigade button
Image Not Available for New South Wales Naval Brigade button

New South Wales Naval Brigade button

Maker (Australian, 1863 - 1907)
Date1863-1901
Object number00003400
NameButton
MediumBrass
DimensionsOverall: 15 x 18 x 18 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis brass button is inscribed with 'NSW Naval Brigade' and has the Royal crown with upright anchor at its centre.HistoryThe New South Wales Naval Brigade was formed in 1863 and for a period of time was made up of 120 volunteers, many of them time-expired Royal Navy men, and led by one paid commanding officer. By 1864, five companies of naval volunteers - four in Sydney and one in Newcastle - had been formed. As Royal Navy ships were based in Sydney the Brigade had few vessels: three gunboats were built in Sydney in 1863, four schooners were built in 1873, and two torpedo vessels (AVERNUS and ACHERON) were purchased in 1878. A number of other government vessels were modified for use as naval auxiliaries. The Brigade was sent to China in 1900 as part of the Australian contingent fighting against the Boxer rebellion. By Federation there were more than 600 men in the NSW Naval Brigade.SignificanceThis button is indicative of Australia's colonial naval history and highlights the important role of the volunteer navy before Federation and the formation of the Royal Australian Navy in 1911.