WWII-period American Red Cross (Great Britain) lapel badge.

WWII-period American Red Cross (Great Britain) lapel badge, made by Thomas Fattorini Ltd of Regent Street, Birmingham, a well known British badge and medal manufacturer still operating today

Small chromium-plated badges with blue enamel title surrounds and a red cross on white enamel ground were worn by British volunteer staff who worked in the canteens of American Red Cross clubs in the UK during WWII, many of whom were also WVS (Women’s Voluntary Service) members.  They marked out local British helpers rather than American Red Cross personnel themselves, since American Red Cross clubs, rest centres, and canteens in Britain relied heavily on local volunteer labour alongside ARC staff.