Union Movement For Sustained Service 1951-53 special award badge

A rare original post-war period 'Union Movement Special Award badge'; in the form of a small bronze metal cut out Flash and Circle with red enamel bar at the base inscribed "For Sustained Service 1951-53". Very good condition, complete with original pin fittings, enamel perfect.
Height 24mm.

John Millican book 'Mosley's Men in Black' states:

Following the pre-war practice the 'Union Movement' introduced a number of special award badges, for members who had excelled themselves in service to the movement. The first post-war special award badge was officially described as ' THE LEADER'S COMPLETE ABSENCE FROM BRITAIN, SPECIAL AWARD BADGE JAN 1951 - DEC 1953', (Mosley was completely absent from Britain between these dates). It was awarded to members who had carried on active work during this period, or had been victimised or suffered in an extreme manner for their political activities. The badge was awarded to 95 Union Movement members. No certificate was awarded with the badge, although members unable to attend the 1954 Annual Conference to receive the badge personally from the Leader of the U.M. were sent the badge with a personal letter of thanks signed by Sir Oswald Mosley.