WW2 Bundles for Britain - British Bulldog with crossed Amercian and Union Jack flags - Dog Tag

Back in 1941, for the sum of fifty cents, someone could support "Bundles for Britain" by enrolling their dog in "Barkers for Britain." They then received the dog tag and a certificate of membership for their dog that was "signed" by the President of "Barkers for Britain." The "President" of "Barkers for Britain" was Franklin Roosevelt's Scottish terrier Fala (Before Pearl Harbour, FDR had to be neutral, but Fala did not!) Fala received the very first "Barkers for Britain" tag, engraved with his name. It is on display at the FDR library in Hyde Park, New York. Grateful thanks to Mr William Dienna for providing this information.

Particularly of American interest this dog tag depicts a pugnacious Bulldog with sailors cap against a union jack background and the words "Barkers for Britain" on one side, and crossed USA and Great Britain flags with " I (blank for name) helped, Bundles for Britain". Pierced for suspension for wear on the dog's collar at 12 0'clock, it looks to be copper. Circa 2.8cm in diameter. Some wear from use, but unusual and scarce find.

the "Bundles for Britain" organisation, was founded by Natalie Wales Latham. She started it in 1940 as a knitting circle in a store front in New York City. Knitted goods—socks, gloves, hats, sweaters, and scarves—were made and shipped to Britain. Within Sixteen months, Latham expanded Bundles into an organization with 975 branches and almost a million contributors, and by the spring of 1941, it had delivered 40,000 sleeveless sweaters, 10,000 sweaters with sleeves, 30,000 scarves, 18,000 pairs of sea-boot stockings, 50,000 pairs of socks, and 8,000 caps. By 1941, moreover, Bundles had also shipped ambulances, surgical instruments, medicines, cots, blankets, field-kitchen units, and operating tables, along with used clothing of all sorts. The total value of goods shipped reached $1,500,000; another $1,000,000 was raised in cash.

Mrs Latham was highly recognized for this wartime effort, being invested by the Queen of England as an honorary Commander, Order of the British Empire, the first non-British subject to receive this honour. She became well known in all circles and may have even served as inspiration for the Cary Grant movie Mr. Lucky (film).


See the following pathe film reel clip by copying and pasting this url:

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/bundles-for-britain

Code: 52235