Charity flag, flagday emblem

World War I charity lapel flag with fastening pin. The paper emblem lithographed with an illustration of a chicken was issued as part of the 'National Egg collection' fund for wounded servicemen.

The charity, patronised by HM Queen Alexandra with headquarters at 154 Fleet Street was founded in August 1915. The scheme encouraged poultry farmers and individuals who kept chickens to donate eggs that were then distributed to military hospitals both at home and in the field. In London, as few people kept chickens the charity sold flags, such as this to raise money to purchase additional eggs. This emblem was purchased by Ernest King from a London street collector on 27th May 1918 as the charity launched an appeal to reach a target of 40 million eggs. By September 1918 this target had been achieved.