Badge, button badge

Celluloid covered tin button badge commemorating the return to London of the City Imperial Volunteer soldiers from the Second Anglo-Boer War. The badge is printed with the red and white flag of the Corporation of the City of London, used by the CIVs as their regimental flag and the caption 'South African 1900 Bravo CIVS'. On their return to London on 29th October the volunteers, most of whom had previously worked in banks and offices within the City marched as heroes from Paddington Station to the financial heart of the Empire, cheered on by crowds of spectators, many wearing such commemorative badges that could be purchased for one penny from street traders lining the route. This badge was purchased by Ernest King for one penny (1d) from a London street trader on 28th October 1900 in anticipation of the triumphant return of the CIVs the following day.