Bonjour a tous,

As I found some interesting information about this badge, I wanted to share it with all members.
This badge was sold in France in the early days of 2. World War to collect money to buy equipment for the Finnish Defence Forces after the outbreak of the war between Soviet Union and Finland.

The badge has the text at the back: Pour la Finlande, Mellerio, Dits, Meller, 9.R de la Paix Paris, Depose. The manufacturers address can also be bee seen in the paper pouch on side of the badge.



Bien Cordialement, Harri

hello harri,
as far as I know some French volunteers were fighting in the Finnish Army during the Winter War
did I mistake ?
regards

Re
the badge in my collection don't have "Pour la Finlande" on the back, only the maker's name

Hello Alban and thanks for comment.
Yes, there was a group of ambulances and drivers from France, but no soldiers. Or if there were, they were some individuals and they never managed to get to the front in time as the Winter War only lasted for 101 days.
Interesting thing is that among those volunteers that came to Finland in 1939 were Susan Travers, Koenigs driver, as an ambulance driver and also another member of 13 DBLE: Mr John Hasey from USA.

Yours,Harri.