*Original, WW2, Free French 'Amis des Voluntaires Francais' (AVF) Supporters Badge(French Resistance Badge)*
Approximate dimensions: 1.9mm diameter
An Original World War II English-made 'Free French Supporters' badge, this small gilt circular piece features enamel in the colours of the French flag, with the 'Cross of Lorraine' and the initials 'AVF' (Amis des Volontaires Français). Produced in limited quantities during the war, these enamel and brass badges are now rare collectibles. They were worn by Free French personnel, resistance fighters, and supporters—including members of the British public—to show solidarity with the French Resistance and allegiance to General Charles de Gaulle's government-in-exile in the fight to liberate France.
Free France and the Free French Forces (France Libre and Forces Françaises Libres) were led by Charles de Gaulle as a government-in-exile and military force that continued fighting the Axis after France’s fall in 1940. Established in London in June 1940, Free France also organized and supported the Resistance in occupied France. De Gaulle, having rejected Marshal Pétain’s armistice, fled to Britain and delivered the “Appeal of 18 June” (Appel du 18 Juin) via BBC radio, urging the French to resist. While initial support was limited, the speech boosted morale in France and its colonies.
On 27 October 1940, the Empire Defense Council (Conseil de Défense de l'Empire) was formed to govern territories in Africa, Asia, and Oceania that had sided with Free France. It was later replaced on 24 September 1941 by the French National Committee (Comité National Français or CNF). On 13 July 1942, Free France was renamed Fighting France (France Combattante) to recognize its dual struggle: externally through the Free French Forces (FFF) and internally via the French Forces of the Interior (FFI).
Following the Allied landings in North Africa, Free France merged with General Henri Giraud’s command in Algiers, forming the French Committee of National Liberation (Comité Français de Libération Nationale or CFNL). The liberation of Paris on 25 August 1944 by the 2nd Armoured Free French Division and Resistance forces ended Free France’s exile, leading to the Provisional Government of the French Republic (GPRF), which ruled until the Fourth Republic’s establishment in 1946.
The Free French fought Axis and Vichy forces worldwide, from the Middle East to Indochina and North Africa. The Free French Navy operated alongside the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy, while Free French units also served within the RAF, Soviet Air Force, and British SAS before forming independent commands under de Gaulle’s government-in-exile.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Some loss of red enamel. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMEOXABO_8774194115
