R.S.L. (RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA)   

Research by Gordon Freegard

HISTORY
The League evolved out of concern for the welfare of returned servicemen from the (1914-1918) First World War. During 1916, a conference recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) which included representation from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. New South Wales was admitted to the League the following year, and Western Australia in 1918. In 1927, the Australian Capital Territory formed a branch and was admitted.

In 1940, the name of the League changed to the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA), and a subsequent change of name took effect in 1965, as the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL). Two more name changes occurred, in 1963 to Returned Services League of Australia Limited (RSL) and in 1990 to Returned & Services League Of Australia Limited (RSL). The objects of the League remain relatively unchanged from its first incorporation.
 

RSL BADGE SYMBOLISM
At the top of the badge is the Crown signifying allegiance to Queen and country. Below the crown are the national flowers of Australia, Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland - the wattle, the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock. In the centre of the badge are a sailor, soldier, an airman and service women who are marching with their arms linked, symbolising friendship and that all services, and all ranks, are united in comradeship. The red of the badge is symbolic of the blood tie of war. The white background stands for the purity of motive - and to render service without personal gain. The blue is a symbol of willingness to render service to a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The badge may only be worn by members of the League.

INFLUENCE

The influence of the League comes from its founding days organising rituals for Anzac Day dawn services and march, and Remembrance Day commemorations. However, even as early as the 1920's, the role of the League became controversial as it banned women from attending the dawn service because of their wailing.
As well as arguing for veterans' benefits, it has entered other areas of political debate. It was politically conservative, anglophilic, and monarchist.

 

Many veterans from the Vietnam War found the RSL, dominated by the ranks of World War 11 veterans, an unwelcoming, alien environment, and chose not to participate, but have over the past 20 years become actively involved. This may have been reflective of the changing status of Vietnam veterans in the 1970's and 80's.
Nevertheless the focus of the RSL is above all on the welfare of Australia men and women serving in the armed forces. It has advocated for veterans entitlements, the protection of former battlefields and the rights of serving soldiers, sailors and airmen. The RSL also ensures that those that have served the country are commemorated for their service by providing funeral information to those that have served with the deceased and handing out individual red poppy flowers at the funeral to ensure that the deceased service to their country is acknowledged.
 

Copyright : Gordon Freegard   2008-2020