Catalogue Number
NMLH.2026.10.5
Object Name
Patch
People
Michael Waterhouse
Events
General Strike
Date
1926
Description
White fabric patch, square, with a devil embroidered in red in the middle. The devil is winged and is holding a trident. The patch links to the effects of the donor's grandfather, Michael Waterhouse, who was a special constable during the General Strike. Some holes in the fabric.
The patch came in a handwritten envelope reading "MTW's "Red Devil" Badge from the General Strike".
The General Strike begain on 3 May 1926, when the Trades Union Congress (TUC) called for a national strike. Almost two million workers withdrew their labour in support of miners who has been locked out of work after refusing to accept lower pay and longer hours. For nine days, Britain came to a standstill. The TUC ended the strike on 12 May without an agreement, and the miners continued striking for seven momths before poverty and starvation forced their return to work.
Multimedia
