Stockport Hospital WWI John Wallace

[lorrainec]

Hello everyone.
I had originally posted here:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=678653.0

But am hoping someone in this forum may be able to shed some light on the butterfly conundrum!

Any help is appreciated.
Lorraine
Canada

[rolnora]

Hi Lorraine,

I popped into Stockport Heritage Library this morning to see if I could find anything that might help with your butterfly conundrum.
I couldn't find anything pertaining to Stockport but with the help of the staff we did find something that could explain what it is.
It's possible that John Wallace made the butterfly badge himself as part of his rehabilitation or bought it from one of the many charities set up to help with the war effort.
It seems that as a form of occupational therapy recovering soldiers made not only pins but also belts and necklaces too.
You might like to read this recent article from the National History Museum.
It's mainly Wales but I would imagine that all of the wartime hospitals were doing the same kind of thing.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-23271253

[lorrainec]

Oh, now isn't that interesting?  Could well explain the butterfly.

Thanks so much!
Lorraine
Canada