Lot 5819

Description

Australia, Rising Sun hat badge cast in chalk against a chalk panel background on a base marked in incuse, 'A PIECE OF FRANCE', and on the reverse of the panel is inscribed, 'Chalk From The Hill/St Catherine/Rouen' (total size 78x78mm), stored in a poor condition vintage Cacao Grootes tin. A few small chips off base and back of background panel, otherwise extremely fine.

The hill of St Catherine overlooking the City of Rouen in France is about 140 metres high and is covered by chalk meadows. During WWI it was safely behind enemy lines and as such was a major logistics centre with numerous base hospitals. There are two Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries on the outskirts of the city.