Tag: moth

Bonds formed in war have proved to be some of the most profound and enduring friendships in the world. It was exactly this which prompted Charles Evenden to found the Memorable Order of Tin Hats in South Africa in 1927.

With his supreme belief in the power of friendship, ‘Evo’ established local clubs, known as ‘shellholes’ all over the country. Within a year, the idea spread to the UK where the first shellhole popped up in Reading. The charitable works undertaken by its members, many of them disabled through their war service, was a real boon to the local communities and MOTH was organised along military lines for maximum efficiency. It will no doubt hit the news once more when it celebrates its centenary – a fitting illustration of the ties which bind all comrades in arms.

This cap badge features a candle on tin helmet and is surrounded by stars with inverted crossed rifles. The four arms refer to the principles and title of the war veterans groups: SM [ sound memory ], MH [ mutual help ], TC [ true comradeship ] and MOTH.